CAPO: 4th FRET
INTRO:
C G Am F C G C C
VERSE:
C
Mighty long shifts are for working,
G Am
Heavy dreams are for toting around
F C
Let's pretend there's a place to go
G C C
Where I can lay this hacksaw down.
VERSE:
C
And I've been trying all my damndest
G Am
To get where a kind woman lies.
F C
Ten more hours to a twelve long shift
G C C
'Til these woods turn to her eyes.
VERSE:
C
The timber cuts so cleanly
G Am
Monday morning when the blades are sharp.
F C
I get a love song stuck in my head
G C C
And cut sequoias till it's dark.
CHORUS:
F C G Am
And every hour's fourteen dollars or a chance closer to her
F C G Am
Then I'm not just a working mule, I'm the finest of the herd.
F C G Am
And I don't know who she is or if she might exist
F C G C C G Am F C G C C
But if she does I swear to love I'm destined for that kiss.
VERSE:
C G Am
And how's a man get so homesick for a face he's never seen?
F C G C C
I close my eyes while sweating and think of boys I could've been.
C G Am
But I know that it's not over 'cause I can feel her here somewhere
F C G C C
Through these trees and melodies that I'm belting to the air.
CHORUS:
F C G Am
If every hour's fourteen dollars or a chance closer to it
F C G Am
The man I thought I'd be when I was just a kid.
F C G Am
So I'll just saw away and let them all fall to the ground
F C G C C G Am F C G C C
Hope to heaven someone hears me even knowin' no ones around.
VERSE:
C
And mighty long shifts are for working,
G Am
Quiet dreams are for toting around
F C
Let's pretend there's a place
G C
Where I can lay this hacksaw down.
How to play "Quiet Heavy Dreams" on guitar.
"Quiet Heavy Dreams" by Bryan Zach is a deeply evocative song that pairs reflective lyrics with a
rich, chord-driven melody. When playing this song, you'll want to capo the 4th fret to match the
original key. Here's how to bring this beautiful piece to life on your guitar.
Chords to know (relative to capo): C, G, Am, F
**Chord Positions:**
- C Major: Index on 1st fret of B string, middle on 2nd fret of D string, ring on 3rd fret of A string.
- G Major: Index on 2nd fret of A string, middle on 3rd fret of low E string, ring on 3rd fret of
high E string.
- Am: Index on 1st fret of B string, middle on 2nd fret of D string, ring on 2nd fret of G string.
- F Major: For a simpler approach, press your index finger across the first two strings at the 1st
fret, middle on the 2nd fret of G string, and ring on the 3rd fret of D string. Or, for the full barre
chord, bar across all strings at the 1st fret with your index and position your other fingers as in
the E major shape moved up one fret.
**Strumming and Rhythm:**
A gentle strumming pattern that allows the chords to breathe works well with this song. A
down-down-up-up-down-up pattern per chord change can nicely complement the lyrical
flow and emotional depth.
**Song Structure:**
- Start with the Intro: The progression is C G Am F C G C, setting an introspective mood.
- Each Verse follows a reflective narrative, carried by the C G Am F C G C progression.
Emphasize the lyrical storytelling with your strumming dynamics.
- The Chorus lifts the melody, with a F C G Am progression that echoes the longing and hope
in the lyrics. This part may benefit from a slight increase in strumming intensity to highlight the
emotional climax.
- Repeat the Verse and Chorus structure as outlined, allowing the story and melody to
unfold naturally.
**Lyrics Meaning:**
"Quiet Heavy Dreams" explores the themes of longing, hard work, and the pursuit of an elusive
dream. The song's protagonist works tirelessly, driven by the hope of a love and a life that might
be just beyond reach. It speaks to the universal human condition of striving, dreaming, and
finding solace in the belief of something more. This deeply human story is wrapped in the
metaphor of a laborer's day, merging the physical toil with the emotional journey of seeking
connection and meaning.
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