[Intro]
D
[Verse 1]
D
Billy was known as a wild child
G
His hometown was Born to Be Mild
D
Truth be told, Billy's alright
A
But one particular Friday night
G
He had a little date, stayed out late
D G
Mama and Daddy sit with folded hands
G
He comes in
G
It's where've you been
E7 A7
And "What do you have to say for yourself, young man?"
[Chorus]
D
He said, "Good night and good morning
D
I've been tested but not arrested
A7
Wake me up about lunchtime."
D
Neighbors stand out in the yard
G
You can hear opinions forming
C A D
He said, "Good night and good morning."
[Verse 2]
D
What goes around comes back again
G
Billy got married and they had twins
D
They barely sleep when they sleep at all
A7
They tiptoe up and down the hall
G
Pat a little cake, one's still awake
D G
Mama and Daddy throwing up their hands
G
Rocking that chair, going nowhere
E7 A7
Talk about your ever-changing plans
[Chorus]
D
Well, they said, "Good night and good morning
D
Stories' read, prayers are said
A7
Wake me up about lunchtime
D
Telephone's out in the yard
G
And the baby bottle warming."
C A D
They say, "Good night and good morning."
[Guitar Solo]
G D G E7 A D
[Bridge]
D
He worked graveyard shift at Walmart
D
Greeting shoppers at the door
D
Night court, truck stops, and diners
D
All the way to Baltimore
G F D
He finally found his calling on the late-night radio
F G
He entertains insomniacs
A
On The Black Sheep Billy Show
[Out-Chorus]
D G D
He says, "Good night and good morning
D
Caffeinated and highly rated
A
Wake me up about drive time
D G
Out there on the Interstate, it's loud and it's informing."
C A
He says, "Good night
C A
Good night
C A D
Good night and good morning."
Chords used: D, G, A, A7, E7, C, F
Intro:
Start with a D chord, setting the scene for the story about to unfold.
Verse 1:
The verse begins with D, transitioning to G, then back to D, and A for the narrative setup.
The story of Billy's wild youth is punctuated with a shift to G, highlighting his late return
home, and culminating with an E7 to A7 progression, reflecting the tension of his encounter
with his parents.
Chorus:
The chorus utilizes D and A7 to deliver the punchline of Billy's response to his parents,
capturing the theme of "Good night and good morning." The progression to C and back to
A before returning to D rounds off the chorus, echoing Billy's carefree attitude.
Verse 2:
The second verse follows a similar pattern to the first, detailing the next chapter in Billy's
life with his own family. The G to D to A7 progression reflects the challenges of parenthood,
with the narrative moving from personal to a more universal theme of life's unpredictable nature.
Guitar Solo:
The guitar solo over G, D, G, E7, A, and back to D offers a musical interlude that
mirrors the story's progression, providing a moment of reflection before continuing the narrative.
Bridge:
The bridge shifts to D, telling of Billy's varied experiences and career changes, leading
up to his role as a late-night radio host. The transition through G, F, and D, then F to G and A,
showcases Billy's journey to finding his niche.
Out-Chorus:
The out-chorus elevates the story's conclusion, repeating "Good night and good morning"
with the added context of Billy's radio show. The D to G to D, and then C to A progression,
followed by a repetition of C and A, before ending on D, encapsulates the song's
overarching theme of embracing life's cycles and changes.
Playing Tips:
Pay attention to the lyrical narrative, allowing the chord transitions to enhance
the storytelling.
The E7 and A7 chords introduce tension and resolution within the story, so emphasize
these moments for dramatic effect.
Use the guitar solo as a reflective pause in the story, experimenting with dynamics to
convey the passage of time and Billy's personal growth.
The bridge and out-chorus provide an opportunity to bring the story to a satisfying
conclusion, so maintain a steady rhythm while highlighting the key messages of the song.
