The Arrangements chords
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[Intro]
G D Am G D G
[Verse 1]
G D
He was dead inside my head long before he died
C G
So making the arrangements felt natural, felt nice
D
No medicine for saving him from cigs and booze and salt
Am Cadd9 G D
It was pretty nice to say, I thought his sadness was my fault
[Chorus 1]
D G
So let's pour one out for the bastard
Em
It's still sad when bad men die
Cadd9 G
You can pour your drink out in the sink
D D7
Go on and live your life
G
I hear drunk footfalls through bedroom walls
Cadd9
Find comfort in the sound
G
That I'm my own father now
[Verse 2]
G D
Drooling and foolish the first time that you saw me
Cadd9 G
Said your eyes were like a Jersey cow, your tongue's so clean and country
D
In years of drunk disasters you never felt the same
Am7
You think I want these feelings
G D
Chose my face or chose my name?
[Chorus 2]
D G
So don't ask about blame or forgiveness
D Em
It's still sad when bad love dies
Cadd9 G
Oh, I'm full of shit and you're over it
D
Take the last word in my pride
G Cadd9 G Cadd9 G
I'm my father's spitting image and I spit upon the mirror
G D G
I see the old man's still here
[Verse 3]
G
I know that I will go soon
D
My heart's also not that strong
Am G
It was written in the stars about a thousand light-years long
D
But I feel the scrawl start to dissolve in a cemetery rain
Cadd9 G D
And I know about a million men who'd feel about the same
[Chorus 3]
D G
So let's pour one out for the bastard
D Em
Even bastards need their friends
Cadd9 G
You can pour your drink out in the sink
D
You got the last laugh in the end
G Cadd9
The arrangements are in order
G Cadd9
I can buy the bar round
G D G
´Cause I'm my own father now
[Outro]
D G
So don't ask about blame or forgiveness
Em
I'm not one for choosing sides
G
He was full of shit and I'm over it
D
I'm glad that I'm alive
G Cadd9
But the earth does not crack open
G Cadd9
No one opens up the clouds
G
It's all right
G
I'm my own father now
Cadd9 G
I'm my own father now
Introduction & Verse Chord Progressions
The song starts with an intro progression of G, D, Am, G, D, G, setting a reflective
and somber tone. As you enter the verses, the progression moves through
G, D, C (or Cadd9 for a more textured sound), and back to G. This chord
progression is foundational, creating a reflective and somewhat melancholic
atmosphere that mirrors the song's themes.
Playing Technique
For the verses, focus on strumming each chord clearly and thoughtfully,
allowing each chord to resonate. When transitioning between chords, strive
for smooth movements to maintain the song's reflective mood. The use of
Cadd9 instead of the standard C chord adds a richer, more nuanced sound
that complements the song's emotional depth.
Emotion and Storytelling
The lyrics in the verses, such as "He was dead inside my head long before
he died," are poignant and require a playing style that emphasizes the
emotional weight of the words. Your strumming should be gentle yet firm,
allowing the lyrics to stand out.
Chorus Progression and Dynamics
The chorus introduces a slight variation in chords, incorporating Em into the
progression and ending on a D7 to add musical interest and emotional depth.
The transition from G to Em and then to Cadd9 before resolving back to G
creates a compelling musical journey that echoes the narrative's emotional shifts.
Expressive Playing
In the choruses, where the emotion peaks with lines like "So let's pour one out
for the bastard," increase the intensity of your strumming slightly to match
the emotional rise. The dynamic contrast between the verses and choruses
adds to the song's storytelling, emphasizing the narrative's pivotal moments.
Conclusion and Outro
The song concludes with reflective lyrics and maintains the chord progression
that has guided the song throughout. The outro reiterates themes of self-reliance
and acceptance, underscored by the musical consistency that has characterized
the entire piece.