Billy Stay chords
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[Intro]
A
[Verse 1]
A
Billy won't you stay
A
We've been up all night
D
Talking 'bout flowers from '65
A
The prince on that dress
A
You always liked
D
We were young enough
D
To go out and dance at night
[Break]
A A D D
[Verse 2]
A
We'd cross the street
A
And you'd hold my hand
D
Same man now
D
That you were back then
A
Young kids good for nothing
A
But high hoping
D
Broken, starving plastic ring
D
Perfect for eloping
[Break]
A A D D
[Verse 3]
A
Years went by fast
A
You were so good to me
D
Our children have children
D
Billy, how could it be
A
But 90 years is nothing
A
To some kids like us
D
So baby stick around
D
And tell a story just because
[Chorus]
E A
Billy stay a while
E D A
Lately you've been slipping in and out
E A
Billy stay a child
E D A
Tell me 'bout that girl you dreamed about
E A
Billy stay a while
E D A
Tell me of the lovers who once were
E A
Billy stay a child
E D A
Tell me bout' that girl and how you loved her
[Break]
A A D D
[Verse 5]
A
Billy don't forget
A
Won't you keep on tryin'
D
I'll keep my ears open
D
To keep from crying
A
You're more handsome now
A
Than you were back then
D
And I'm the same girl you fell for
D
When we were kids
[Break]
A A D D
[Verse 4]
A
If love was enough
A
Then you'd stay forever
D
But I guess sometimes
D
That the end is better
A
Cause love turns to loss
A
As the time goes by
D
You don't know your own name
D
But you know mine
[Chorus]
E A
Billy stay a while
E D A
Lately you've been slipping in and out
E A
Billy stay a child
E D A
Tell me 'bout that girl you dreamed about
E A
Billy stay a while
E D A
Tell me of the lovers who once were
E A
Billy stay a child
E D A
Tell me bout' that girl and how you loved her
[Break]
E A E D A (x2) A (x4)
[Verse 6]
A
And you went back home
A
In your sleep last night
D
And I hear you whisper
D
"I love you goodbye"
A
But maybe your Heaven's 1965
D
With my hair in your face
D
On a long summer drive
A
To me you'll never be
A
The times you forgot
D
But all of our good times
D
And flowers you bought
How to play "Billy Stay" by Bryan Zach on guitar involves mastering a few
basic chords: A, D, and E. The song structure is relatively straightforward,
moving through verses, a chorus, and breaks that provide a narrative
and emotional progression.
Intro and Breaks:
Start with the A chord for the intro. The simplicity of a single chord here sets
the tone for the song. For the breaks between verses, you'll alternate between
A and D chords. This back-and-forth motion adds a rhythmic pause in the storytelling,
creating space for reflection before the narrative continues.
Verses:
The verses primarily alternate between the A and D chords. This chord progression
supports the storytelling aspect of the song, with the A chord serving as
the narrative's home base and the D chord providing a slight lift or change
in perspective. Here's how you play these chords:
A Major: Place your index, middle, and ring fingers on the second frets of
the D, G, and B strings, respectively.
D Major: Place your index finger on the second fret of the G string, your
ring finger on the third fret of the B string, and your middle finger on
the second fret of the high E string.
Chorus:
The chorus introduces the E chord, adding emotional depth and a sense
of longing to the song's appeal. The progression E-A, E-D, and back to A,
captures the heart of the song's message, encouraging "Billy" to stay
and reminisce about past loves and life. Here's how to play the E major chord:
E Major: Place your index finger on the first fret of the G string, your middle
finger on the second fret of the A string, and your ring finger on
the second fret of the D string.
Guitar Lesson Summary:
- Begin with practicing the chord transitions smoothly: A to D, D to A, A to E,
and E to D.
- Emphasize the narrative by letting each chord resonate, particularly during
the verses and chorus, where the lyrics delve deeper into the story.
- Pay attention to the rhythm, maintaining a steady pace that matches
the song's reflective and nostalgic mood.
- The breaks (A A D D) serve as moments of reflection; play them softly,
letting each chord ring out to prepare for the next verse or chorus.
- The song's emotional depth is captured through the simplicity of its chord
progression, so focus on the feeling you convey through your
strumming dynamics and tempo.