It's Been A While chords
Swap ↔ or rotate ↻ the device
[Intro]
Dm Am F C
Dm Am F C
Dm Am F C
Dm Am F C
[Verse 1]
Dm Am F C
When you broke down, I knew that day
Dm Am F C
That you were on the way out
Dm Am F C
And you were the one that I needed to find
Dm Am F C
But I patch that levee, babe, and change your mind
[Chorus]
Dm Am F C
I'm gonna take a train back to Texas
Dm Am F C
Freight-liner, won't you call my name
Dm Am
Cause it's been a while
F C Dm Am F
Yeah, it's been a while
C Dm
Since I've seen your face
[Interlude]
Am F C Dm Am F C
[Verse 2]
Dm Am F
Oh the anger, oh Lord the anger
C Dm
Took a fall and it's like I'm a stranger
Am F C
You're still the best thing that I've ever found
Dm Am
So turn the wheels at the quickest of time
F C Dm
Put the wind on my back, send me right down the line
Am F C
Before she is gone, it won't be long
[Chorus]
Dm Am F C
I'm gonna take a train back to Texas
Dm Am F C
Freight-liner, won't you call my name
Dm Am
Cause it's been a while
F C Dm Am F
Yeah, it's been a while
C Dm
Since I've seen your face
[Guitar Solo]
Dm F C Am Dm Am F
Am Bb Dm F Bb
Dm F
[Outro]
Bb Dm F C
Cause it's been a while
Bb Dm F C
Cause it's been a while
Dm Am F C Dm Am F C
It's been a while, it's been a while
Dm Am F
Oh, since I've seen your face
F
(It's been a while)
C Dm Am F C Dm Am F C Dm
Oh, since I've seen your face...
Chords Used: Dm, Am, F, C, Bb
Intro & Verse Progressions
The song begins with an introspective intro, cycling through Dm, Am, F, C.
This sets the tone for the verses, which maintain the same chord progression.
The sequence effectively captures the contemplative mood and the narrative of
looking back on past experiences.
Chorus
The chorus introduces a powerful resolve with the same chord progression,
emphasizing the song's main theme of returning to a place or person of significance
after a long time. The repetition of "Cause it's been a while" is underscored by this
progression, highlighting the emotional weight of the time passed.
Guitar Solo & Outro
The guitar solo and outro bring in Bb, adding a layer of complexity and depth to
the song's sound, before returning to the familiar progression to conclude the song.
This part allows for expressive playing that mirrors the song's narrative arc.
Playing Tips:
Strumming Pattern: A strumming pattern that combines downstrokes for emphasis
on the downbeat and a mix of down and upstrokes for the rhythmic pattern can
capture the song’s emotional ebb and flow.
Dynamic Variation: Play with dynamics by varying your strumming intensity throughout the song.
The verses can be played more softly to underscore the reflective mood, while the chorus
can be played with more force to bring out the emotional declaration of returning to
a familiar place or person.
Expressive Playing in the Solo: The guitar solo is an opportunity to explore expressive playing.
Use this section to delve into the song's emotional depth, letting the chords and melody
speak to the theme of yearning and reflection.
Emotional Delivery: The key to performing this song effectively lies in conveying the
emotion behind the lyrics through your playing. Let the transitions between chords breathe,
particularly during the chorus, to emphasize the feeling of longing and the
significance of the passage of time.
Chord Transitions: Practice the transitions between the chords smoothly, especially
when moving to and from Bb in the guitar solo and outro sections. Smooth transitions
will maintain the song’s flow and support the emotional narrative.