Time Passes Slowly
View chords used in this chart
E D A F#m
Time passes slowly up here in the mountains
E D A F#m
We sit beside bridges and walk beside fountains
G#m A G#m A
Catch the wild fishes that float through the stream
E D A F#m E
Time passes slowly when you're lost in a dream
E D A F#m
Once I had a sweetheart she was fine and good lookin'
E D A F#m
We sat in her kitchen while her mama was cookin A B
A B
Stared out the window to the stars high above
A G#m Bsus4 B E7
Time passes slowly when you're searchin' for love
BRIDGE:
A7 E7
Ain't no reason to go in a wagon to town
A7 E7
Ain't no reason to go to the fair
A7 E7
Ain't no reason to go up, ain't no reason to go down
B Bsus4 B Bsus4 B Bsus4
Ain't no reason to go anywhere
E D A F#m
Time passes slowly up here in the daylight
E D A F#m
We stare straight ahead and try so hard to stay right
Bsus4 A Bsus4 A
Like the red rose of summer that blooms in the day
Bsus4 A G#m F#m E
Time passes slowly and fades away
Bsus4: 2 2 4 4 5 2
(from New Morning, 1970)
(sent by Harlan at harlant@hawaii.edu)
How to play Time Passes Slowly
Use the controls above to change the key and text size. Follow the highlighted chords while listening, then practice each section slowly before playing at the original tempo.
What is the starting chord?
The first identified chord is E. You can transpose without leaving the page.
Can I play it on guitar or keyboard?
Yes. The chord progression works on acoustic guitar, electric guitar and keyboard. Adapt the voicings to your instrument and level.