[Intro]
C
[Verse 1]
C
Years from now will you reflect
C
On the youth you lost when we first met
Am G
Some time ago, when your dreams weren't slow?
C
Will you contemplate on everything
C
As you gaze down at your wedding ring
Am G
And realize that this is your life?
[Chorus]
F G
Did you settle for me when you agreed to settle down?
Am G
Is the weight of it all why when you shower you breakdown?
F G
God knows I don't deserve you, but God knows that I'll try
Am G
I have from now 'til the very end to give you your best life
F G C
This is the guilt of a man who wants to love you
[Verse 2]
C
Wild stories roam from my past
C
The hearts I broke when I lived too fast
Am
And the shame that I feel
G
Careless behind the wheel
C
Do my mistakes embarrass you?
C
I wouldn't blame you if they do
Am
But let's be real
G
Tell me how you feel
[Chorus]
F G
Did you settle for me when you agreed to settle down?
Am G
Is the weight of it all why when you shower you breakdown?
F G
God knows I don't deserve you, but God knows that I'll try
Am G
I have from now 'til the very end to give you your best life
F G C
This is the guilt of a man who wants to love you
[Pedal Steel Solo]
F G Am C
F G Am G C
[Bridge]
C
Years from now will you reflect
C
On the youth you lost when we first met
Am G
Some time ago, when your dreams weren't slow
[Out-Chorus]
F G
Did you settle for me when you agreed to settle down?
Am G
Is the weight of it all why when you shower you breakdown?
F G
God knows I don't deserve you, but God knows that I'll try
Am G
I have from now 'til the very end to give you your best life
F G C
This is the guilt of a man who wants to love you
Chord Guide
The song uses the chords C, Am, G, and F, which are foundational chords that
provide a rich acoustic sound. Here's a brief overview of each chord:
C Major: Place your index finger on the 1st fret of the B string, your middle
finger on the 2nd fret of the D string, and your ring finger on the 3rd fret of
the A string. Strum from the A string down.
Am (A minor): Place your index finger on the 1st fret of the B string, your middle
finger on the 2nd fret of the D string, and your ring finger on the 2nd fret of
the G string. Strum from the A string down.
G Major: Place your index finger on the 2nd fret of the A string, your middle
finger on the 3rd fret of the low E string, and your ring finger on the 3rd fret
of the high E string. Some players also add the pinky to the 3rd fret of
the B string for a fuller sound. Strum all strings.
F Major: This chord can be played as a barre chord with the index finger barring
all strings at the 1st fret, the middle finger on the 2nd fret of the G string, the ring
finger on the 3rd fret of the A string, and the pinky on the 3rd fret of the D string.
For an easier version, you can also play an open F, which doesn't require barring
all the strings.
Playing the Song
Intro and Verses
The intro and verses start with the C chord, setting a reflective tone.
The transition to Am and G chords during the verses supports the narrative's
introspective mood. Maintain a gentle, rhythmic strumming pattern to match
the song's emotional depth.
Chorus
The chorus introduces the F and G chords, adding a layer of intensity to the song's
reflective questioning. The progression from F to G, then to Am, and back to G before
concluding on C, highlights the emotional turmoil and resolve to love fully despite past mistakes.
Pedal Steel Solo
While the original recording features a pedal steel solo, you can maintain the underlying
chord progression (F, G, Am, C, and then back to G and C) to provide a musical bridge
that continues the song's reflective mood on the guitar.
Bridge and Out-Chorus
The bridge revisits the song's opening theme, with a return to the C and Am chords,
and the out-chorus repeats the chorus's progression, underlining the song's central
message of love and redemption.
Performance Tips
Focus on the emotional delivery. The power of this song lies in its heartfelt lyrics
and the earnestness of the music that accompanies them.
Experiment with dynamics throughout the song, playing softer during the verses
and building intensity during the chorus to convey the emotional shifts.
Pay attention to the transition between chords, ensuring they're smooth and
support the song's reflective narrative.
Connect with the song's message. Understanding the story and emotions
behind the lyrics will help convey the song's depth more effectively.
[Intro]
C
[Verse 1]
C
Years from now will you reflect
C
On the youth you lost when we first met
Am G
Some time ago, when your dreams weren't slow?
C
Will you contemplate on everything
C
As you gaze down at your wedding ring
Am G
And realize that this is your life?
[Chorus]
F G
Did you settle for me when you agreed to settle down?
Am G
Is the weight of it all why when you shower you breakdown?
F G
God knows I don't deserve you, but God knows that I'll try
Am G
I have from now 'til the very end to give you your best life
F G C
This is the guilt of a man who wants to love you
[Verse 2]
C
Wild stories roam from my past
C
The hearts I broke when I lived too fast
Am
And the shame that I feel
G
Careless behind the wheel
C
Do my mistakes embarrass you?
C
I wouldn't blame you if they do
Am
But let's be real
G
Tell me how you feel
[Chorus]
F G
Did you settle for me when you agreed to settle down?
Am G
Is the weight of it all why when you shower you breakdown?
F G
God knows I don't deserve you, but God knows that I'll try
Am G
I have from now 'til the very end to give you your best life
F G C
This is the guilt of a man who wants to love you
[Pedal Steel Solo]
F G Am C
F G Am G C
[Bridge]
C
Years from now will you reflect
C
On the youth you lost when we first met
Am G
Some time ago, when your dreams weren't slow
[Out-Chorus]
F G
Did you settle for me when you agreed to settle down?
Am G
Is the weight of it all why when you shower you breakdown?
F G
God knows I don't deserve you, but God knows that I'll try
Am G
I have from now 'til the very end to give you your best life
F G C
This is the guilt of a man who wants to love you
Chord Guide
The song uses the chords C, Am, G, and F, which are foundational chords that
provide a rich acoustic sound. Here's a brief overview of each chord:
C Major: Place your index finger on the 1st fret of the B string, your middle
finger on the 2nd fret of the D string, and your ring finger on the 3rd fret of
the A string. Strum from the A string down.
Am (A minor): Place your index finger on the 1st fret of the B string, your middle
finger on the 2nd fret of the D string, and your ring finger on the 2nd fret of
the G string. Strum from the A string down.
G Major: Place your index finger on the 2nd fret of the A string, your middle
finger on the 3rd fret of the low E string, and your ring finger on the 3rd fret
of the high E string. Some players also add the pinky to the 3rd fret of
the B string for a fuller sound. Strum all strings.
F Major: This chord can be played as a barre chord with the index finger barring
all strings at the 1st fret, the middle finger on the 2nd fret of the G string, the ring
finger on the 3rd fret of the A string, and the pinky on the 3rd fret of the D string.
For an easier version, you can also play an open F, which doesn't require barring
all the strings.
Playing the Song
Intro and Verses
The intro and verses start with the C chord, setting a reflective tone.
The transition to Am and G chords during the verses supports the narrative's
introspective mood. Maintain a gentle, rhythmic strumming pattern to match
the song's emotional depth.
Chorus
The chorus introduces the F and G chords, adding a layer of intensity to the song's
reflective questioning. The progression from F to G, then to Am, and back to G before
concluding on C, highlights the emotional turmoil and resolve to love fully despite past mistakes.
Pedal Steel Solo
While the original recording features a pedal steel solo, you can maintain the underlying
chord progression (F, G, Am, C, and then back to G and C) to provide a musical bridge
that continues the song's reflective mood on the guitar.
Bridge and Out-Chorus
The bridge revisits the song's opening theme, with a return to the C and Am chords,
and the out-chorus repeats the chorus's progression, underlining the song's central
message of love and redemption.
Performance Tips
Focus on the emotional delivery. The power of this song lies in its heartfelt lyrics
and the earnestness of the music that accompanies them.
Experiment with dynamics throughout the song, playing softer during the verses
and building intensity during the chorus to convey the emotional shifts.
Pay attention to the transition between chords, ensuring they're smooth and
support the song's reflective narrative.
Connect with the song's message. Understanding the story and emotions
behind the lyrics will help convey the song's depth more effectively.