Capo 1st fret
[Intro]
G
[Verse 1]
G
I set free your ghost
Am
It hung around for too long
D
I turned it in for that corner
G
Where a quarter plays a George Jones song
G
And you made yourself at home
Am
You moved me right on out
D
You left me for alone
G C G
Now I'm here stoned and on my third round
[Chorus]
C D
And it's no longer you, it's no longer us
G D/F# Em
Just me and this barstool collecting bar dust
C D Em
Fell in love again and all of my friends say it's a good place to start
C
At a quarter past two
D G
For once it ain't you, it's just bars on my heart
[Verse 2]
G
All these cigarette smoke rings
Am
How they dance with shadows on the wall
D
I guess there's just somеthing
G
About a honky-tonk
G
It knows when I'm sad, Hell
Am
Even keeps my shot glass full
D
Might bе bad for my health
G D G
But ah what the hell think it's good for my soul
[Chorus]
C D
And it's no longer you, it's no longer us
G D/F# Em
Just me and this barstool collecting bar dust
C D Em
Fell in love again and all of my friends say it's a good place to start
C
At a quarter past two
D G
For once it ain't you, it's just bars on my heart
[Fiddle & Pedal Steel Solos]
G Am D G
[Chorus]
C D
And it's no longer you, it's no longer us
G D/F# Em
Just me and this barstool collecting bar dust
C D Em
Fell in love again and all of my friends say it's a good place to start
C
At a quarter past two
D G D
For once it ain't you, it's just bars on my heart
[Outro]
G Am
At a quarter past two
D G
For once it ain't you, it's just bars on my heart
How to play "Bars On My Heart" by Ernest on guitar
This song uses a capo on the 1st fret, crafting a reflective country ballad
feel with its chord progression of G, Am, D, C, and Em. The song's structure
and chords paint a picture of nostalgic reminiscence and moving on.
Chords used: G, Am, D, C, Em, D/F#
Playing Style:
- Begin with a single strum on G in the intro to set a contemplative tone.
This simplicity helps focus the attention on the forthcoming lyrics.
- For the verses, adopt a gentle strumming pattern that complements the
melancholic lyrics. This pattern should be steady and not overpower the
vocal delivery, maintaining the song's reflective mood.
Common Mistakes:
- Rushing the tempo. This song's essence lies in its slow, heartfelt delivery.
Keep the tempo measured and consistent to enhance the emotional narrative.
- Inaccurate chord transitions, especially between G and Am or shifting to
D/F#. Practice these transitions to ensure they are smooth and maintain the
lyrical flow.
Transitions:
- The transition from the verse into the chorus should amplify slightly in
dynamics to highlight the emotional shift in the lyrics. The chorus is more
emotionally charged and should be played with a bit more intensity.
Lyrics meaning:
"Bars On My Heart" metaphorically describes the singer's emotional imprisonment
post-breakup, where the local bar and the memories therein replace the former
relationship. The song uses the imagery of bars and drinking as a coping mechanism
for heartache, suggesting both a physical and emotional setting.
Remember:
- Ensure your guitar is well-tuned with the capo to avoid any dissonance,
which is crucial when playing in a live setting or recording.
- Connect emotionally with the song’s themes to better convey the feelings of
loneliness and reflection through your guitar playing, enhancing the listener's
engagement with the performance.