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The Compromise

Chords

4.710 votes

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Lyrics & ChordsClick chords to see diagrams

-The optional (A) (B) slide at the end of the chorus progression
- Ainstead of A7  
-Corrected chords on the bridge
INTRO
C#m   A   E
C#m   A   E
   C#m     A   E(A) (B)  E(A) (B)
VERSE 1
YEou, you think it'F#s cool to be crazy
I say you're bAorn rich - stay rich
There's no point in taking Echances.
AEnd me, I wouldn't calF#l it a sophomore slump, no, I'd say
IA'm one step closer to bein' just where EI want to be
PRECHORUS 1
AF#way from this scene,
AAway from this machine, Alright!
CHORUS 1
MC#meet me Ain the Emiddle
           C#m           A  E,
Well c'mon let's make up a dance
          C#m        A        E      A   E(A) (B)
And we'll agree to call it the compromise
E(A) (B)
VERSE 2
Step Eone: find a partnF#er, grab a pen
And don't you Adare ask questions,
Just sign on the Edotted line
SteEp two: throw your F#partner behind a desk
Will then do abAsolutely nothing
So it's your job to dance and Esmile the whole time
PRECHORUS 2
F#Don't call it a trend,
F#m'cause it's the only way we think to get ahead
CHORUS 2
MeC#met me iAn the mEiddle
           C#m           A  E,
Well c'mon let's make up a dance
And wC#me'll agrAee to cEall it A7the cEompromise
TC#mhere's no Asense in cEomplainin'
           C#m           A  E,
If it doesn't change your minds
Take C#mme by Athe haEnd, leAt's coEmpromise
BRIDGE 1
BmI can feAel your feet tEouchin' mine
BmIf you can't dAance, there's sEomeone else in line
INTERLUDE
C#m   A   E
C#m   A   E
   C#m     A   E(A) (B)  E(A) (B)
C#m   A   E
C#m   A   E
   C#m     A   E(A) (B)  E(A) (B)
BRIDGE 2
BmI can feAel your feet tEouchin' mine
BmIf you can't dAance, there's sEomeone else in line
CHORUS 3
MeC#met me iAn the mEiddle
           C#m           A  E,
Well c'mon let's make up a dance
          C#m        A        E      A   E(A) (B)
And we'll agree to call it the compromise
 E(A) (B)
TC#mhere's no Asense in cEomplainin'
           C#m           A  E,
If it doesn't change your minds
       C#m        A       E       A   E(A) (B)
Take me by the hand, let's compromise
 E(A) (B)
 E(A) (B)
E

All chords in this song (8)

The story behind the song

The Format, an American indie rock band, was formed by vocalist Nate Ruess and multi-instrumentalist Sam Means. Their sound blends indie, alternative, punk, and folk with touches of 1960s and 1970s pop. The band's name itself is a playful jab at the music industry's tendency to favor a formulaic approach to hit songs. This song, "The Compromise," carries a mood that hints at the push and pull of difficult decisions, reflecting the band's independent spirit.

AI-written from these sources:The Format — Wikipedia ↗MusicBrainz ↗

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The Compromise

by The Format

Lyrics & chords · Original key

Chords in this song · guitar

C#m

F#m

A B

-The optional () () slide at the end of the chorus progression

A A7

- instead of

-Corrected chords on the bridge

INTRO

C#m A E

C#m A E A B E A B

() () () ()

VERSE 1

E F#

You, you think it's cool to be crazy

I say you're born rich - stay rich

There's no point in taking chances.

E F#

And me, I wouldn't call it a sophomore slump, no, I'd say

A E

I'm one step closer to bein' just where I want to be

PRECHORUS 1

Away from this scene,

Away from this machine, Alright!

CHORUS 1

C#m A E

Meet me in the middle

C#m A E

Well c'mon let's make up a dance

C#m A E A E A B

() ()

And we'll agree to call it the compromise

E B

(A) ()

VERSE 2

E F#

Step one: find a partner, grab a pen

And don't you dare ask questions,

Just sign on the dotted line

E F#

Step two: throw your partner behind a desk

Will then do absolutely nothing

So it's your job to dance and smile the whole time

PRECHORUS 2

Don't call it a trend,

F#m

'cause it's the only way we think to get ahead

CHORUS 2

C#m A E

Meet me in the middle

C#m A E

Well c'mon let's make up a dance

C#m A E A7 E

And we'll agree to call it the compromise

C#m A E

There's no sense in complainin'

C#m A E

If it doesn't change your minds

C#m A E A E

Take me by the hand, let's compromise

BRIDGE 1

Bm A E

I can feel your feet touchin' mine

Bm A E

If you can't dance, there's someone else in line

INTERLUDE

C#m A E

C#m A E A B E A B

() () () ()

C#m A E

C#m A E A B E A B

() () () ()

BRIDGE 2

Bm A E

I can feel your feet touchin' mine

Bm A E

If you can't dance, there's someone else in line

CHORUS 3

C#m A E

Meet me in the middle

C#m A E

Well c'mon let's make up a dance

C#m A E A E A B

() ()

And we'll agree to call it the compromise

E A B

() ()

C#m A E

There's no sense in complainin'

C#m A E

If it doesn't change your minds

C#m A E A E A B

() ()

Take me by the hand, let's compromise

E A B

() ()

E A B

() ()

About The Compromise Chords by The Format

Learn how to play The Compromise by The Format with free guitar chords, lyrics, and interactive chord diagrams. Search for “The Compromise chords”, “The Compromise guitar chords”, or “The Format The Compromise 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 The Compromise chords and for experienced players who want accurate The Compromise lyrics and chords in one place. Common chords in this song include A, B, A7, C#m, E, F#.

FAQ — The Compromise by The Format

How do I play "The Compromise" by The Format on guitar?

Open the free chords for "The Compromise" by The Format 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 "The Compromise" by The Format free?

Yes. The chords for "The Compromise" by The Format are 100% free on Free Chord Book — no sign-up required.

Can I transpose "The Compromise" to a different key?

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

Can I see chord diagrams for "The Compromise"?

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

Is "The Compromise" easy to play on guitar?

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

What key is "The Compromise" in?

The chords for "The Compromise" show the original chord names (including A, B, A7, C#m, E, F#). Use transpose to move the song into any key that fits your voice or capo.