[Verse 1]
Bm
Quick, quick
G D
Tell me something awful like you are a poet
D
Trapped inside the body of a finance guy
Bm G
Tell me all your secrets
D
All you’ll ever be is
Bm
My eternal consolation prize
G D
You see I was a debutant in another life, but
Bm
Now I seem to be scared to go outside
D
If comfort is a construct, I don’t believe in good luck
Now that I know what’s what
[Chorus]
D
I hate it here so I will go to secret gardens in my mind
Bm
People need a key to get to, the only one is mine
A G
I read about it in a book when I was a precocious child
No mid-sized city hopes and small-town fears
D Bm
I’m there most of the year ’cause I hate it here
A G
I hate it here
[Verse 2]
Bm G
My friends used to play a game where
D
We would pick a decade
Bm
We wished we could live in instead of this
G D
I’d say the 1830s but without all the racists
Bm
And getting married off for the highest bid
G D
Everyone would look down ’cause it wasn’t fun now
Bm
Seems like it was never even fun back then
G
Nostalgia is a mind’s trick
D
If I’d been there, I’d hate it
It was freezing in the palace
[Chorus]
D
I hate it here so I will go to Lunar valleys in my mind
Bm
When they found a better planet Only the gentle survived
A
I dreamed about it in the dark
G
The night I felt like I might die
No mid-sized city hopes and small-town fears
D Bm
I’m there most of the year ’cause I hate it here
A G
I hate it here
[Bridge]
A
I’m lonely, but I’m good
I’m bitter, but I swear I’m fine
G Em Bm
I’ll save all my romanticism for my inner life and I’ll get lost on purpose
G D
This place made me feel worthless
Em Bm G D
Lucid dreams like electricity, the current flies through me and in my fantasies I rise above it
G N.C.
And way up there, I actually love it
[Chorus]
D
I hate it here so I will go to secret gardens in my mind
Bm
People need a key to get to, the only one is mine
A G
I read about it in a book when I was a precocious child
No mid-sized city hopes and small-town fears
D Bm
I’m there most of the year ’cause I hate it here
A G
I hate it here
[Outro]
Quick, quick, tell me something awful
D
Like you are a poet
Bm G A G D
Trapped inside the body of a finance guy
How to play "I Hate It Here" by Taylor Swift on guitar
"I Hate It Here" features a mix of melancholic and introspective chords that
mirror the song's thematic exploration of escapism and dissatisfaction.
Chords Used:
- Bm: x24432
- G: 320003
- D: xx0232
- A: x02220
- Em: 022000
Verse Progression:
- The verses start with Bm, establishing a somber tone.
- Transition to G and then D, which together create a progression that reflects
the narrative tension in the lyrics.
Chorus Progression:
- The chorus uses D, Bm, A, and G. This sequence provides a fuller sound that
contrasts with the verses, highlighting the emotional release of the chorus.
Bridge:
- The bridge starts with A and moves to G, Em, and Bm. This part of the song
delves deeper into the emotional and psychological themes.
- The transitions in the bridge should be smooth to maintain the introspective
atmosphere.
Strumming Pattern:
- Use a moderate, steady strumming pattern. Downstrokes on the beat can help
emphasize the lyrical delivery.
- Adjust your strumming dynamics according to the emotional intensity of the
sections; softer in verses, more pronounced in the chorus.
Transition Tips:
- The switch from Bm to G and then to D in the verses is crucial. Practice
these transitions to ensure they are smooth and do not disrupt the flow.
- The shift from G to Em in the bridge is particularly significant. Make sure
it's clean to preserve the emotional impact.
Common Mistakes:
- Not maintaining the rhythm during the chord changes. Keep the tempo consistent
throughout the song.
- Forgetting to adjust strumming dynamics between different song parts can make
the performance feel flat. Vary intensity to match the song's mood.
Song Meaning:
"I Hate It Here" reflects on the theme of feeling trapped or discontented with
one's surroundings and finding solace in imagined or internal worlds. It uses
vivid imagery to convey a sense of escapism and the internal conflict between
resentment and romanticism.
Understanding these chords, transitions, and the song's underlying message will
help you capture the essence of "I Hate It Here" in your guitar performance.
