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Rough Gem

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Gbmajor

90BPM

Lyrics & ChordsClick chords to see diagrams

As the other version posted here isn't entirely correct:
intro:
 F#   C#   G#m  B-> C#x2
 F#(buildup)
riff:
 F#   C#   B   Bx2
ThF#e world beat you for the sC#omething nice 
You Bworked hard, C#died poor 
F#You mined what you C#died for 
BDiamonds di di di di di C#uh 
F#You can whistle my Bname 
It's the mines, in EbmAfrica 
C#That are to blame 
F#You can Scoop out my Bbrain 
Shape it into an Ebmear and then tell C#me your pain 
F#, riff
                      F#  Ebm+
Held death at bay from the first day 
BStayed awake, C#stayed awake 
F#The rabbit was remoEbmved under the whole moon 
BLong bird, C#short road 
 F#   B   Ebm    C#x2
  F#    C#    G#m    Bx a-bunch
F#
 F#   B   Ebm    C#x2
F#Dig deep but don't dig too deep 
                                     B     Ebm   EbmEbadd2 (x68866)         C#  
When it's late you'll see the hole is empty                   and oh so deadly 
F#They want me raw and Bsmooth like glass 
They want it fast but they Ebmdon't want flaws 
             EbmEbadd2 (x68866)
I'm a girl's best friend 
                              C#    C#7(maybe not a 7, but it helps add to the tension)
Can you cut, I can cut, 'cause I'm a rough gem 
F#
 F#   C#   B   Bx2
F#who lives in those C#lights in the distance? 
BWatered down, the rain will C#help you out 
F#I had a dream, it was C#all a dream 
But it was Bruined by the sun shining in C#through me 
F#

All chords in this song (6)

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Rough Gem

by Islands

Lyrics & chords · Original key

Chords in this song · guitar

G#m

Ebm

C#7

As the other version posted here isn't entirely correct:

intro:

F# C# G#m B C#

-> x2

(buildup)

riff:

F# C# B B

F# C#

The world beat you for the something nice

B C#

You worked hard, died poor

F# C#

You mined what you died for

B C#

Diamonds di di di di di uh

F# B

You can whistle my name

Ebm

It's the mines, in Africa

That are to blame

F# B

You can Scoop out my brain

Ebm C#

Shape it into an ear and then tell me your pain

, riff

F# Ebm

Held death at bay from the first day

B C#

Stayed awake, stayed awake

F# Ebm

The rabbit was removed under the whole moon

B C#

Long bird, short road

F# B Ebm C#

F# C# G#m B

x a-bunch

F# B Ebm C#

Dig deep but don't dig too deep

B Ebm Ebm C#

Ebadd2 (x68866)

When it's late you'll see the hole is empty and oh so deadly

F# B

They want me raw and smooth like glass

Ebm

They want it fast but they don't want flaws

Ebm

Ebadd2 (x68866)

I'm a girl's best friend

C# C#7

(maybe not a 7, but it helps add to the tension)

Can you cut, I can cut, 'cause I'm a rough gem

F# C# B B

F# C#

who lives in those lights in the distance?

B C#

Watered down, the rain will help you out

F# C#

I had a dream, it was all a dream

B C#

But it was ruined by the sun shining in through me

About Rough Gem Chords by Islands

Learn how to play Rough Gem by Islands with free guitar chords, lyrics, and interactive chord diagrams. Search for “Rough Gem chords”, “Rough Gem guitar chords”, or “Islands Rough Gem 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 Rough Gem chords and for experienced players who want accurate Rough Gem lyrics and chords in one place. Common chords in this song include F#, C#, G#m, B, Ebm, C#7.

FAQ — Rough Gem by Islands

How do I play "Rough Gem" by Islands on guitar?

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

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

Is "Rough Gem" easy to play on guitar?

Many players learn "Rough Gem" by Islands with our free chords. Use transpose and chord diagrams to simplify tricky shapes, and browse related songs by Islands below.

What key is "Rough Gem" in?

The chords for "Rough Gem" show the original chord names (including F#, C#, G#m, B, Ebm, C#7). Use transpose to move the song into any key that fits your voice or capo.