[Intro]
F C G Am G
F C G Am G
[Verse 1]
F
You ain't no shrinking violet are you
C
And you love to bat your eyelids don't you
G Am G
You know all the times that I'm ashamed
F
And all those words you said misspoken
C
To all those boys who left you broken
G Am G
Ain't no need for placing any blame
F
'Cause if it wasn't for you crying there
C
In Ohio just last year
G Am G
All the love I got would've been in vain
F
So I'll wake up for work
C
And tug a little on your shirt
G Am G
Hope you know the depths I'd go would be insane
[Chorus]
F C
For a girl like you who needs trust but needs freedom
G Am G
Who wants love but would be fine on her own
F C
For a girl like you with your Daddy's mannerisms
G Am G
And a soft smile makes the distance less alone
F C G
In a world that's full of wanting what is next
Am G
I'll stay here with you Elisabeth
F C G Am
F C G Am
[Verse 2]
F
You are here at just the right time
C
At twenty-three years it's felt a lifetime
G Am G
My Momma she must trust you through and through
F C G
'Cause she left me with a girl like you
[Chorus]
F C
For a girl like you who needs trust but needs freedom
G Am G
Who wants love but would be fine on her own
F C
For a girl like you with your Daddy's mannerisms
G Am G
And a soft smile makes the distance less alone
F C G
In a world that's full of wanting what is next
Am G
I'll stay here with you Elisabeth
F C G Am
F C G Am
F
You ain't no shrinking violet are you
C
And you love to bat your eyelids don't you
G Am
You know all the times that I'm ashamed
How to play "Elisabeth" by Bryan Zach on guitar.
The song "Elisabeth" by Bryan Zach is a beautiful piece that combines
simple chords with profound lyrical content, making it a great choice
for beginner guitarists looking to expand their repertoire. The chord
progression is accessible, yet it offers a depth of emotion that
parallels the storytelling in the lyrics.
Here's a breakdown of the chord structure you'll need to know:
Chords Used:
F, C, G, Am
Intro & Verses:
The intro and verses follow a gentle progression that starts with F,
moving to C, then to G, and finally Am before returning to G. This
circular progression sets a reflective tone for the song.
F C G Am G
Play this twice for the intro, and use the same progression for the
verses.
Chorus:
The chorus introduces a slight variation, emphasizing the song's
emotional depth. The progression is as follows:
F C G Am G
Notice the repetition of the "F C G Am G" sequence, highlighting the
song's central themes of trust, freedom, and love.
Bridge:
The song does not specifically list a bridge section, but the
transitional chords at the end of the chorus can be seen as a
bridge-like element that prepares us to return to the verse or outro.
Outro:
The outro repeats the intro/verse chord progression, offering a
reflective conclusion to the song.
Lyrics and Chords Alignment:
For example, in the first verse, align the chords with the lyrics as
follows:
F
You ain't no shrinking violet are you
C
And you love to bat your eyelids don't you
G Am G
You know all the times that I'm ashamed
This alignment helps you understand when to change chords in relation
to the lyrics, emphasizing the storytelling aspect of the performance.
Rhythm:
The rhythm is steady and moderate, allowing the lyrics and chords to
flow smoothly. Practice transitioning between chords smoothly to
maintain the song's reflective atmosphere.
Lyrics Meaning:
The song "Elisabeth" narrates a story of love, trust, and growth. It
celebrates the unique qualities of the titular character, Elisabeth,
highlighting her independence, strength, and the deep connection shared
with the narrator. Through its poignant lyrics, the song explores themes
of enduring love and the importance of finding someone who complements
one's own spirit, making it a tender ode to companionship and mutual
respect.