[Intro]
| C#m B | A E | 2x
[Verse 1]
C#m B
You check every box and then some
A E
The kind that every one of my friends want
C#m B
That mamas love and daddies trust
A E
With their hold world ridin' in a pickup
C#m B
Yeah you're everything I pray for
A E
The type they say it's so worth the wait for
C#m B
Old-soul eyes, that tell no lies
A E
So I, I don't know why
[Chorus]
C#m7
Tryin' to love you
Bsus4 Asus2 E
Is like tryin' to grow a rose in a city sidewalk
C#m7 Bsus4 Asus2 E
As bad as I want to let my heart let go damn it just won't
C#m7 Bsus4
It ain't your fault it's hard to start a fire
Asus2 E
When you can't make one spark fly
C#m7 Bsus4 Asus2
The trouble with tryin' to love you is I
C#m B A E
I shouldn't have to try
[Verse 2]
C#m B
As hard as it is to say it
A E
I'm sure it's even harder to take it
C#m
You deserve more
B
Than a half-open door
A E
I don't wanna waste your time
[Chorus]
C#m7
Tryin' to love you
Bsus4 Asus2 E
Is like tryin' to grow a rose in a city sidewalk
C#m7 Bsus4 Asus2 E
As bad as I want to let my heart let go damn it just won't
C#m7 Bsus4
It ain't your fault it's hard to start a fire
Asus2 E
When you can't make one spark fly
C#m7 Bsus4 Asus2
The trouble with tryin' to love you is I
C#m7 Bsus4 Asus2 E
I shouldn't have to try
C#m7 Bsus4 Asus2 E
I shouldn't have to try
[Bridge]
C#m7 Bsus4
Wish I could put a finger on it
Asus2 E
Feels like something's missing don't it
C#m7 Bsus4
Falling's supposed to feel like flyin'
Asus2 F#m7
Ain't supposed to feel like trying
C#m B A E
To love you
[Chorus]
C#m7
Tryin' to love you
Bsus4 Asus2 E
Is like tryin' to grow a rose in a city sidewalk
C#m7 Bsus4 Asus2 N.C.
As bad as I want to let my heart let go damn it just won't
C#m7 Bsus4
It ain't your fault it's hard to start a fire
Asus2 E
When you can't make one spark fly
C#m7 Bsus4 Asus2
The trouble with tryin' to love you is I
C#m7 Bsus4 Asus2 E
I shouldn't have to try
C#m7 Bsus4 Asus2 E
I shouldn't have to try
[Ending]
| C#m B | A E |
How to play "Tryin' to Love You" by Cooke Ashley on guitar
[Intro & Verse Progression]
- Place the capo on the 4th fret to adjust the chord shapes to simpler open
chords if desired. The intro uses a progression of C#m, B, A, E repeated twice.
Start with a gentle strumming pattern to set the introspective mood of the song.
- Continue with this progression throughout the verses. The chords C#m and B add
a somber tone, while the transition to A and E brings a sense of resolve
before looping back, reflecting the cyclical nature of the narrative.
[Chorus]
- The chorus introduces variations with C#m7, Bsus4, and Asus2, creating a richer,
more layered sound. Strum these chords with a bit more force to emphasize the
emotional intensity of the chorus.
- Focus on the lyrical imagery of "trying to grow a rose in a city sidewalk," using
the dynamics of your strumming to highlight the contrast between the ideal and the reality.
- The progression from Bsus4 to Asus2 and back to E helps drive home the message of
struggle and effort in love that should feel natural but doesn't.
[Bridge]
- The bridge shifts slightly with the inclusion of F#m7, adding a deeper emotional
layer to the song. Use a softer, more reflective strumming pattern here to
emphasize the introspection and realization occurring in the lyrics.
- This section should feel like a moment of clarity within the narrative, with
lighter strumming that builds back into the final chorus.
[Final Chorus and Outro]
- Return to the intense strumming pattern for the final chorus to reinforce the
song's main message. Allow the emotional weight of the lyrics to guide the
intensity of your playing.
- The song concludes with the same chord progression as the intro, providing a
cyclical closure to the song. Taper off your strumming to a soft finish as the
song fades out, mirroring the fading hope of the relationship.
[Common Mistakes]
- Rushing through the chord transitions, especially in the chorus, which can
blur the distinct sounds of each chord. Practice transitioning smoothly to
maintain the clarity and impact of the progression.
- Not adjusting the dynamics between the verses, chorus, and bridge, which is
crucial for conveying the song's emotional journey effectively.
[Tips]
- Practice the chord changes slowly at first, especially the transitions
involving Bsus4 and Asus2, as these can be pivotal in maintaining the song's
emotional tone.
- Consider using a metronome to keep your timing consistent, particularly when
practicing the transitions and dynamics.
[Song Facts]
"Tryin' to Love You" explores the theme of forced love and the realization that
authentic emotions cannot be compelled. The song uses powerful lyrical metaphors
and a compelling melody to convey a narrative of personal insight and emotional
maturity.
[Artist Bio]
Cooke Ashley is renowned for her lyrical depth and ability to convey complex
emotional themes through her music. Her songs often tackle the challenges of
love, personal growth, and the journey to self-discovery, making her a beloved
voice in the contemporary music scene.