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Private Investigations

Chords

4.8136 votes

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Lyrics & ChordsClick chords to see diagrams

[Intro]
Em
        Bm/D-
A/C#        G/B
F/A         B7/A
Em/G        Gdim
Am6/F#      B7
[Verse 1]
Em
   Em7It's a mystery to me Bm/D- the game commences
   For the usual fee A/C#- plus expenses
   G/BConfidential information F/A- it's in a diary
   B7/AThis is my investigation Em/G- it's not a public inquiry
[Instrumental]
Gdim       Am6/F#
B7         Em
[Verse 2]
   EmI go checking out the reports Bm/D- digging up the dirt
   You get to meet in all sorts A/C#- in this line of work
   G/BTreachery and treason F/A- there's always an excuse for it
   B7/AAnd when I find the reason Em/G- I still can't get used to it
[Instrumental]
Gdim       Am6/F#
B7         Em     D7/F#
[Chorus]
   GAnd what have you got Dat the end of the day?
   AmWhat have you got Em- to take aDway?
   GA bottle of whiskCy - Dand a new set of lies
   CBlinds on the windows and a B7pain behind the eyes
[Instrumental]
Em        Bm/D
Bm D       A/C#
G/B        F/A
B7/A       Em/G
Edim       Am6
B7         Em
[Bridge]
      GdimScarred for life Am6/F#- no compensation
      B7Private investigations
[Outro]
Em7               Em6
           Em7-
Emsus4         Em7  Em6  
Emsus4         Em   B   F#  Em  
Em7

All chords in this song (22)

The story behind the song

"Private Investigations," from Dire Straits' album Love over Gold, delves into the stark reality of detective work. The song explores the idea that at the end of the day, a private investigator might be left with nothing more than what they started with, a sense of futility despite their efforts. It begins with a slow piano and classical guitar accompanying spoken verses, building into a bass-driven beat with electric guitar chords, and concluding with an interplay of acoustic guitar and marimba. It's a journey into the quiet disillusionment that can accompany a life spent uncovering secrets.

AI-written from these sources:Private Investigations (song) — Wikipedia ↗Dire Straits — Wikipedia ↗MusicBrainz ↗

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Private Investigations

by Dire Straits

Lyrics & chords · Original key

Chords in this song · guitar

Bm/D

A/C#

G/B

F/A

B7/A

Em/G

Gdim

Am6/F#

Em7

D7/F#

Edim

Am6

Em6

[Intro]

Bm/D

A/C# G/B

F/A B7/A

Em/G Gdim

Am6/F# B7

[Verse 1]

Em7 Bm/D

It's a mystery to me - the game commences

A/C#

For the usual fee - plus expenses

G/B F/A

Confidential information - it's in a diary

B7/A Em/G

This is my investigation - it's not a public inquiry

[Instrumental]

Gdim Am6/F#

B7 Em

[Verse 2]

Em Bm/D

I go checking out the reports - digging up the dirt

A/C#

You get to meet in all sorts - in this line of work

G/B F/A

Treachery and treason - there's always an excuse for it

B7/A Em/G

And when I find the reason - I still can't get used to it

[Instrumental]

Gdim Am6/F#

B7 Em D7/F#

[Chorus]

G D

And what have you got at the end of the day?

Am Em D

What have you got - to take away?

G C D

A bottle of whisky - and a new set of lies

C B7

Blinds on the windows and a pain behind the eyes

[Instrumental]

Em Bm/D

Bm D A/C#

G/B F/A

B7/A Em/G

Edim Am6

B7 Em

[Bridge]

Gdim Am6/F#

Scarred for life - no compensation

Private investigations

[Outro]

Em7 Em6

Em7

Em7 Em6

Emsus4

Em B F# Em

Emsus4

Em7

About Private Investigations Chords by Dire Straits

Learn how to play Private Investigations by Dire Straits with free guitar chords, lyrics, and interactive chord diagrams. Search for “Private Investigations chords”, “Private Investigations guitar chords”, or “Dire Straits Private Investigations chords” and you will find this page — transpose to any key, tap chords for diagrams, and use auto-scroll while you play. Perfect for beginners looking for easy Private Investigations chords and for experienced players who want accurate Private Investigations lyrics and chords in one place. Common chords in this song include Em, Bm/D, A/C#, G/B, F/A, B7/A.

FAQ — Private Investigations by Dire Straits

How do I play "Private Investigations" by Dire Straits on guitar?

Open the free chords for "Private Investigations" by Dire Straits on Free Chord Book. Tap any chord to see its diagram, use transpose to change the key, and turn on auto-scroll to play hands-free.

Are the chords for "Private Investigations" by Dire Straits free?

Yes. The chords for "Private Investigations" by Dire Straits are 100% free on Free Chord Book — no sign-up required.

Can I transpose "Private Investigations" to a different key?

Yes. Use the transpose buttons on the song page to shift "Private Investigations" up or down by half-steps so it matches your vocal range or capo position.

Can I see chord diagrams for "Private Investigations"?

Yes. Tap any chord in "Private Investigations" to instantly see an interactive guitar chord diagram with alternate fingerings.

Is "Private Investigations" easy to play on guitar?

Many players learn "Private Investigations" by Dire Straits with our free chords. Use transpose and chord diagrams to simplify tricky shapes, and browse related songs by Dire Straits below.

What key is "Private Investigations" in?

The chords for "Private Investigations" show the original chord names (including Em, Bm/D, A/C#, G/B, F/A, B7/A). Use transpose to move the song into any key that fits your voice or capo.