[Intro]
G D Em7 C D G
[Verse 1]
G D/F# Em7
Turned around in Tidewater all alone in Pueblo
C D
I've been driving with a death wish down the mountains on my phone
G D/F# Em7
Half the places I've been might be laced with psilocybin
C D
I've been dreaming of a country I saw at the rodeo
G D/F#
Packed a bowl in the Bojangle's
Em7
'Cause Tennessee's so cold
C D
Charlottesville by sundown's a nightmare to behold
G D/F#
There's an old town dame with a twisty name
Em7
I couldn't read it if she wrote it
C
She's got a black powder revolver
D
Wants to see if it's still loaded
[Chorus 1]
C D Em7
I've been called by a higher lonesome
C D Em7
Been low as low can be
C D
You can write it on my tombstone
Em7 C
Outlaw life looks pretty wholesome
D
When you pay the price in foolishness
D/F# Em7
It takes to get you free
C D G D/F# Em7 C D G
Higher lonesome killed the bitter parts of me
[Verse 2]
G D/F#
Co-dependents, SLA, and AL-Anon
Em7
They all know how I felt for ya
C D
Felt it in my guts before two steps in Philadelphia
G D/F#
With every coin the joiners get
Em7
They're farther from the pain of it
C D
All the hurting that we did, it's a shame no coin'll pay for it
G D/F# Em7
I think I fell in love again on a walk in city park
C D
Jodorowsky on the tiny screen and zigzags in the dark
G D/F#
And I figured I should let it go
Em7
Or give it a couple days
C
It's a ton of bricks in Minneapolis
D
She don't know my last name
[Chorus 2]
C D Em7
But I've been called by a higher lonesome
C D G
Been low as low can be
C D
You can write it on my tombstone
Em7 C
Outlaw life looks pretty wholesome
D
When you pay the price in foolishness
D/F# Em7
It takes to get you free
C D G D/F# Em7 C D G
Higher lonesome killed the bitter parts of me
[Verse 3]
G D/F# Em7
I saw the darkness coming at me in a Jeff City motel
C D
There was writing on the mirror said "You messed up so go to hell"
G D/F#
And Cormier's pills were on me still
Em7
And her letter just half-read
C D
By the time the sun was up I just got breakfast instead
G D/F# Em7
I wish I could call the old folks that aren't with us anymore
C D
I feel granny dancing recklessly at the Floyd county store
G D/F#
And the artist has his suffering
Em7
And the gods will have their pain
C
By the time the ride is over
D
I'm sure I'll ask to ride again
C D
See the snowfall in Wyoming
G D/F# Em7
Strung out on Johno's coke
C D
Keep a mailbox in Nebraska
Em7
So I know the Lord knows
C D
She can write a letter once a year
G G/B Em7
To say that we're still close
C D
I can put my cents on Benjamin
G G/B Em7
Hear the songs he wrote
C D
See, I don't want to hit rock bottom
G G/B Em7
Just to see how deep it goes
C D
Shine a light on six feet under
G Em
So I ain't afraid to go
C D
Prove in fact it is as lovely as can be
G
When higher lonesome kills the bitter parts of me
C D Em
I've been called by a higher lonesome
C D G D/F#
Higher lonesome killed the bitter parts of me
[Outro]
Em C D G
X
Understanding the Chords
First, ensure you're familiar with the chord shapes for G, D/F#, Em7, C, and D.
Practicing these chords individually will help make the transitions smoother
when you play the song.
Intro and Verse Structure
The song starts with an intro that sets the emotional tone. For the verses,
you'll primarily be using the G, D/F#, Em7, and C chords. The progression
has a reflective and somewhat melancholic feel, matching the song's introspective
nature.
Playing the Chorus
The chorus introduces a lift in the song's narrative, moving through
C, D, and Em7 chords. This part highlights the song's theme of longing and
introspection, so playing with emotion here is key.
Emphasizing Dynamics
Pay attention to the dynamics throughout the song. Start softer in the verses
to draw listeners into the story, then bring more intensity to the chorus
to highlight the emotional peaks.
Practice Tips
Spend time getting comfortable with the chord transitions, especially
the D/F# to Em7 change, as it can be tricky for beginners.
Listen to the song to understand the flow and where the dynamics
shift from soft to more intense.
Use a metronome to practice keeping time, starting slowly and gradually
increasing the speed as you become more comfortable.
Remember, the most important part of playing any song is to connect
with the music emotionally and convey that feeling through your playing.
Take your time, be patient with yourself, and enjoy the process of
learning "Higher Lonesome."
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