[Intro]
A E B C#m
C#m B E A
A E B C#m
C#m B E A
[Verse 1]
A E B C#m
When I get back to Oklahoma
C#m B E A
I’ll be a little better off than I am right now
A E B C#m
And you talk so strong but you can’t stand straight
C#m B E A
How’d you fall for a man I’ve grown to hate
A E B C#m
And I can drive you by where I learned to curse
C#m B E A
He’s got his creased dress whites in an all black hearse
A E B C#m
Why’s the green more green in the east of Eden
C#m B E A
Swing on by cuz I know you ain’t eaten
A E B C#m
Did the city beat your ass like the trash you are
C#m B E A
There’s still smoke smell in your old fast car
[Chorus]
A E B
You can’t hide where you’re from
C#m B A
With nightcrawler blood on your casting thumb
A E B
You can fight and fiend and sell your guns
C#m B A
But you’ll always be the Oklahoman son
C#m B A
You’ll always be the Oklahoman son
[Interlude]
A E B C#m
C#m B E A
[Verse 2]
A E B C#m
When I get back to Oklahoma
C#m B E A
I’ll be a little better off than I am right now
A E B C#m
I can’t buy her a house like I swore I would
C#m B E A
When I was a naïve and eager child
a E B C#m
And money can’t buy no friend of mine
C#m B E A
And money can’t buy me back no time
[Chorus]
A E B
You can’t hide where you’re from
C#m B A
With nightcrawler blood on your casting thumb
A E B
You can fight and fiend and sell your guns
C#m B A
But you’ll always be the Oklahoman son
C#m B A
You’ll always be the Oklahoman son
[Interlude]
A E B C#m
C#m B E A
[Chorus]
A E B
You can’t hide where you’re from
C#m B A
With nightcrawler blood on your casting thumb
A E B
You can fight and fiend and sell your guns
C#m B A
But you’ll always be the Oklahoman son
C#m B A
You’ll always be the Oklahoman son
How to play "Oklahoman Son" by Bryan Zach on the guitar is about capturing
the essence of nostalgia, identity, and the longing for home. This song, with its
rich chord progressions and heartfelt lyrics, offers a deep dive into the soul of
someone grappling with their past and present. Let's break down the chord
progression, structure, and how to bring the emotional weight of the song
to life through your playing.
Intro and Chord Progression:
The song kicks off with an engaging chord progression: A, E, B, C#m,
cycling back through C#m, B, E, A. This progression sets the emotional
tone for the song, establishing a sense of yearning right from the beginning.
The chords build a bridge between the song's reflective verses and its poignant chorus.
Verse Structure:
In the verses, the progression continues with A, E, B, C#m, which supports
the narrative of returning to one's roots with a changed perspective. The transition
between these chords should be smooth, allowing each lyric to resonate fully with
the listener. The verse tells a story of transformation and confrontation with one's
past, underscored by the melody carried by these chords.
Chorus Dynamics:
The chorus uses the same chords but shifts the focus to the song's central message:
"You can’t hide where you’re from...But you’ll always be the Oklahoman son."
This part of the song is a declaration of identity, with the chord progression
emphasizing the inescapable nature of one's origins and the deep ties that
bind us to our homeland.
Playing Techniques and Tips:
- Strumming Pattern: Choose a strumming pattern that matches the emotional
cadence of the song. A pattern that alternates between rhythm and emphasis
on the downbeat can mirror the song's reflective nature and its moments of declaration.
- Dynamics: Play with dynamics to highlight the song's narrative highs and lows.
The verses should be played with a sense of introspection, while the chorus can
be more pronounced, bringing out the song's theme of inevitable return and acceptance.
- Emotional Delivery: The essence of "Oklahoman Son" lies in its emotional delivery.
Let the chords breathe and resonate with the weight of the lyrics, creating
a performance that's both intimate and powerful.
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