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Avalanche

Chords

4.8100 votes

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Capo on fret 1 (as written in this song)

Lyrics & ChordsClick chords to see diagrams

Capo 1
Advice: when passing from C/G to Em, play the open A string.
[Intro]
Em
[Verse 1]
EmI stepped into an C/Gavalanche,Em  
it covereD/F#d up my Emsoul;
When I am not this C/Ghunchback that you see,
EmI sleep beD/F#neath a golden Emhill.
GYou who wish to B7conquer pain,
you must Emlearn, learn to serve C/Gme well.B7/F#  
[Verse 2]
EmYou strike my side by C/GaccidentEm  
As you go D/F#down for your Emgold.
The cripple here that you C/Gclothe and feed
EmIs neither D/F#starved nor Emcold;
GHe does not ask for your B7company,
Not at the cenEmtre, the centre of the C/Gworld.B7/F#  
[Verse 3]
EmWhen I am on a C/Gpedestal,Em  
You did not D/F#raise me Emthere.
Your laws do not comC/Gpel me
EmTo kneel D/F#grotesque and Embare.
GI myself am the B7pedestal
For this Emugly hump at which you C/Gstare.B7/F#  
[Verse 4]
EmYou who wish to C/Gconquer pain,Em  
You must D/F#learn what makes me Emkind;
The crumbs of love that you C/Goffer me,
EmThey’re the D/F#crumbs I’ve left beEmhind.
GYour pain is no creB7dential here,
It’s just the Emshadow, shadow of my C/Gwound.B7/F#  
[Verse 5]
EmI have begun to C/Glong for you,Em  
I D/F#who have no Emgreed;
I have begun to C/Gask for you,
EmI who D/F#have no Emneed.
GYou say you’ve gone aB7way from me,
But EmI can feel you when you C/Gbreathe.B7/F#  
[Verse 6]
EmDo not dress in those C/Grags for me,Em  
I know you D/F#are not Empoor;
And don’t love me quite so C/Gfiercely now
EmWhen you D/F#know that you are not Emsure,
GIt is your turn, beB7loved,
And it is Emyour flesh that I C/Gwear.B7/F#  
[Outro]
Em

All chords in this song (6)

The story behind the song

"Avalanche" appears on Leonard Cohen's 1971 album Songs of Love and Hate. The lyrics are based on a poem he had previously written. The song features Cohen's trademark fast, syncopated classical guitar pattern, a "chop" he acknowledged was behind many of his early works. This intricate guitar style provides the accompaniment for the recording, weaving through themes of faith, mortality, isolation, and love that are common in Cohen's work. Playing it, you can feel the intensity of these deep, often melancholic, explorations.

AI-written from these sources:Avalanche (Leonard Cohen song) — Wikipedia ↗Leonard Cohen — Wikipedia ↗MusicBrainz ↗

🎸 Tips from players

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

Avalanche

by Leonard Cohen

Lyrics & chords · Original key · Capo on fret 1 (as written in this song)

Chords in this song · guitar

C/G

D/F#

B7/F#

Capo 1

Advice: when passing from C/G to Em, play the open A string.

[Intro]

[Verse 1]

Em C/G Em

I stepped into an avalanche,

D/F# Em

it covered up my soul;

C/G

When I am not this hunchback that you see,

Em D/F# Em

I sleep beneath a golden hill.

G B7

You who wish to conquer pain,

Em C/G B7/F#

you must learn, learn to serve me well.

[Verse 2]

Em C/G Em

You strike my side by accident

D/F# Em

As you go down for your gold.

C/G

The cripple here that you clothe and feed

Em D/F# Em

Is neither starved nor cold;

G B7

He does not ask for your company,

Em C/G B7/F#

Not at the centre, the centre of the world.

[Verse 3]

Em C/G Em

When I am on a pedestal,

D/F# Em

You did not raise me there.

C/G

Your laws do not compel me

Em D/F# Em

To kneel grotesque and bare.

G B7

I myself am the pedestal

Em C/G B7/F#

For this ugly hump at which you stare.

[Verse 4]

Em C/G Em

You who wish to conquer pain,

D/F# Em

You must learn what makes me kind;

C/G

The crumbs of love that you offer me,

Em D/F# Em

They’re the crumbs I’ve left behind.

G B7

Your pain is no credential here,

Em C/G B7/F#

It’s just the shadow, shadow of my wound.

[Verse 5]

Em C/G Em

I have begun to long for you,

D/F# Em

I who have no greed;

C/G

I have begun to ask for you,

Em D/F# Em

I who have no need.

G B7

You say you’ve gone away from me,

Em C/G B7/F#

But I can feel you when you breathe.

[Verse 6]

Em C/G Em

Do not dress in those rags for me,

D/F# Em

I know you are not poor;

C/G

And don’t love me quite so fiercely now

Em D/F# Em

When you know that you are not sure,

G B7

It is your turn, beloved,

Em C/G B7/F#

And it is your flesh that I wear.

[Outro]

About Avalanche Chords by Leonard Cohen

Learn how to play Avalanche by Leonard Cohen with free guitar chords, lyrics, and interactive chord diagrams. Search for “Avalanche chords”, “Avalanche guitar chords”, or “Leonard Cohen Avalanche 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 Avalanche chords and for experienced players who want accurate Avalanche lyrics and chords in one place. Common chords in this song include C/G, Em, A, D/F#, G, B7.

FAQ — Avalanche by Leonard Cohen

How do I play "Avalanche" by Leonard Cohen on guitar?

Open the free chords for "Avalanche" by Leonard Cohen 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 "Avalanche" by Leonard Cohen free?

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

Can I transpose "Avalanche" to a different key?

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

Can I see chord diagrams for "Avalanche"?

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

Is "Avalanche" easy to play on guitar?

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

What key is "Avalanche" in?

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