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Bottoming Out

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Lou Reed
"Bottoming Out"
"Legendary Hearts" (1983)
[Intro]
  A    F#m    Bm   E(x2)
[Verse]
AI'm cruising fast on a motorcycle
down this winF#mding country road
And I pBmass the gravel on the foot of the hill
Where laEst week I fell off
TherAe's still some oil by the old elm tree
And a dF#mead squirrel that I hit
But if I haBmdn't left I would have struck you dead
So I toEok a ride instead
[Chorus]
Bottoming oAut, bottoming F#mout
Bottoming oBmut, bottoming oEut
[Verse]
AMy doctor says, she hopes I know
How luF#mcky I can be
AfBmter all, it wasn't my blood
Mixed in the diErt that night
But this viAolent rage that's turned inward
Can nF#mot be held by a drink
And Bmwe must really examine this and I say
E"I need another drink."
[Chorus]
Bottoming oAut, bottoming F#mout
Bottoming oBmut, bottoming oEut
[Verse]
I'm teaAring down Route 80 east
The sF#mun's on my right side
I'm drBmunk, but my vision's good
And I thEink of my child bride
And oAn the left in shadows, I see 
SomeF#mthing that makes me laugh
I aBmim that bike at the fat pothole
EBeyond that underpass
[Chorus]
Bottoming oAut, bottoming F#mout
Bottoming oBmut, bottoming oEut

All chords in this song (4)

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Bottoming Out

by Lou Reed

Lyrics & chords · Original key

Chords in this song · guitar

F#m

Lou Reed

"Bottoming Out"

"Legendary Hearts" (1983)

[Intro]

A F#m Bm E

(x2)

[Verse]

I'm cruising fast on a motorcycle

F#m

down this winding country road

And I pass the gravel on the foot of the hill

Where last week I fell off

There's still some oil by the old elm tree

F#m

And a dead squirrel that I hit

But if I hadn't left I would have struck you dead

So I took a ride instead

[Chorus]

A F#m

Bottoming out, bottoming out

Bm E

Bottoming out, bottoming out

[Verse]

My doctor says, she hopes I know

F#m

How lucky I can be

After all, it wasn't my blood

Mixed in the dirt that night

But this violent rage that's turned inward

F#m

Can not be held by a drink

And we must really examine this and I say

"I need another drink."

[Chorus]

A F#m

Bottoming out, bottoming out

Bm E

Bottoming out, bottoming out

[Verse]

I'm tearing down Route 80 east

F#m

The sun's on my right side

I'm drunk, but my vision's good

And I think of my child bride

And on the left in shadows, I see

F#m

Something that makes me laugh

I aim that bike at the fat pothole

Beyond that underpass

[Chorus]

A F#m

Bottoming out, bottoming out

Bm E

Bottoming out, bottoming out

About Bottoming Out Chords by Lou Reed

Learn how to play Bottoming Out by Lou Reed with free guitar chords, lyrics, and interactive chord diagrams. Search for “Bottoming Out chords”, “Bottoming Out guitar chords”, or “Lou Reed Bottoming Out 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 Bottoming Out chords and for experienced players who want accurate Bottoming Out lyrics and chords in one place. Common chords in this song include A, F#m, Bm, E.

FAQ — Bottoming Out by Lou Reed

How do I play "Bottoming Out" by Lou Reed on guitar?

Open the free chords for "Bottoming Out" by Lou Reed 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 "Bottoming Out" by Lou Reed free?

Yes. The chords for "Bottoming Out" by Lou Reed are 100% free on Free Chord Book — no sign-up required.

Can I transpose "Bottoming Out" to a different key?

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

Can I see chord diagrams for "Bottoming Out"?

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

Is "Bottoming Out" easy to play on guitar?

Many players learn "Bottoming Out" by Lou Reed with our free chords. Use transpose and chord diagrams to simplify tricky shapes, and browse related songs by Lou Reed below.

What key is "Bottoming Out" in?

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