The Last Time I Saw Richard

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Original
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GThe last time I saw Richard was Detroit in '68
And he tEm7old me all romantics meet the sAmame fate sA7omeday
EmCynical and drunk and boEm7ring soAmmeone in some dark caGfé
GYou laugh he said you think you're immune
Go Em7look at your eAmyes they're full of mA7oon
You like Emroses and kisses and prEm7etty Ammen to tell you all those pGretty lies
Pretty lCies when you gonna realize they're only Fpretty lies
Only preGtty lies just pAmretty lieA7sD7  
GHe put a quarter in the Wurlitzer and he
Em7Pushed three buttons and the tAmhing began to wA7hirr
And a Embar maid came by in fisEm7hnet Amstockings and a bow tie
And she said "GDrink up now it's getting' on time to close"
G"Richard, you haven't really changed" I said
It's just that Em7now you're romanticizing some pAmain that's in your hA7ead
You got tombs in your eAmyes but the sEmongs you punched are dGreaming
Listen, they sing of love so sweet, lCove so sweet
When you gonna get yourself Fback on your feet?
Oh and lGove can be so sweet Love Asusso sweetG  
GRichard got married to a figure skater
And he bA7ought her a dishwasher and a coffee percolator
And he dEmrinks at home now most nights with thAme TV on
And all the Ghouse lights left up bright
GI'm gonna blow this damn candle out
I don't want nEm7obody comin' over to Ammy table I got nothing to talk to anybody about
EmAll good dreamers pass this Amway some day
GHidin' behind bottles in dark cafes, dCark cafes
Only a dark cocoon before I get my Fgorgeous wings and fly awaGy
Only a phase these dark Amcafé daGysAsus  
All chords in this song (9)

The story behind the song

This song delves into romantic disillusionment, exploring the path from hopeful romance to cynical acceptance. It was inspired by a conversation where Joni Mitchell was told there was only one way for her to go: from hopeless romantic to hopeless cynicism. The lyrics paint a picture of a former lover's settled, domestic life, contrasting it with a past vision of love. As the final track on her 1971 album Blue, it offers a poignant reflection on how love and life can change. At its heart, it plays like a quiet, intimate meditation on the fading of youthful dreams.

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About The Last Time I Saw Richard Chords by Joni Mitchell

Learn how to play The Last Time I Saw Richard by Joni Mitchell with free guitar chords, lyrics, and interactive chord diagrams. Search for “The Last Time I Saw Richard chords”, “The Last Time I Saw Richard guitar chords”, or “Joni Mitchell The Last Time I Saw Richard 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 Last Time I Saw Richard chords and for experienced players who want accurate The Last Time I Saw Richard lyrics and chords in one place. Common chords in this song include G, Em7, Am, A7, Em, C.

FAQ — The Last Time I Saw Richard by Joni Mitchell

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What key is "The Last Time I Saw Richard" in?

The chords for "The Last Time I Saw Richard" show the original chord names (including G, Em7, Am, A7, Em, C). Use transpose to move the song into any key that fits your voice or capo.