You Are Your Mothers Child - Conor Oberst

You Are Your Mothers Child

View chords used in this chart
capo 2nd fret
 
Intro: G B7 C G C G Am D
 
verse 1:
G B7
I remember the day you appeared on this earth
 
C G
With eyes like the ocean, got blood on my shirt
 
C G
From my camera angle it looked like it hurt
 
Am D
But your mama had a big old smile
 
G B7
We drove you home, saw your yellowing skin
 
C G
Packed a few things and drove you back again
 
C G
Stayed up all night worrying, wondering
 
Am D
What was gonna make it better
 
Pre-Chorus
Am7 D
Broken bones heal when you set them right
 
G G/F# Em
Get your fine tooth comb from the barbicide
 
C D
Our love's a protective poison
 
Chorus:
C C/B Am
Well you are your mother's child
 
G G/F# Em
And she'll keep you for a while
 
C D G/C/ G/C/ G/C/ G C G
But someday you'll be grown and then you'll be on your own
 
verse 2:
 
G B7
Halloween costume, looking real cute
 
C G
With your pillowcase full, in your astronaut suit
 
C G
But your cousin the cowboy is eyeing your loot
 
Am D
Better watch your Snickers bar
 
G B7
Out on the diamond, now you're up to bat
 
C G
Chewing your big league, adjusting your hat
 
C G
Taking a swing and hearing it crack
 
Am D
Look at that apple fly
 
Pre-Chorus
 
Am7 D
Tears will dry if you give them time
 
G G/F# Em
Life's a roller coaster, keep your arms inside
 
Am D
Fear that's a big emotion
 
Chorus:
 
C C/B Am
Well you are your mother's child
 
G G/F# Em
And she'll keep you for a while
 
C D G/C/ G/C/ G/C/ G C G
But one day you'll be grown and then you'll be on your own
 
verse 3:
 
G B7
Posing for pictures, cap and a gown
 
C G
Summer is coming, you're driving around town
 
C G
Everyone's asking what you're gonna do now
 
Am D
I know you're gonna make a splash
 
G B7
And find you a sweetheart to treat you so kind
 
C G
Invite her to dinner and kiss her goodnight
 
C G
What I couldn't teach you, you will soon realize
 
Am D
She's the only thing that matters
 
Pre-Chorus
 
Am7 D
Although he's a bastard, make your papa proud
 
G G/F# Em
Your a fine young man and I got no doubt
 
Am D
That you're gonna do this better
 
Chorus:
 
C C/B Am
Cause you are your mother's child
 
G G/F# Em
She had you for a while
 
C D G G/F# Em
But now that you're grown, you're making it on your own
 
C D G C G C
Well now that you're grown, may you never feel this alone

How to play You Are Your Mothers Child

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 G. 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.

More chords by Conor Oberst

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