INTRO:
D A Bm
E -------------|-----------2--|
B -------------|-----------3--|
G -2h4-2-------|-----------4--|
D -------4-2---|-----0h4-2-4--|
A -----------0-|-0h2-------2--|
E -------------|-----------2--|
G D A Bm
E -3--3--------------|-----------2--|
B -0--2--------------|-----------3--|
G -0--3--2h4-2-------|-----------4--|
D -0-----------4-2---|-----0h4-2-4--|
A -2---------------0-|-0h2-------2--|
E -3-----------------|-----------2--|
G D A Bm
G D A Bm
VERSE:
G
Old friend,
D
It’s been awhile,
A Bm
I ain’t spoke to you in years,
G
And often times,
D
Boys from this town,
A Bm
Put wheels down and disappear,
G
Mrs. Cole asked about you
D
Just three days back,
A Bm
And I had no answer to give her,
G D
I told her that you moved way out west,
A Bm
To write some songs and grow a little more bitter,
G D
The kids talk about you around here
A Bm
Like you’re some kind of legend
G D
I wonder if they know a thousand sunrises ago
A Bm Bm
You were eager just like them.
CHORUS:
G D
But if you ever decide to bring your pain and your pride
A Bm
Back to this side of Oklahoma City,
G
There’ll be a porch light on,
D
From the post you leaned on
A Bm
Before you wound up on the wrong side of pity,
G D
And often times I pray for you and often times I don’t,
A Bm
Is it the goodbyes that haunt you or the fear of new hellos,
G D
You won't stay for long 'cause you won’t stop your running,
A Bm
Wait for tomorrow until tomorrow’s not coming.
INSTRUMENTAL:
G D A Bm
G D A Bm
G D A Bm Bm
VERSE:
G D
Heard you landed in Tulsa while he slipped away,
A Bm
Is that the reason your fleeing the fields we hauled hay,
G D
Heat this July or the dark last December,
A Bm
Look in my eyes and you might remember,
G D
Weed out in Norman, the Stillwater strip,
A Bm Bm
Run far enough boy and you’re bound to trip.
CHORUS:
G D
But if you ever decide to bring your pain and your pride
A Bm
Back to this side of Oklahoma City,
G
There’ll be a porch light on,
D
From the post you leaned on
A Bm
Before you wound up on the wrong side of pity,
G D
And often times I pray for you and often times I don’t,
A Bm
Is it the goodbyes that haunt you or the fear of new hellos,
G D
You never stay long 'cause you won’t stop your running,
A Bm
Wait for tomorrow until tomorrow’s not coming.
(Let's end it)
Bm G D A Bm
G D A Bm
CHORUS:
G D
If you ever decide to bring your pain and your pride
A Bm
Back to this side of Oklahoma City,
G
Be a porch light on,
D
From the post you leaned on
A Bm
Before you wound up on the wrong side of pity,
G D
And often times I pray for you and often times I don’t,
A Bm
Is it the goodbyes that haunt you or the fear of new hellos,
G D
Never stay for long 'cause you won’t stop your running,
A Bm
Wait for tomorrow until tomorrow’s not coming.
OUTRO:
G D A Bm
G D A Bm
G D A Bm
G D A Bm
How to play "Oklahoma City" by Bryan Zach on the guitar involves a mix of
chord progressions and a distinctive intro riff that captures the song's heartfelt
narrative and melodic warmth. This tutorial will walk you through the chords,
riff, and structure, helping you convey the song's essence.
Intro Riff and Chords:
The song starts with a unique riff that leads into the chord progression D, A, Bm,
and then introduces G. The intro riff is a blend of single notes and chords that
sets the emotional tone for the song. Here's how to approach it:
Start by playing the D chord, then add the riff elements on the G and D strings,
leading into the A and Bm chords.
Transition to the G chord, followed by D, and repeat the pattern, ending on Bm.
Practice the transition between the riff and the chords smoothly to maintain
the intro's flowing nature.
Verse Chord Progression:
The verses maintain a progression of G, D, A, Bm, which supports
the song's storytelling. This progression is played with a strumming pattern
that emphasizes the song's reflective mood. The lyrics, combined with these
chords, paint a vivid picture of nostalgia and longing.
Chorus Dynamics:
The chorus uses the same chord progression as the verses (G, D, A, Bm) but
with a shift in dynamics to highlight the emotional climax of the song.
The chorus is where the song's message is most poignant, reflecting
on the themes of return and remembrance.
Instrumental Section:
An instrumental break follows the chorus, allowing for a musical reflection
on the themes presented. The instrumental section repeats
the G, D, A, Bm progression, providing a moment of contemplation
within the song's structure.
Playing Techniques and Tips:
- Strumming Pattern: For the verses and chorus, use a strumming pattern
that complements the song's narrative tone. A mix of down and upstrokes
can effectively convey the emotional depth of the lyrics.
- Dynamics: Pay attention to the song's emotional highs and lows, adjusting
your playing dynamics to reflect the shifts from the introspective verses to
the more resolved chorus.
- Emotional Delivery: The key to effectively conveying "Oklahoma City" lies
in the emotional delivery. Let the chord transitions and your strumming reflect
the nuances of the lyrics, creating a cohesive and emotionally resonant performance.
|
