[Intro]
Em A D
[Verse 1]
D G
Don't go punching mirrors you may find
Bm A D
More than what you bargained left behind
G
You may see things clearer in your mind
Bm A D
Branded as a scar all your life
[Chorus]
D G D
And if you leave me now I will never love again
Em D D7
I may paint the town the color of sin
G Bm
Oh and on your way out could you kill me instead
Em A
I will die anyhow and never be found
D
If you leave me now
[Dobro Solo]
G D Em D D7
G Bm Em A D
[Verse 2]
D G
I can hold this bottle but it ain't the same
Bm A D
Never wiped my tears or called my name
D G
For seven days a week and a pocket of change
Bm A D
It's there for me and that's more than you can say
[Chorus]
D G D
And if you leave me now I will never love again
Em D D7
I may paint the town the color of sin
G Bm
Oh and on your way out could you kill me instead
Em A
I will die anyhow and never be found
D
If you leave me now
[Outro]
Em A
I will die anyhow and never be found
D G D A D
If you leave me now
How to play "If You Leave Me Now" by Lost Dog Street Band on guitar
Playing Style: The song has an emotional and evocative tone, using chords
that support the melancholic and reflective lyrics. Emphasize the emotive
content with expressive strumming.
[Intro]
Chords: Em, A, D
- Start with a gentle strum on Em, transitioning to A and then to D.
This sets a somber mood appropriate for the song's themes.
[Verse 1]
Chords: D, G, Bm, A, D
- Use a consistent strumming pattern. Strum more softly on verses to
highlight the introspective lyrics.
- Focus on clean transitions, especially between Bm and A, to maintain
the melodic flow of the verses.
[Chorus]
Chords: D, G, D, Em, D, D7, G, Bm, Em, A, D
- Intensify your strumming here to bring out the chorus's emotional climax.
- The transition from D to D7 adds a musical tension that matches the lyrical
sentiment of impending loss.
[Dobro Solo]
Chords: G, D, Em, D, D7, G, Bm, Em, A, D
- While originally for Dobro, mimic the solo on the guitar using the
Em pentatonic scale for improvisation. Maintain the established chord
progression as a backing.
[Verse 2]
Follow the same chord pattern as Verse 1:
- Continue the narrative with gentle strumming, allowing the story of loss
and dependence to resonate.
[Final Chorus]
Repeat the chorus chords with perhaps even more expressive playing:
- As the song repeats the chorus, bring a sense of finality and resignation
to your playing, which helps underline the song's theme.
[Outro]
Chords: Em, A, D, G, D, A, D
- Close the song with a reflective tone, echoing the intro but with a
resolution that reflects the song's emotional journey.
General Tips:
- Tuning: Ensure your guitar is tuned to standard tuning.
- The emotional impact of the song is paramount, so adjust your playing
dynamics to suit the lyrical themes.
- Practice the chord transitions to ensure smoothness, especially when
moving to and from the D7 chord.
Common Mistakes:
- Not varying the strumming dynamics between verses and choruses can make
the song feel flat. Use dynamics to enhance the storytelling.
- Forgetting the emotional intent of the lyrics when playing. Each chord
and strum should serve to express the song's poignant themes.
Lyrics Meaning:
"If You Leave Me Now" explores themes of despair and resignation in the face
of abandonment. The lyrics convey a deep sense of loss and the irrevocable
change that comes with the departure of a loved one, using vivid imagery to
express the emotional turmoil involved.