[Intro]
Em7 | Em7 | Bm7 | A |
Em7 | Em7 | Bm7 | A |
[Verse 1]
Em7
I've been told
Bm7 A Em7
That you don't know what you’ve got 'til it's gone
Bm7 A Gmaj7
That you'll recognize the real thing when it comes along
[Chorus]
D
And you can only see as far as the crow flies
F#m
And sometimes love leaves you tongue tied
Am Gmaj7
And once in a while, the stars will align
Gmmaj7 D D/F#
At the corner of Columbus and eigthy-nine
[Instrumental]
1 2 3 4 | 1 2 3 4 | 1 2 3 4 | 1 2 3 4 |
=============|==============|==============|===============|
Em7 | Em7 | Bm7 | A D D/F# |
Em7 | Em7 | Bm7 | A |
[Verse 2]
Em7
I recall
Bm7 A Em7
Staying out with you 'til sunrise hit the Hudson
Bm7 A Gmaj7
Without a thought for what had passed and what was comin'
Back then I never thought I'd leave
[Chorus]
D
But I can only see as far as the crow flies
F#m
And sometimes love leaves me tongue tied
Am Gmaj7
And once in a while the stars will align
Gmmaj7
At the corner of Columbus
[Bridge]
D
So give my regards to Broadway
F#m
And tell her that I'm in a good place
Am7 Gmaj7
I can still see the street lights shining in the night
Gmmaj7 D
At the corner of Columbus and eigthy-nine
Gm D D/F#
And eigthy-nine
[Outro]
1 2 3 4 | 1 2 3 4 | 1 2 3 4 | 1 2 3 4 |
=============|==============|==============|===============|
Em7 | Em7 | Bm7 | A D D/F# |
Em7 | Em7 | Bm7 | A D D/F# |
Em7 | Em7 | Bm7 | A D D/F# |
Em7 | Em7 | Bm7 | A |
Em7 | Em7 | Bm7 | A |
Em7 | Em7 | Bm7 | A |
Em7 | Em7 | Bm7 | A |
Em7 | Em7 | Bm7 | A |
Em7 | Em7 | Bm7 | A |
Em7 | Em7 | Bm7 | A |
"Columbus & 89th" is a touching song that tells a story through its lyrics and is
complemented by a beautifully crafted chord progression. The use of seventh
chords throughout the piece adds a layer of complexity and depth to the sound,
making it a great song for intermediate guitarists looking to explore more nuanced
chord shapes and progressions.
Introduction & Verse Chord Progressions
The song starts with an intro that immediately sets a reflective tone, utilizing Em7
and Bm7 chords before resolving to an A chord. This progression is repeated,
creating a comforting yet introspective atmosphere.
For the verses, the same chord progression (Em7, Bm7, A) is used to support
the narrative of the lyrics. The Em7 and Bm7 chords add a sense of wistfulness,
while the A chord provides a moment of resolve before the cycle repeats.
This progression emphasizes the song's themes of reminiscence and introspection.
When playing these chords, focus on maintaining a smooth transition between
them, allowing the melody to flow seamlessly. The use of seventh chords
adds a rich harmonic texture to the song, so letting each chord ring out will
enhance the overall sound.
Chorus Dynamics
The chorus introduces a change in the chord progression, starting with a D
chord and moving through F#m and Am before resolving back to Gmaj7.
This progression reflects the song's lyrical content, highlighting moments
of realization and alignment.
In this section, the chords shift more frequently, reflecting the emotional
intensity of the lyrics. The transition from D to F#m to Am and then to Gmaj7
creates a narrative arc within the music itself, mirroring the lyrical journey
from uncertainty to a moment of clarity.
Bridge and Outro
The bridge of the song offers a moment of reflection, with the lyrics giving
a nod to Broadway and a sense of being in a "good place." The chord progression
here continues to support the song's emotional narrative, leading into the outro
that revisits the initial chord progression, providing a sense of closure.
In the outro, the repetition of the initial chord progression serves as a reflective
bookend to the song, allowing the listener to dwell in the emotional landscape
the song has created. The consistent rhythm and chord changes offer a
comforting conclusion to the song's journey.
Playing Tips
- Emphasize the emotive quality of the seventh chords by letting them ring
out and blend together. This will enhance the song's reflective and introspective mood.
- Pay attention to the dynamics throughout the song, especially in the chorus
and bridge, where the emotional intensity peaks. Adjust your strumming intensity
to match the lyrical content.
- The transition between chords, especially when moving from the verse to the
chorus, is crucial for maintaining the song's flow. Practice these transitions to
ensure they are smooth and natural.
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