Younger Years chords
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[Intro]
Two, One, two, three, four
D D G A D
[Verse 1]
D
Johnny's in the drive and he’s drinkin' again
D
Rough crowd downtown, but they're all my friends
G A D
By the end of the night, I won’t recall my name
D
Well, my Levi jean queen, I've been here all night, see
G A D
Someday I'll take you somewhere it never rains
D
But for right now, I'm tearin' down this town
G A D
How being young is so painful and strange
[Verse 2]
D
Deborah's on the bar and she's dancin' again
D
To an old folk song that reminds her of him
G A D
She ain’t gettin’ down 'til they carry her away
D
She was his Levi jean queen, but he’s long gone now, see
G A D
End of the night, she'll get choked up by his name
D
And she'll try her best just to let him go
G A D
But she's sick and tired of his rough and younger ways
[Chorus]
G D
Lettin’ go, movin' on
A Bm
Keepin' strong and finding God
G D A
I find it awfully hard we made it here
G D
A few good friends on the longest night
A Bm
Gettin' high until we cry
G D A
Enjoyin' all the pain of younger years
[Verse 3]
D
Now I'm drunk and walkin' home all alone, my honey
D
Lookin' for a better place to spend my money
G A D
Like takin' my Levi jean queen to see the stars
D
Tougher than a lover and meaner than a fighter
D
Looks to me we got another all-nighter
G A D
I think God put us exactly where we are
[Chorus]
G D
Lettin’ go, movin' on
A Bm
Keepin' strong and finding God
G D A
I find it awfully hard we made it here
G D
A few good friends on the longest night
A Bm
Gettin' high until we cry
G D A
Enjoyin' all the pain of younger years
G D A
Enjoyin' all the pain of younger years
[Outro]
D
Johnny's in the drive and he's drinkin' again
D
Rough crowd downtown, but they're all my friends
G F#m D
By the end of the night, I won't recall my name
How to play "Younger Years" by Bryan Zach on the guitar captures the essence
of reminiscing about the past with a mix of nostalgia, regret, and appreciation for
the experiences that shape us. This song, with its storytelling lyrics and chord
progression, offers a melodic journey through the ups and downs of youth. Let's
break down the structure and how to express the song's
depth through your guitar playing.
Intro and Verse Chord Progression:
The song kicks off with an inviting intro, moving into the verses with
a progression of D, D, G, A, D. This sequence sets a reflective mood,
perfectly supporting the storytelling lyrics that weave a tale of wild nights,
lost love, and the bittersweet nature of growing up. The transitions between
these chords should be smooth, allowing the narrative
and emotional content to resonate.
Chorus Dynamics:
The chorus introduces a shift with G, D, A, Bm, emphasizing the song's
theme of letting go, moving on, and the complex process of finding peace
with the past. This section of the song serves as a heartfelt reflection on
the lessons learned and the memories cherished from younger years.
The chorus should be played with a bit more intensity, underscoring the
emotional and narrative climax of the song.
Outro:
The song concludes with a reflective outro that revisits the verse's chord
progression, providing a reflective conclusion to the song's journey.
This part of the song serves as a final reflection, emphasizing the theme
of nostalgia and the enduring impact of our younger years.
Playing Techniques and Tips:
- Strumming Pattern: Opt for a strumming pattern that complements the song's
reflective and narrative tone. A combination of downstrokes for emphasis and
lighter upstrokes can effectively convey the song's dynamic
shifts and emotional depth.
- Dynamics: Pay attention to the song's emotional highs and lows,
adjusting your playing dynamics to match the narrative intensity and
the lyrical content's emotional weight.
- Emotional Delivery: The essence of "Younger Years" lies in its emotional delivery.
Let the chord transitions and your strumming reflect the nuances of the song's
exploration of youth, love, and the poignant acceptance of life's impermanent nature.