[Verse 1]
C G
By all accounts, she almost drowned
F
When she was six in frigid water
C
And I can confirm she made
G
A curious child, ever reviled
F
By everyone except her own father
C
With a quite bewitching face
G
Splendidly selfish, charmingly helpless
F
Excellent fun till you get to know her
C
Then she runs like it's a race
G
Behind her back, her best mates laughed
F
And they nicknamed her The Bolter
[Chorus]
C
Started with a kiss
G
"Oh, we must stop meeting like this"
F
But it always ends up with a town car speeding
F
Out the drive one evening
C
Ended with the slam of a door
G
Then he'll call her a whore
G
Wish he wouldn't be sore
F
But as she was leaving
F
It felt like breathing
G Am
All her fuckin' lives
F
Flashed before her eyes
G Am
It feels like the time
F
She fell through the ice
F
Then came out alive
[Verse 2]
C G
He was a cad, wanted her bad
F
Just like any good trophy hunter
C
And she liked the way it tastes
G
Taming a bear, making him care
F
Watching him jump then pulling him under
C
And at first blush, this is fate
G
When it's all roses, portrait poses
F
Central Park Lake in tiny rowboats
C
What a charming Saturday
G
That's when she sees the littlest leaks
G
Down in the floorboards
F
And she just knows
F
She must bolt
[Chorus]
C
Started with a kiss
G
"Oh, we must stop meeting like this"
F
But it always ends up with a town car speeding
F
Out the drive one evening
C
Ended with the slam of a door
G
Then he'll call her a whore
G
Wish he wouldn't be sore
F
But as she was leaving
F
It felt like breathing
G Am
All her fuckin' lives
F
Flashed before her eyes
G Am
It feels like the time
F
She fell through the ice
F
Then came out alive
[Bridge]
G
She's been many places with
Am
Men of many faces
G
First they're off to the races
Am
And she's laughing drawin' aces
G
But, none of it is changin'
Am
That the chariot is waitin'
G
Hearts are hers for the breakin'
Am
There's escape in escaping
[Chorus]
C
Started with a kiss
G
"Oh, we must stop meeting like this"
F
But it always ends with a town car speeding
F
Out the drive one evenin'
C
Ended with the slam of a door
G
But she's got the best stories
G
You can be sure
F
That as she was leaving
F
It felt like freedom
G Am
All her fuckin' lives
F
Flashed before her eyes
F
And she realized
G Am
It feels like the time
F
She fell through the ice
F
Then came out alive
How to play "The Bolter" by Taylor Swift on guitar
"The Bolter" features a storytelling approach with chords that enhance
the narrative of a character who is restless and consistently seeks escape.
The song uses a straightforward chord progression that is effective
in conveying the lyrical themes.
Chords Used:
- C: x32010
- G: 320003
- F: 133211
- Am: x02210
Verse Progression:
- The verse uses a sequence of C, G, and F. This progression supports
the story of the character's turbulent and transient life, providing a steady
backdrop for the narrative.
- The repetition of this sequence helps to emphasize the cyclical nature
of the character's experiences.
Chorus Progression:
- The chorus maintains the same chord pattern of C, G, and F, but
introduces Am, adding an emotional lift and depth as the lyrics explore
more profound reflections on the character's life.
- This part of the song is pivotal in expressing the emotional weight and
the theme of cyclical escape and return.
Bridge:
- The bridge incorporates Am and G, which adds a contrasting section to
the song, reflecting a moment of introspection and realization about the
character's pattern of behavior.
- This section uses a back-and-forth pattern between Am and G,
highlighting the repetitive and inevitable nature of the character's choices.
Strumming Pattern:
- Use a consistent, moderate strumming pattern. A simple down-up strum
works well to maintain the song's reflective and narrative style.
- Emphasize the first beat of each measure to drive the emotional impact
of the lyrics, especially in the chorus where the narrative climax occurs.
Transition Tips:
- Practice transitioning smoothly between C, G, and F, as these changes
are frequent and foundational to the song's structure. Ensure the transitions
are clean to maintain the melodic flow.
- The shift from G to Am in the chorus and bridge should be practiced
to ensure a clean and impactful change, as it marks a significant shift
in the lyrical content.
Common Mistakes:
- Not maintaining consistent strumming can disrupt the narrative continuity
of the song. Keep the rhythm steady.
- Overlooking the dynamics between the verse, chorus, and bridge.
Adjust your strumming intensity to suit the emotional tone of each section.
Song Meaning:
"The Bolter" explores themes of escape, freedom, and the consequences
of consistently running from problems. It delves into the life of a woman
who continuously seeks new beginnings, only to find herself repeating the
same patterns. The song uses the metaphor of escaping through ice as a
symbol of breaking free from constraints and surviving against the odds.
Understanding these chords, transitions, and the song's deep narrative will
enable you to effectively convey the poignant message of "The Bolter" in
your guitar performance.