[Intro]
D
[Verse 1]
D
Well, that single cab that I bought from Dad
D
Still my A to B
D
And under the hood, still running good as it did in '93
G
Minus a few more miles and fading on the paint
D A D
It's the same old same, but it ain't
[Verse 2]
D
Still stomping boots down at Cahoots Pub on Friday night
D
Still pouring 'em strong, getting me gone, just the way I like
G
That Busch Light sign's been busted since the jukebox took change
D A D
It's the same old same, but it ain't
[Chorus]
G
'Cause it ain't got you in it
G
Just a whole lot of blue in it
D
And I stay stuck in it, missing you this way
G
Still drive the same truck, still get the same drunk
D
Still down on my same luck since you walked away
A
Yeah, everything is different
G
Aw, but nothing's changed
D A D
It's just the same old same, but it ain't
[Verse 3]
D
Still got the shirt with the Waylon bird that fits you to a T
D
I still get lost to you slipping it off
D
'Cause, girl, I can't unsee
G
I'm still sleeping in this bed, and you're still keeping me awake
D A
It's the same old same
[Chorus]
G
But it ain't got you in it
G
Just a whole lot of blue in it
D
And I stay stuck in it, missing you this way
G
Still drive the same truck, still get the same drunk
D
Still down on my same luck since you walked away
A
Yeah, everything is different
G
Aw, but nothing's changed
D A D
It's just the same old same, but it ain't
[Guitar & Pedal Steel Solos]
D G D G
D G A
[Chorus]
G
Nah, it ain't got you in it
G
Just a whole lot of blue in it
D
And I stay stuck in it, missing you this way
G
Still drive the same truck, still get the same drunk
D
Still down on my same luck since you walked away
A
Yeah, everything is different
G
Aw, but nothing's changed
D A D
It's just the same old same, but it ain't
D A D
It's just the same old same, but it ain't
[Outro]
D
X
Song Structure and Chords
Intro: Begins with a single D chord, setting a reflective tone.
Verse 1 and 2: These verses lay the groundwork of the story, using the D chord to
reflect on personal and familiar aspects of life that remain constant yet feel
different. The transition to G emphasizes the changes, particularly the emotional
impact of absence.
Chorus: The chorus introduces G, highlighting the emotional crux of the
song—everything appears the same, yet the absence of a significant person
brings a profound sense of loss. The progression from G to D and then A
underscores the song's main message: the external sameness contrasts sharply
with internal change.
Verse 3: Continues with D, mirroring the structure of the previous verses, further
emphasizing the theme of lingering memories and unchanged surroundings that
now feel empty.
Guitar & Pedal Steel Solos: The solos between D, G, and A provide a musical
interlude that reflects the song's emotional landscape, allowing for a moment
of reflection.
Outro: The song closes on the D chord, bringing the narrative to a reflective end,
reinforcing the theme of unchanged externals amidst profound internal change.
Playing Tips
Emotional Delivery: The power of "But It Ain't" lies in its emotional delivery. Allow
the strumming to breathe and convey the song's melancholic nostalgia.
Chord Transitions: Smooth transitions between D, G, and A are crucial for maintaining
the song's reflective mood. Practice these changes to ensure they support the
narrative flow.
Expressiveness in Solos: Use the guitar and pedal steel solos as opportunities to
explore the song's themes musically. These solos should echo the song's sentiments,
serving as an instrumental reflection of the lyrics.
Vocal Emphasis: If singing along, emphasize the emotional weight of the lyrics.
The contrast between the unchanged physical surroundings and the profound
sense of loss should come through in the vocal delivery.
Embodying the Song
To effectively play "But It Ain't," understand the song's core emotion. This piece
is about the paradox of change within sameness—the physical world remains
unaltered while the emotional world is irrevocably transformed by loss. Your playing
should capture this bittersweet reality, using the guitar to express the nuanced layers
of holding onto the past while facing the present's emptiness. This song is not just a
performance but an emotional journey, inviting the listener to explore the depths
of nostalgia and the pain of moving on.
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