[Intro]
E
[Verse 1]
E
Suppose you showed up Sunday
A E
To sing songs to your Savior
A E
And found the parking spaces
F#m7 B
Filled with folks red faced in anger
[Verse 2]
E
With homemade signs opining
A E
“Your children must be saved
A E
‘Cause your youth group leaders prey on them”
F#m7 B
And you feel afraid
[Pre-Chorus]
F#m A
Now the place you thought would still be safe
E A
No longer feels like home
E
And you understand they don’t believe
B C#m
But why can’t they just leave you alone?
[Chorus]
A E B
Oh have I ever had that nightmare
C#m
Where my heart keeps breaking
A
But I can’t wakе
E B C#m
And it’s taking all I’ve got not to fight them
A
I’m down on my knees, crying out
E B
“Pleasе, Lord, release us”
F#m
We’ve surveyed your rugged cross
A B E
Don’t do us like Jesus
[Interlude]
E A B E A B
[Verse 3]
E
Suppose some senators decide
A E
Your worship is obscene?
A E
All-ages Sunday service
F#m B
Suddenly’s a felony
[Verse 4]
E A
And you’re not sure if it’s safe to wear a cross
E
Or pause to pray
A E
Do you teach your kids in secret?
F#m B
Do you tell them to be brave?
[Pre-Chorus]
F#m A
Will you risk losing your children
E A
To expose them to the faith?
E
Do you cry and pace in anger?
B C#m
Do you plead Amazing Grace?
[Chorus]
A E B
Oh have I ever had that nightmare
C#m
Where my heart keeps breaking
A
But I can’t wakе
E B C#m
And it’s taking all I’ve got not to fight them
A
I’m down on my knees, crying out
E B
“Pleasе, Lord, release us”
F#m
We’ve surveyed your rugged cross
A B E
Don’t do us like Jesus
[Bridge]
F#m C#m B
There’s gotta be a way we can all be free
F#m G#m
I promise not to tread on you
A B E
If you don’t tread on me
[Outro]
A B E
Can you wake me from this nightmare?
A B E
Can you wake me from this, wake me from this nightmare?
A B E A B E A B E
A B E
X
How to play "Nightmare" by Adeem the Artist on guitar:
Key Signature: E major.
Chords Used:
E
A
B
C#m
F#m
G#m
Chord Progressions:
Intro: E
Verse 1 & Verse 2: E - A - E - A - E - F#m7 - B
Pre-Chorus: F#m - A - E - A - E - B - C#m
Chorus: A - E - B - C#m - A - E - B - C#m - A - E - B - F#m - A - B - E
Bridge: F#m - C#m - B - F#m - G#m - A - B - E
Outro: A - B - E
Playing Tips:
Strumming Pattern:
For verses and choruses, use a steady strumming pattern.
Emphasize downstrokes to give a clear and rhythmic feel.
Experiment with light palm muting during verses to create a subtle percussive sound.
Chord Changes:
Practice transitions between chords to make them smooth and fluid.
Pay attention to moving quickly and efficiently between E and B in the chorus.
Dynamics:
Verses should have a softer, more controlled dynamic to set up the more powerful chorus.
Gradually build intensity as you move towards the chorus, adding stronger strumming.
Song Facts:
Theme: The song addresses themes of religious freedom and societal pressures.
Lyrics Meaning: Reflects a sense of insecurity and challenges faced when religious beliefs are under scrutiny.
Common mistakes include:
Not giving the necessary dynamic difference between verse and chorus.
Rushing the transitions, particularly between E and B.
Play slowly at first and focus on timing. Enjoy playing this powerful song!