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Present Tense

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Dmajor

90BPM

Lyrics & ChordsClick chords to see diagrams

[Intro]
 D   Em   G4x
[Verse]
Yes, I'm heDreEm  G  
And yes, as per, I feDel weirdEm  G  
A terDrifying worEmry in the baGck of my head
And it gets worDse when you Emare neaGr
It's a subtle kind of tenDsion (suEmbtle kind of tenGsion)
A permanent suspDension (permEmanent suspeGnsion)
Every musDcle in my boEmdy primed to snGap
With nervous apDprehensiEmonG  
Regretting the chEmoices that we made
[Chorus]
You're either living sDix months iEmnto the fuGture
Or looking tDen years iEmnto the pGast
You're searching for ansDwers
In toEmugh circumsGtances
But I juDst need a moEmment that lGasts
Give me something that lasts
[Instrumental]
 D   Em   G2x
[Verse]
You lost your lucky purple DlighterEm  G  
On the Megabus to BrDightonEm  G  
But on the wDay you read a zEmine that made you thGink
You'd be a good Anarcho wrDiterEm  G  
But not even VoDltairiEmne de ClGeyre
Could sucDcessfully get Emyou theGre
Without a liDst of aspiraEmtions gushing oGut of your pen
As you stDewed in that Emsticky chGair
Regretting the choEmices that we made
[Chorus]
You're either living sDix months iEmnto the fuGture
Or looking tDen years iEmnto the pGast
You're searching for ansDwers
In toEmugh circumsGtances
But I juDst need a moEmment that lGasts
Give me something that lasts
[Instrumental]
 D   Em   G4x
You're wisEmhing your life away
Or lonGging for bygone days
Oh would you gDive me a fuEmcking breGak?
Cause they won't come bDackEm  G  
So give me something that laDstsEm  G  
So give me something that laDstsEm  G  
You're sDearching for anEmswers in toGugh circumstDances but I jEmust need something that lasts
SGo give me something that lastsD  

All chords in this song (3)

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Present Tense

by Martha

Lyrics & chords · Original key

Chords in this song · guitar

[Intro]

D Em G

[Verse]

D Em G

Yes, I'm here

D Em G

And yes, as per, I feel weird

D Em G

A terrifying worry in the back of my head

D Em G

And it gets worse when you are near

D Em G

It's a subtle kind of tension (subtle kind of tension)

D Em G

A permanent suspension (permanent suspension)

D Em G

Every muscle in my body primed to snap

D Em G

With nervous apprehension

Regretting the choices that we made

[Chorus]

D Em G

You're either living six months into the future

D Em G

Or looking ten years into the past

You're searching for answers

Em G

In tough circumstances

D Em G

But I just need a moment that lasts

Give me something that lasts

[Instrumental]

D Em G

[Verse]

D Em G

You lost your lucky purple lighter

D Em G

On the Megabus to Brighton

D Em G

But on the way you read a zine that made you think

D Em G

You'd be a good Anarcho writer

D Em G

But not even Voltairine de Cleyre

D Em G

Could successfully get you there

D Em G

Without a list of aspirations gushing out of your pen

D Em G

As you stewed in that sticky chair

Regretting the choices that we made

[Chorus]

D Em G

You're either living six months into the future

D Em G

Or looking ten years into the past

You're searching for answers

Em G

In tough circumstances

D Em G

But I just need a moment that lasts

Give me something that lasts

[Instrumental]

D Em G

You're wishing your life away

Or longing for bygone days

D Em G

Oh would you give me a fucking break?

D Em G

Cause they won't come back

D Em G

So give me something that lasts

D Em G

So give me something that lasts

D Em G D Em

You're searching for answers in tough circumstances but I just need something that lasts

G D

So give me something that lasts

About Present Tense Chords by Martha

Learn how to play Present Tense by Martha with free guitar chords, lyrics, and interactive chord diagrams. Search for “Present Tense chords”, “Present Tense guitar chords”, or “Martha Present Tense 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 Present Tense chords and for experienced players who want accurate Present Tense lyrics and chords in one place. Common chords in this song include D, Em, G, A.

FAQ — Present Tense by Martha

How do I play "Present Tense" by Martha on guitar?

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Are the chords for "Present Tense" by Martha free?

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Can I transpose "Present Tense" to a different key?

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

Can I see chord diagrams for "Present Tense"?

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

Is "Present Tense" easy to play on guitar?

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

What key is "Present Tense" in?

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