Now playing

Mess

Chords

4.820 votes

Listen

YouTubeYouTube SpotifySpotify AppleApple Music

Gminor

90BPM

Lyrics & ChordsClick chords to see diagrams

Originally Key
Gm   Dm  Gm   Dm   Gm
VERSE 1
There was a Gmtime that i had Cnothing to Fexplain
EbOh, this Bbmess i had DmadeGm  
But then Gmthings got complicated
My Cinnocence has Fall but faded
EbOh, this Bbmess i have DmadeGm  
CHROUS
FAnd i don't belieEbve in god
So i Gmcan't be sFaved
All aFlone as Ebi've learned to be
In this Gmmess Fi have Ebmade
VERSE 2
All the Gmuntested virtue
The Cthings i said i'd Fnever do
EbLeast of Bball to DyouGm  
I know he's Gmkind and true
CI know that he is Fgood to you
He'Ebll never cBbare for you Dmore than i Gmdo
CHORUS (B)
FBut i don't belieEbve in love
And i Gmcan't be chFanged
All Falone as Ebi've learned to be
In this Gmmess
BRIDGE
I have Ebmade the same mistakes
Over and Fover agGmain
There are Gmrooms in this house that i Cdon't open Fany more
EbDusty books of Bbpictures on the Dfloor
VERSE 3 
GmThat she will never see
She'll nCever see that Fpart of me
EbI want to be for Bbher
What Di could never be for Gmyou
CHORUS (A)
FBut i don't beliEbeve in god
So i Gmcan't be Fsaved
All Falone as Ebi've learned to be
In this Gmmess i have made

All chords in this song (7)

🎸 Tips from players

Got a tip for playing this song — capo position, easier chords, strumming? Be the first to share one.

Chord Book

670,000+ free guitar chords · free-chords.com

Mess

by Ben Folds Five

Lyrics & chords · Original key

Chords in this song · guitar

Originally Key

Gm Dm Gm Dm Gm

VERSE 1

Gm C F

There was a time that i had nothing to explain

Eb Bb D Gm

Oh, this mess i had made

But then things got complicated

C F

My innocence has all but faded

Eb Bb D Gm

Oh, this mess i have made

CHROUS

F Eb

And i don't believe in god

Gm F

So i can't be saved

F Eb

All alone as i've learned to be

Gm F Eb

In this mess i have made

VERSE 2

All the untested virtue

C F

The things i said i'd never do

Eb Bb D Gm

Least of all to you

I know he's kind and true

C F

I know that he is good to you

Eb Bb D Gm

He'll never care for you more than i do

CHORUS (B)

F Eb

But i don't believe in love

Gm F

And i can't be changed

F Eb

All alone as i've learned to be

In this mess

BRIDGE

I have made the same mistakes

F Gm

Over and over again

Gm C F

There are rooms in this house that i don't open any more

Eb Bb D

Dusty books of pictures on the floor

VERSE 3

That she will never see

C F

She'll never see that part of me

Eb Bb

I want to be for her

D Gm

What i could never be for you

CHORUS (A)

F Eb

But i don't believe in god

Gm F

So i can't be saved

F Eb

All alone as i've learned to be

In this mess i have made

About Mess Chords by Ben Folds Five

Learn how to play Mess by Ben Folds Five with free guitar chords, lyrics, and interactive chord diagrams. Search for “Mess chords”, “Mess guitar chords”, or “Ben Folds Five Mess 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 Mess chords and for experienced players who want accurate Mess lyrics and chords in one place. Common chords in this song include Gm, Dm, C, F, Eb, Bb.

FAQ — Mess by Ben Folds Five

How do I play "Mess" by Ben Folds Five on guitar?

Open the free chords for "Mess" by Ben Folds Five 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 "Mess" by Ben Folds Five free?

Yes. The chords for "Mess" by Ben Folds Five are 100% free on Free Chord Book — no sign-up required.

Can I transpose "Mess" to a different key?

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

Can I see chord diagrams for "Mess"?

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

Is "Mess" easy to play on guitar?

Many players learn "Mess" by Ben Folds Five with our free chords. Use transpose and chord diagrams to simplify tricky shapes, and browse related songs by Ben Folds Five below.

What key is "Mess" in?

The chords for "Mess" show the original chord names (including Gm, Dm, C, F, Eb, Bb). Use transpose to move the song into any key that fits your voice or capo.