[Verse 1]
Cm Eb Bb
I was in my new house placing daydreams
Cm Eb Bb
Patching up the crack along the wall
Cm Eb Bb
I pass it and lose track of what I'm saying
Cm Eb Bb
'Cause that's where I was when I got the call
[Pre-Chorus]
Cm Eb Bb
When the first stone's thrown, they're screaming
Cm Eb Bb
In the streets, there's a raging riot
Cm Eb Bb
When it's "Burn the bitch," they're shrieking
Cm Eb Bb
When the truth comes out, it's quiet
[Chorus]
Gm Bb F
So, they killed Cassandra first 'cause she feared the worst
Gm Bb F
And tried to tell the town
Gm Bb F
So, they filled my cell with snakes, I regret to say
Gm Bb F
Do you believe me now?
[Verse 2]
Cm Eb Bb
I was in my tower weaving nightmares
Cm Eb Bb
Twisting all my smiles into snarls
Cm Eb Bb
They say, "What doesn't kill you makes you aware"
Cm Eb Bb
What happens if it becomes who you are?
[Chorus]
Gm Bb F
So, they killed Cassandra first 'cause she feared the worst
Gm Bb F
And tried to tell the town
Gm Bb F
So, they set my life in flames, I regret to say
Gm Bb F
Do you believe me now?
[Bridge]
Ab Cm Bb
They knew, they knew, they knew the whole time
That I was onto something
Ab Cm Bb
The family, the pure greed, the Christian chorus line
They all said nothing
Ab Cm Bb
Blood's thick but nothing like a payroll
Bet they never spared a prayer for my soul
Ab C Bb
You can mark my words that I said it first
In the morning warning, no one heard
Cm Eb Bb
[Verse 3]
Cm Eb Bb
I patched up the crack along the wall
Cm Eb Bb
I pass it and lose track of what I'm saying
Cm Eb Bb
'Cause that's where I was when I lost it all
[Chorus]
Gm Bb F
So, they killed Cassandra first 'cause she feared the worst
Gm Bb F
And tried to tell the town
Gm Bb F
So, they set my life in flames, I regret to say
Gm Bb F
Do you believe me now?
[Bridge]
Ab Cm Bb
Ah, ah-ah-ah, ah
I was onto something
Ab Cm Bb
Ah-ah-ah, ah
They all said nothing
Ab Cm Bb
Blood's thick but nothing like a payroll
Bet they never spared a prayer for my soul
Ab C Bb
You can mark my words that I said it first
Ab
In the morning warning, no one heard
Cm Bb Ab Cm Bb
No one heard, not a single word - - was heard
[Outro]
Ab Cm Bb
When the first stone's thrown, they're screaming
In the streets, there's a raging riot
Ab Cm Bb
When it's "Burn the bitch," they're shrieking
Ab
When the truth comes out, it's quiet
Cm Bb
It's so quiet
How to play "Cassandra" by Taylor Swift on guitar
"Cassandra" by Taylor Swift uses a powerful chord progression to convey its
emotive and narrative-driven lyrics. The song explores themes of disbelief and
the tragic fate of its namesake, drawing parallels to the mythological figure.
Chords Used:
- Cm: x35543
- Eb: x68886
- Bb: x13331
- Gm: 355333
- F: 133211
- Ab: 466544
Verse Progression:
- The verse begins with a loop of Cm, Eb, and Bb, setting a melancholic and
reflective tone.
- This progression underpins the narrative, laying a foundation that mirrors
the lyrical themes of forewarning and fate.
Pre-Chorus:
- Continues with the same chord progression as the verse (Cm, Eb, Bb),
maintaining the song's consistent mood and building towards the chorus.
Chorus Progression:
- Shifts to Gm, Bb, and F, creating a dramatic and more intense sound.
- This change amplifies the emotional weight of the chorus, emphasizing the
urgency and significance of the narrative.
Bridge:
- Introduces Ab, which adds a new layer of depth and complexity.
- The progression moves through Ab, Cm, and Bb, highlighting the lyrical
exploration of betrayal and the unheeded warnings.
Strumming Pattern:
- Use a consistent, steady strumming pattern throughout the song to maintain
the narrative flow.
- Emphasize the downstroke on the first beat of each measure to drive the
emotional impact of the lyrics.
Transition Tips:
- Transitioning between Cm, Eb, and Bb in the verses and pre-chorus requires
smooth movement to keep the melodic flow uninterrupted.
- The shift from the verse and pre-chorus progression to the chorus chords
(Gm, Bb, F) should be practiced to ensure a clean and impactful change.
Common Mistakes:
- Not maintaining consistent strumming can disrupt the emotional 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:
"Cassandra" delves into the theme of ignored warnings and unheeded prophecies.
It parallels the story of Cassandra from Greek mythology, who was cursed to
utter true prophecies that were never believed. The song uses this allegory to
explore personal and societal truths that are often overlooked or dismissed.
Understanding these chords, transitions, and the song's deep narrative will
enable you to effectively convey the poignant message of "Cassandra" in your
guitar performance.
