Who What When Where Why
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Afinação: E A D G B ETecla: ECapotraste: Sem capotraste
From his album "Singles" (1976).
This song was also covered by Manhattan Transfer in 1978.
As a piano player, I really admire Rupert Holmes and Michael McDonald.
However, the modulation methods for both are different.
In Mr. McDonald's case, he modulates the key to create unusual scene changes,
but in Mr. Holmes' case, I think it is important to change the key smoothly or
unnoticeably.
This song is also a wonderful song that incorporates Holmes' compositional techniques.
[Intro]
Emaj7 E7/D
Who (who ooh ooh ooh ooh)
C#m7 Bm6 E9
What (woo ooh ooh ooh ooh)
A E/G#
When (woo ooh ooh ooh ooh)
F#m7 A/B
Where (tell me why, tell me why, tell me waa-
[Verse 1]
Emaj7 E7/D
haay) I don't understand
C#m7
Let's sit down and talk
Bm6 E9 A
One minute you love me and then you walk
E/G#
There's more going on
F#m7
Than you will admit
A/B
'Cause just as we got it to work you
(Key Change to Ab)
Ab
quit
Ab7/Gb
I'm caught in a fog
Fm
And you make it clear
Ebm Ab9 Dbmaj7
The truth won't be worse than the things I fear
Cm
It's a mystery to me
Bbm9
I haven't a clue
Db/Eb F F7
If somebody else has a part of you, Tell me
[Chorus 1] (Key change to E)
Emaj7
Who (who) what when where why (why)
F#m7
Who is the guy (why)
A/B
What made you need someone new tell me
Emaj7
Who (who) what when where why (why)
F#m7
When did it die (why)
A/B
When did we go wrong
Ab
Don't you lie, tell me why
[Verse 2]
Emaj7 E7/D
You won't be my love
C#m7
You won't be my friend
Bm6 E9 A
But won't you at least help me comprehend
E/G#
What's happening to me
F#m7
'Cause after you go
A/B
My one consolation will be to
(Key Change to Ab)
Ab Ab7/Gb Fm
know the places and names, the reason and rhymes
Ebm Ab9 Dbmaj7
The facts of the matter and points in time
Cm
I tried for your love
Bbm9
But you won't allow
Db/Eb F F7
This guy to do nothin' but ask you how, and
[Chorus 2] (Key change to E)
Emaj7
Who (who) what when where why (why)
F#m7
Who is the guy (why)
A/B
What made you need someone new tell me (if we're through tell me)
Emaj7
Who (who) what when where why (why)
F#m7
When did it die (why)
A/B
When did we go wrong
Ab
Don't you lie, tell me why
[Interlude]
Emaj7 E7/D
Who (who ooh ooh ooh ooh)
C#m7 Bm6 E9
What (woo ooh ooh ooh ooh)
A E/G#
When (woo ooh ooh ooh ooh)
F#m7 A/B
Where (tell me why, tell me why, tell me
[Verse 3] (Key change to Ab)
Ab Ab7/Gb
waa-haay) I want you to say
Fm
What's inside your head
Ebm Ab9 Dbmaj7
Confession is good for the soul it's said
Cm Bbm9
So start at the top and take it real slow
Db/Eb F F7
'Cause if you want out, then I got to know just,
[Chorus 3] (Key change to E)
Emaj7
who (who) what when where why (why)
F#m7
Who is the guy (why)
A/B
What made you need someone new (don't you lie, tell me)
Emaj7
Who (Who) what when where why (why)
F#m7
When did it die (why)
A/B
When did we go wrong
If we're through tell me
[Chorus 4] (Key change to F)
Fmaj7
Who (who) what when where why (why)
Gm7
Who is the guy (why)
Bb/C
What made you need someone new (if we're through tell me)
Fmaj7
Who (who) what when where why (why)
Gm7
When did it die (why)
Bb/C
When did we go wrong (if we're through tell me)
[Outro]
Fmaj7
Who (who) what when where why (why)
Gm7
Who is the guy (why)
Bb/C
What made you need someone new (if we're through tell me)
(Fade Out)
How to play Who What When Where Why
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.