Oh Mercy
Chords
4.69 votes
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Lyrics & ChordsClick chords to see diagrams
1/16
Sound:
Step 1 / 16Position: 4
1 index2 middle3 ring4 pinkyO open
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Tuning: Standard
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7. What Good Am I? 4:45
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[Intro]
| F#m| % | % | % |
| F#m| % | % | % |
[Verse]
We F#mlive in a political world
F#mLove don't have any place
We're F#mliving in times where men commit crimes
F#m| F#m| % | % | % |
And crime don't have any face.
[Verse]
We F#mlive in a political world
F#mIcicles hanging down
F#mWedding bells ring and angels sing
F#m| F#m| % |
And clouds cover up the ground.
[Verse]
We F#mlive in a political world
F#mWisdom is thrown in jail
It F#mrots in a cell, misguided as hell
F#m| F#m| % |
Leaving no one to pick up a trail.
[Verse]
We F#mlive in a political world
Where F#mmercy walks the plank
F#mLife is in mirrors, death disappears
F#m| F#m| % | % | % |
Up the steps into the nearest bank.
[Verse]
We F#mlive in a political world
Where F#mcourage is a thing of the past
F#mHouses are haunted, children are unwanted
The F#mnext day could be your last.
[Verse]
We F#mlive in a political world
The F#mone we can see and feel
But there's F#mno one to check, it's all a stacked deck
F#m| F#m| % | % | % |
We all know for sure that it's real.
[Verse]
We F#mlive in a political world
In the F#mcities of lonesome fear
F#mLittle by little you turn in the middle
F#m| F#m| % |
But you're never sure why you're here.
[Verse]
We F#mlive in a political world
F#mUnder the microscope
You can F#mtravel anywhere and hang yourself there
F#m| F#m| % |
You always got more than enough rope.
[Verse]
We F#mlive in a political world
F#mTurning and trashing about
As F#msoon as you're awake you're trained to take
F#m| F#m| % | % | % |
What looks like the easy way out.
[Verse]
We F#mlive in a political world
Where F#mpeace is not welcome at all
It's turned aF#mway from the door to wonder some more
F#m| F#m| % | % | % |
Or put up against the wall.
[Verse]
We F#mlive in a political world
F#mEverything is hers and his
F#mClimb into the frame and shout God's name
But you're F#mnot even sure what it is.
[Outro]
| F#m| % | % | % |
(repeat and fade)
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[Chords]
E-A-D-G-B-e
Eb6 x-3-2-2-1-x
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[Intro] (slide)
| G| % | % | C Eb6|
| G| % | G Dsus4| G|
[Verse]
GFar away where the soft winds blow
GFar away from it CallEb6
GThere is a place you go
GWhere Dsus4teardrops Gfall
[Verse]
GFar away in the stormy night
GFar away and over the CwallEb6
GYou are there in the flickering light
GWhere Dsus4teardrops Gfall
[Middle 8]
We Cbanged the drum slowly
And Cplayed the fife lowly
You Gknow the song in my heart
In the Cturning of twilight
In the Cshadows of moonlight
You can Eb6show me a new place to Dstart
[Verse]
I've Gtorn my clothes and I've drained the cup
GStrippin' away at it CallEb6
GThinking of you when the sun comes up
GWhere Dsus4teardrops Gfall
[Solo] (slide)
| G| % | % | C Eb6|
| G| % | G Dsus4| G|
[Middle 8]
By Crivers of blindness
In Clove and with kindness
We could Ghold up a toast if we meet
To the Ccuttin' of fences
To Csharpen the senses
That Eb6linger in the fireball Dheat
[Verse]
GRoses are red, violets are blue
And Gtime is beginning to CcrawlEb6
GI just might have to come see you
GWhere Dsus4teardrops Gfall
[Coda] (sax)
| G| % | % | C Eb6|
| G| % | G Dsus4| G
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Riff (guitar/bass)
E71 + 2 + 3 + 4 + A71 + 2 + 3 + 4 +
e|----------------| |----------------|
B|----------------| |----------------|
G|----------------| |----------------|
D|----------------| |----------------|
A|----------------| |0-0-4-5-6-7-6-7-|
E|0-0-4-5-6-7-6-7-| |----------------|
[Chords]
E-A-D-G-B-e
E7 0-2-2-4-3-4
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[Intro]
| E7| % | % | % |
(riff)
| E7| % | % | % |
[Verse]
E7Broken lines, broken strings, broken threads, broken springs
A7Broken idols, broken heads, E7people sleeping in broken beds
B7Ain't no use jivin', A7ain't no use jokin'
E7| E7| % | % | % |
Everything is broken
[Verse]
E7Broken bottles, broken plates, broken switches, broken gates
A7Broken dishes, broken parts, E7streets are filled with broken hearts
B7Broken words never A7meant to be spoken
E7| E7| % | % | % |
Everything is broken
[Middle 8]
B7Seems like every time you stop and turn around
A7Something else has just hit the ground
[Verse]
E7Broken cutters, broken saws, broken buckles, broken laws
A7Broken bodies, broken bones, E7broken voices on broken phones
B7Take a deep breath, A7feel like you're chokin'
E7Everything is broken
[Solo] (harp]
| E7| % | % | % |
| A7| % | E7| % |
| B7| A7| E7| % |
[Middle 8]
B7Every time you leave and go off some place
A7Things fall to pieces in my face
[Verse]
E7Broken hands on broken plows, broken treaties, broken vows
A7Broken pipes, broken tools, E7people bending broken rules
B7Hound dog howlin', A7bullfrog croakin'
E7Everything is broken
[Solo] (harp]
| E7| % | % | % |
| A7| % | E7| % |
| B7| A7| E7| % |
(repeat verse pattern and fade)
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this tab and kept to the underlying chord (mostly C).
capo: 1st fret
play: C
key: C#/Db
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[Chords]
E-A-D-G-B-E
F/A x-0-3-2-1-1
G/B x-2-0-0-3-3
F/G 3-x-3-2-1-1
Abaug 4-x-2-1-1-x
C/G 3-x-2-0-1-0
D9/F# 2-x-0-2-1-0
Fmaj7 (t)1-3-3-2-1-0
C/E 0(3)2-0-1-0
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[Intro]
| C| C G| Am| Am F/A G/B| C| % |
[Verse] 1
CRing them bells, ye heathen
From the F/Acity that dreamsC
CRing them bells from the sanctuaries
’Cross the F/Gvalleys and streams
For they’re Fdeep and they’re Cwide
And the Cworld’s on its sideF
And Ctime is running backwards
And F/Gso is the Cbride
[Interlude]
| F/A F/A G/B| C| % |
[Verse] 2
CRing them bells St. Peter
Where the F/Afour winds blowC
CRing them bells with an iron hand
So the F/Gpeople will know
Oh it’s Frush hour Cnow
On the Cwheel and the plowF
And the Csun is going down
Upon the F/Gsacred Ccow
[Interlude]
| F/A F/A G/B| C| % |
[Verse] 3
CRing them bells Sweet Martha
For the F/Gpoor man’s Cson
CRing them bells so the world will know
That GGod is one
Oh the Fshepherd is aCsleep
Where the Cwillows Fweep
And the Cmountains are filled
With F/Glost Csheep
[Middle 8]
Ring them Ambells for the blind and the Cdeaf
Ring them Ambells for all of us who are Cleft
Ring them Ambells for the chosen Abaugfew
Who will judge the C/Gmany when the game is D9/F#through
Ring them Fmaj7bells, for the time that C/Eflies
For the child that Dm7cries
When innocence F/Gdies
[Verse] 4
CRing them bells St. Catherine
From the F/Gtop of the roomC
CRing them from the fortress
For the F/Glilies that bloom
Oh the Flines are Clong
And the Cfighting is Fstrong
And they’re Cbreaking down the distance
Between F/Gright and Cwrong
[Coda]
| G| F| G| F|
| C| % | F/G C
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[Intro]
| F#m|
freely
| F#m| % |
| F#m A| E C#m| F#m A| E F#m|
| F#m A| E C#m| F#m A|3/4 E| F#m| % |
| E| % | F#m A|3/4 E| F#m| % |
[Verse] 1
F#mCrickets are Achirpin’, the Ewater is C#mhigh
There’s a F#msoft cotton Adress on the Eline hangin’ F#mdry
F#mWindow wide Aopen, EAfrican C#mtrees
F#mBent over Abackwards from a Ehurricane F#mbreeze
Not a Eword of goodbye, not Eeven a note
She F#mgone with the Aman
In the Elong black F#mcoat
[Verse]2
F#mSomebody Aseen him Ehanging aC#mround
At the F#mold dance Ahall on the Eoutskirts of F#mtown
He looked F#minto her Aeyes when she Estopped him to C#mask
If he F#mwanted to Adance, he had a Eface like a F#mmask
ESomebody said from the EBible he’d quote
There was F#mdust on the Aman
In the Elong black F#mcoat
[Verse] 3
F#mPreacher was a Atalkin’, there’s a Esermon he C#mgave
He said F#mevery man’s Aconscience is Evile and deF#mpraved
You F#mcannot deApend on it Eto be your C#mguide
When it’s F#myou who Amust keep Eit satisF#mfied
It ain’t Eeasy to swallow, it Esticks in the throat
She gave her F#mheart to the Aman
In the Elong black F#mcoat
[Middle 8]
There Dare no mistakes in life Asome people say
It is F#mtrue sometimes you can Esee it that F#mway
But Dpeople don't live or die, Apeople just float
She F#mwent with the Aman
In the Elong black F#mcoat
[Verse] 4
There’s F#msmoke on the Awater, it’s Ebeen there since C#mJune
F#mTree trunks upArooted, 'neath the Ehigh crescent F#mmoon
Feel the F#mpulse and Avibration and the Erumbling C#mforce
F#mSomebody is Aout there beating Eon a dead F#mhorse
She Enever said nothing, there was Enothing she wrote
She F#mgone with the Aman
In the Elong black F#mcoat
[Outro]
| F#m| % | % | % |
| F#m E| F#m|
| F#m E| F#m|
| F#m E| F#m| F#m
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[Chords]
E-A-D-G-B-e
F/G 3-x-3-2-1-1
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[Intro]
| F| % |
(freely)
| C| F| C| F|
[Verse]
Most of the Ctime
I’m Fclear focused all around
Most of the Ctime
I can keep both Ffeet on the ground
AmI can follow the path, G FI can read the signs
AmStay right with it G Fwhen the road unwinds
I can handle whatCever I stumble upFon
I don’t even Amnotice Gshe’s Fgone
[ C]
Most of the time
[Interlude]
| C| F| C| F|
[Verse]
Most of the Ctime
FIt’s well understood
Most of the Ctime
FI wouldn’t change it if I could
AmI can make it all match up, G FI can hold my own
AmI can deal with the situation G Fright down to the bone
I can surCvive, I can enFdure
And I don’t even Amthink Gabout Fher
[ C]
Most of the time
[Interlude]
| C| F| C| F|
[Verse]
Most of the Ctime
FMy head is on straight
Most of the Ctime
FI’m strong enough not to hate
AmI don’t build up illusion G F’til it makes me sick
AmI ain’t afraid of confusion G Fno matter how thick
I can smile in the Cface of manFkind
Don’t even reAmmember what her Glips felt like on Fmine
[ C]
Most of the time
[Interlude]
| C| F| C| F|
G AmMost of the time
G CShe ain’t even in my mind
G AmI wouldn’t know her if I saw her
G CShe’s that far behind
EMost of the time
AmI can’t even be sure
EIf she was ever with me
AmOr if I was with F/Gher
[Verse]
Most of the Ctime
FI’m halfway content
Most of the Ctime
FI know exactly where it went
AmI don’t cheat on myself, G FI don’t run and hide
AmHide from the feelings G Fthat are buried inside
I don’t comproCmise and I don’t preFtend
I don’t even Amcare if I ever Gsee her Fagain
[ C]
Most of the time
[Outro]
| C| F| C| F|
| C| F| C| F|
(repeat and fade)
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7. What Good Am I? - Bob Dylan
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[Intro]
| A E| A E| E A| E|
[Verse 1]
E A| E A| E|
What good am I if I'm like all the rest?
E A| E A| E|
If I just turn away, when I see how you're dressed
C#m| G#m| % |
If I shut myself off so, I can't hear you cry
A E A| E A| E|
What good am I?
[Verse 2]
A E A| E A| E|
What good am I if I know and don't do?
E A| E A| E|
If I see and don't say, if I look right through you
C#m| G#m| % |
If I turn a deaf ear, to the thundering sky
A E A| E A| E|
What good am I?
[Verse]
A E A| E A| E|
What good am I while you softly weep?
E A| E A| E|
And I hear in my head what you say in your sleep
C#m| G#m| % |
And I freeze in the moment, like the rest who don't try
A E A| E A| E|
What good am I?
What C#mgood am I then, to others and me?
If I've C#mhad every chance, and yet G#mstill fail to see?
If C#mmy hands are tied, must I not wonder within
C#m G#m| F#m| % |
Who tied them and why and where must I have been?
[Verse]
E A| E A| E|
What good am I if I say foolish things?
E A| E A| E|
And I laugh in the face of what sorrow brings
C#m| G#m| % |
And I just turn my back, while you silently die
A E A| E A| E|
What good am I?
[Verse] instrumental
| E| A| E A| E|
2/4
| E| A| E A| E|
2/4
| C#m| C#m| G#m| % |
2/4
| A E| A| E A|
[Coda]
| E A|
| E A|
| E A| E A| E
(freely)
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Capo: 1st fret
Play: C
Key: C#/Db
[Chords]
E-A-D-G-B-E
C/E 0(3)2-0-1-0
D7/F# 2-x-0-2-1-0
Dm7/G 3-x-0-2-1-1
Am/G 3-x-2-2-1-0
F/G 3-x-3-2-1-1
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[Intro] (slide)
| C C/E| F C/E| F D7/F#| Dm7/G|
[Verse] 1
There's a Cwhole lot of people C/Esuffering tonight
From the Fdisease of conceit
C/E FWhole lot of people D7/F#struggling tonight
From the Dm7/Gdisease of conceit
AmComes right down the Am/Ghighway
FStraight down the Cline
AmRips into your sensesAm/G
Through your Fbody and your mindC
FNothing aD7/F#bout it that's C/Gsweet
The diF/Gsease of conCceit
[Verse] 2
There's a Cwhole lot of hearts C/Ebreaking tonight
From the Fdisease of conceit
C/E FWhole lot of hearts D7/F#shaking tonight
From the diDm7/Gsease of conceit
AmSteps into your rooAm/Gm
FEats your soulC
AmOver your Am/Gsenses
FYou have no controlC
FAin't D7/F#nothing too disC/Gcreet
About the diF/Gsease of conCceit
[Verse] 3
There's a Cwhole lot of people C/Edying tonight
From the diFsease of conceit
C/E FWhole lot of people D7/F#crying tonight
From the Dm7/Gdisease of conceit
AmComes right out of noAm/Gwhere
FAnd you're down for the Ccount
AmFrom the outside Am/Gworld
FThe pressure will mountC
FTurn you D7/F#into a piece of C/Gmeat
The diF/Gsease of conCceit
ConAmceit is a diseaseAm/G
But the Fdoctors got no Ccure
AmThey've done a lot of research Am/Gon it
But what it Dis, they're still not F/Gsure
[Verse] 4
There's a Cwhole lot of people in C/Etrouble tonight
From the Fdisease of conceit
C/E FWhole lot of people seeing D7/F#double tonight
From the Dm7/Gdisease of conceit
AmGive ya delusions of grandeurAm/G
FAnd an evil eyeC
AmGive you the idea thatAm/G
You're too good to FdieC
Then they Fbury you from your D7/F#head to your fC/Geet
From the diF/Gsease of conCceit
[Coda] (guitar solo)
| C C/E| F C/E| F D7/F#| Dm7/G|
| Am Am/G| F C| Am Am/G| F C|
| F D7/F#| C/G Dm7/G| C
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Capo: 4th fret
Play: Am
Key: C#m
[Chords]
E-A-D-G-B-E
Dm/A x-0-3-2-3-x
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[Intro]
| Dm7| Dm/A| Am| % |
[Verse]
AmWhat was it you wanted?
AmTell me again so I'll know
AmWhat's happening in there
AmWhat's going on in your show
Dm7What was it you wanted
Dm/ACould you say it again?
AmI'll be back in a minute
AmYou can get it together by then
[Interlude]
| F| Em| Am| % |
[Verse]
AmWhat was it you wanted
AmYou can tell me, I'm back
AmWe can start it all over
AmGet it back on the track
Dm7You got my attention
Dm/AGo ahead, speak
AmWhat was it you wanted
AmWhen you were kissing my cheek?
[Interlude]
| F| Em| Am| % |
[Verse]
AmWas there somebody looking
AmWhen you gave me that kiss
AmSomeone there in the shadows
AmSomeone that I might have missed?
Dm7Is there something you needed
Dm/ASomething I don't understand
AmWhat was it you wanted
AmDo I have it here in my hand?
[Interlude]
| C| Em| Am| % |
EmWhatever you wanted
EmSlipped out of my mind
EmWould you remind me again
EmIf you'd be so kind
EmHas the record been breaking
EmDid the needle just skip
EmIs there somebody waiting
EmWas there a slip of the lip?
[Verse]
AmWhat was it you wanted
AmI ain't keeping score
AmAre you the same person
AmThat was here before?
Dm7Is it something important?
Dm/AMaybe not
AmWhat was it you wanted?
AmTell me again I forgot
[Interlude]
| C| Em| Am| % |
[Solo]
| Am| % | % | % |
| Dm7| Dm/A| Am| % |
| C| Em| Am| % |
EmWhatever you wanted
EmWhat could it be
EmDid somebody tell you
EmThat you could get it from me
EmIs it something that comes natural
EmIs it easy to say
EmWhy do you want it
EmWho are you anyway?
[Verse]
AmIs the scenery changing
AmAm I getting it wrong
AmIs the whole thing going backwards
AmAre they playing our song?
Dm7Where were you when it started
Dm/ADo you want it for free
AmWhat was it you wanted
AmAre you talking to me?
[Outro]
| C| Em| Am| % |
| F| Em| Am| % |
| C| Em| Am| % | Am
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Capo: 4th fret
Play: C
Key: E
[Chords]
E-A-D-G-B-E
C/E 0(3)2-0-1-0
Abaug 4-x-2-1-1(0)
Am7/G 3-x-2-0-1-0
Am/F# 2-x-2-2-1-0
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Capo 4th fret
[Intro]
| C| C/E| F| C|
| C| C/E| F| F|
| F| G| C| F|
| C| C/E| F| C|
[Verse]
Seen a Cshooting star tonightC/E
And I Fthought of youC
CYou were trying to break into another C/Eworld
A Fworld I never knew
FI always kind of Gwondered if you ever Cmade it throughF
Seen a Cshooting star tonightC/E
And I Fthought of youC
[Verse]
Seen a Cshooting star tonightC/E
And I Fthought of meC
If I was Cstill the same
If I C/Eever became what you Fwanted me to be
Did I Fmiss the mark or overGstep the line that Conly you could Fsee
Seen a Cshooting star tonightC/E
And I Fthought of meC
AmListen to the engine Abauglisten to the bell
Am7/GAs the last fire truck Am/F#from hell Fgoes rolling by
GAll good people are CprayingF C
It's the Amlast temptation the Abauglast account
Am7/GThe last time you might hear the Am/F#sermon on the mount
FThe last radio is F/Gplaying.
[Verse]
Seen a Cshooting star tonight C/E Fslip awayC
CTomorrow will C/Ebe Fanother day
FGuess it's too late to say the Gthings to you
That you Cneeded to hear me Fsay
Seen a Cshooting star tonight C/E Fslip awayC
[Coda] (Harp)
| C| C/E| F| C|
| C| C/E| F| F|
| F| G| C| F|
| C| C/E| F| C
All chords in this song (24)
The story behind the song
Bob Dylan is an American singer-songwriter, a major figure in popular culture over his long career, and often described as one of the greatest songwriters of all time. He is known for adding sophisticated lyrical techniques to folk music, infusing it with the intellectualism of classic literature and poetry. His lyrics often incorporate political, social, and philosophical influences, defying pop music conventions. Playing "Oh Mercy" can feel like stepping into a moment of poignant reflection.
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Oh Mercy
by Bob Dylan
Chords in this song · guitar
F#m
G
C
Eb6
Dsus4
D
E7
A7
B7
Am
F/A
G/B
F/G
F
Abaug
C/G
D9/F#
Fmaj7
C/E
Dm7
A
E
C#m
G#m
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Tuning: Standard
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7. What Good Am I? 4:45
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
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[Intro]
F#m
| | % | % | % |
F#m
| | % | % | % |
[Verse]
F#m
We live in a political world
F#m
Love don't have any place
F#m
We're living in times where men commit crimes
F#m F#m
| | % | % | % |
And crime don't have any face.
[Verse]
F#m
We live in a political world
F#m
Icicles hanging down
F#m
Wedding bells ring and angels sing
F#m F#m
| | % |
And clouds cover up the ground.
[Verse]
F#m
We live in a political world
F#m
Wisdom is thrown in jail
F#m
It rots in a cell, misguided as hell
F#m F#m
| | % |
Leaving no one to pick up a trail.
[Verse]
F#m
We live in a political world
F#m
Where mercy walks the plank
F#m
Life is in mirrors, death disappears
F#m F#m
| | % | % | % |
Up the steps into the nearest bank.
[Verse]
F#m
We live in a political world
F#m
Where courage is a thing of the past
F#m
Houses are haunted, children are unwanted
F#m
The next day could be your last.
[Verse]
F#m
We live in a political world
F#m
The one we can see and feel
F#m
But there's no one to check, it's all a stacked deck
F#m F#m
| | % | % | % |
We all know for sure that it's real.
[Verse]
F#m
We live in a political world
F#m
In the cities of lonesome fear
F#m
Little by little you turn in the middle
F#m F#m
| | % |
But you're never sure why you're here.
[Verse]
F#m
We live in a political world
F#m
Under the microscope
F#m
You can travel anywhere and hang yourself there
F#m F#m
| | % |
You always got more than enough rope.
[Verse]
F#m
We live in a political world
F#m
Turning and trashing about
F#m
As soon as you're awake you're trained to take
F#m F#m
| | % | % | % |
What looks like the easy way out.
[Verse]
F#m
We live in a political world
F#m
Where peace is not welcome at all
F#m
It's turned away from the door to wonder some more
F#m F#m
| | % | % | % |
Or put up against the wall.
[Verse]
F#m
We live in a political world
F#m
Everything is hers and his
F#m
Climb into the frame and shout God's name
F#m
But you're not even sure what it is.
[Outro]
F#m
| | % | % | % |
(repeat and fade)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
[Chords]
E-A-D-G-B-e
Eb6 x-3-2-2-1-x
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
[Intro] (slide)
G C Eb6
| | % | % | |
G G Dsus4 G
| | % | | |
[Verse]
G
Far away where the soft winds blow
G C Eb6
Far away from it all
G
There is a place you go
G Dsus4 G
Where teardrops fall
[Verse]
G
Far away in the stormy night
G C Eb6
Far away and over the wall
G
You are there in the flickering light
G Dsus4 G
Where teardrops fall
[Middle 8]
C
We banged the drum slowly
C
And played the fife lowly
G
You know the song in my heart
C
In the turning of twilight
C
In the shadows of moonlight
Eb6 D
You can show me a new place to start
[Verse]
G
I've torn my clothes and I've drained the cup
G C Eb6
Strippin' away at it all
G
Thinking of you when the sun comes up
G Dsus4 G
Where teardrops fall
[Solo] (slide)
G C Eb6
| | % | % | |
G G Dsus4 G
| | % | | |
[Middle 8]
C
By rivers of blindness
C
In love and with kindness
G
We could hold up a toast if we meet
C
To the cuttin' of fences
C
To sharpen the senses
Eb6 D
That linger in the fireball heat
[Verse]
G
Roses are red, violets are blue
G C Eb6
And time is beginning to crawl
G
I just might have to come see you
G Dsus4 G
Where teardrops fall
[Coda] (sax)
G C Eb6
| | % | % | |
G G Dsus4 G
| | % | |
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Riff (guitar/bass)
E7 A7
1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 +
e|----------------| |----------------|
B|----------------| |----------------|
G|----------------| |----------------|
D|----------------| |----------------|
A|----------------| |0-0-4-5-6-7-6-7-|
E|0-0-4-5-6-7-6-7-| |----------------|
[Chords]
E-A-D-G-B-e
E7 0-2-2-4-3-4
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
[Intro]
E7
| | % | % | % |
(riff)
E7
| | % | % | % |
[Verse]
E7
Broken lines, broken strings, broken threads, broken springs
A7 E7
Broken idols, broken heads, people sleeping in broken beds
B7 A7
Ain't no use jivin', ain't no use jokin'
E7 E7
| | % | % | % |
Everything is broken
[Verse]
E7
Broken bottles, broken plates, broken switches, broken gates
A7 E7
Broken dishes, broken parts, streets are filled with broken hearts
B7 A7
Broken words never meant to be spoken
E7 E7
| | % | % | % |
Everything is broken
[Middle 8]
B7
Seems like every time you stop and turn around
A7
Something else has just hit the ground
[Verse]
E7
Broken cutters, broken saws, broken buckles, broken laws
A7 E7
Broken bodies, broken bones, broken voices on broken phones
B7 A7
Take a deep breath, feel like you're chokin'
E7
Everything is broken
[Solo] (harp]
E7
| | % | % | % |
A7 E7
| | % | | % |
B7 A7 E7
| | | | % |
[Middle 8]
B7
Every time you leave and go off some place
A7
Things fall to pieces in my face
[Verse]
E7
Broken hands on broken plows, broken treaties, broken vows
A7 E7
Broken pipes, broken tools, people bending broken rules
B7 A7
Hound dog howlin', bullfrog croakin'
E7
Everything is broken
[Solo] (harp]
E7
| | % | % | % |
A7 E7
| | % | | % |
B7 A7 E7
| | | | % |
(repeat verse pattern and fade)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
this tab and kept to the underlying chord (mostly C).
capo: 1st fret
play: C
key: C#/Db
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
[Chords]
E-A-D-G-B-E
F/A x-0-3-2-1-1
G/B x-2-0-0-3-3
F/G 3-x-3-2-1-1
Abaug 4-x-2-1-1-x
C/G 3-x-2-0-1-0
D9/F# 2-x-0-2-1-0
Fmaj7 (t)1-3-3-2-1-0
C/E 0(3)2-0-1-0
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
[Intro]
C C G Am Am F/A G/B C
| | | | | | % |
[Verse] 1
C
Ring them bells, ye heathen
F/A C
From the city that dreams
C
Ring them bells from the sanctuaries
F/G
’Cross the valleys and streams
F C
For they’re deep and they’re wide
C F
And the world’s on its side
C
And time is running backwards
F/G C
And so is the bride
[Interlude]
F/A F/A G/B C
| | | % |
[Verse] 2
C
Ring them bells St. Peter
F/A C
Where the four winds blow
C
Ring them bells with an iron hand
F/G
So the people will know
F C
Oh it’s rush hour now
C F
On the wheel and the plow
C
And the sun is going down
F/G C
Upon the sacred cow
[Interlude]
F/A F/A G/B C
| | | % |
[Verse] 3
C
Ring them bells Sweet Martha
F/G C
For the poor man’s son
C
Ring them bells so the world will know
G
That God is one
F C
Oh the shepherd is asleep
C F
Where the willows weep
C
And the mountains are filled
F/G C
With lost sheep
[Middle 8]
Am C
Ring them bells for the blind and the deaf
Am C
Ring them bells for all of us who are left
Am Abaug
Ring them bells for the chosen few
C/G D9/F#
Who will judge the many when the game is through
Fmaj7 C/E
Ring them bells, for the time that flies
Dm7
For the child that cries
F/G
When innocence dies
[Verse] 4
C
Ring them bells St. Catherine
F/G C
From the top of the room
C
Ring them from the fortress
F/G
For the lilies that bloom
F C
Oh the lines are long
C F
And the fighting is strong
C
And they’re breaking down the distance
F/G C
Between right and wrong
[Coda]
G F G F
| | | | |
C F/G C
| | % |
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
[Intro]
F#m
| |
freely
F#m
| | % |
F#m A E C#m F#m A E F#m
| | | | |
F#m A E C#m F#m A E F#m
| | | |3/4 | | % |
E F#m A E F#m
| | % | |3/4 | | % |
[Verse] 1
F#m A E C#m
Crickets are chirpin’, the water is high
F#m A E F#m
There’s a soft cotton dress on the line hangin’ dry
F#m A E C#m
Window wide open, African trees
F#m A E F#m
Bent over backwards from a hurricane breeze
E E
Not a word of goodbye, not even a note
F#m A
She gone with the man
E F#m
In the long black coat
[Verse]2
F#m A E C#m
Somebody seen him hanging around
F#m A E F#m
At the old dance hall on the outskirts of town
F#m A E C#m
He looked into her eyes when she stopped him to ask
F#m A E F#m
If he wanted to dance, he had a face like a mask
E E
Somebody said from the Bible he’d quote
F#m A
There was dust on the man
E F#m
In the long black coat
[Verse] 3
F#m A E C#m
Preacher was a talkin’, there’s a sermon he gave
F#m A E F#m
He said every man’s conscience is vile and depraved
F#m A E C#m
You cannot depend on it to be your guide
F#m A E F#m
When it’s you who must keep it satisfied
E E
It ain’t easy to swallow, it sticks in the throat
F#m A
She gave her heart to the man
E F#m
In the long black coat
[Middle 8]
D A
There are no mistakes in life some people say
F#m E F#m
It is true sometimes you can see it that way
D A
But people don't live or die, people just float
F#m A
She went with the man
E F#m
In the long black coat
[Verse] 4
F#m A E C#m
There’s smoke on the water, it’s been there since June
F#m A E F#m
Tree trunks uprooted, 'neath the high crescent moon
F#m A E C#m
Feel the pulse and vibration and the rumbling force
F#m A E F#m
Somebody is out there beating on a dead horse
E E
She never said nothing, there was nothing she wrote
F#m A
She gone with the man
E F#m
In the long black coat
[Outro]
F#m
| | % | % | % |
F#m E F#m
| | |
F#m E F#m
| | |
F#m E F#m F#m
| | |
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
[Chords]
E-A-D-G-B-e
F/G 3-x-3-2-1-1
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
[Intro]
F
| | % |
(freely)
C F C F
| | | | |
[Verse]
C
Most of the time
F
I’m clear focused all around
C
Most of the time
F
I can keep both feet on the ground
Am G F
I can follow the path, I can read the signs
Am G F
Stay right with it when the road unwinds
C F
I can handle whatever I stumble upon
Am G F
I don’t even notice she’s gone
C
[ ]
Most of the time
[Interlude]
C F C F
| | | | |
[Verse]
C
Most of the time
F
It’s well understood
C
Most of the time
F
I wouldn’t change it if I could
Am G F
I can make it all match up, I can hold my own
Am G F
I can deal with the situation right down to the bone
C F
I can survive, I can endure
Am G F
And I don’t even think about her
C
[ ]
Most of the time
[Interlude]
C F C F
| | | | |
[Verse]
C
Most of the time
F
My head is on straight
C
Most of the time
F
I’m strong enough not to hate
Am G F
I don’t build up illusion ’til it makes me sick
Am G F
I ain’t afraid of confusion no matter how thick
C F
I can smile in the face of mankind
Am G F
Don’t even remember what her lips felt like on mine
C
[ ]
Most of the time
[Interlude]
C F C F
| | | | |
G Am
Most of the time
G C
She ain’t even in my mind
G Am
I wouldn’t know her if I saw her
G C
She’s that far behind
E
Most of the time
Am
I can’t even be sure
E
If she was ever with me
Am F/G
Or if I was with her
[Verse]
C
Most of the time
F
I’m halfway content
C
Most of the time
F
I know exactly where it went
Am G F
I don’t cheat on myself, I don’t run and hide
Am G F
Hide from the feelings that are buried inside
C F
I don’t compromise and I don’t pretend
Am G F
I don’t even care if I ever see her again
C
[ ]
Most of the time
[Outro]
C F C F
| | | | |
C F C F
| | | | |
(repeat and fade)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
7. What Good Am I? - Bob Dylan
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
[Intro]
A E A E E A E
| | | | |
[Verse 1]
E A E A E
| | |
What good am I if I'm like all the rest?
E A E A E
| | |
If I just turn away, when I see how you're dressed
C#m G#m
| | % |
If I shut myself off so, I can't hear you cry
A E A E A E
| | |
What good am I?
[Verse 2]
A E A E A E
| | |
What good am I if I know and don't do?
E A E A E
| | |
If I see and don't say, if I look right through you
C#m G#m
| | % |
If I turn a deaf ear, to the thundering sky
A E A E A E
| | |
What good am I?
[Verse]
A E A E A E
| | |
What good am I while you softly weep?
E A E A E
| | |
And I hear in my head what you say in your sleep
C#m G#m
| | % |
And I freeze in the moment, like the rest who don't try
A E A E A E
| | |
What good am I?
C#m
What good am I then, to others and me?
C#m G#m
If I've had every chance, and yet still fail to see?
C#m
If my hands are tied, must I not wonder within
C#m G#m F#m
| | % |
Who tied them and why and where must I have been?
[Verse]
E A E A E
| | |
What good am I if I say foolish things?
E A E A E
| | |
And I laugh in the face of what sorrow brings
C#m G#m
| | % |
And I just turn my back, while you silently die
A E A E A E
| | |
What good am I?
[Verse] instrumental
E A E A E
| | | | |
2/4
E A E A E
| | | | |
2/4
C#m C#m G#m
| | | | % |
2/4
A E A E A
| | | |
[Coda]
E A
| |
E A
| |
E A E A E
| | |
(freely)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Capo: 1st fret
Play: C
Key: C#/Db
[Chords]
E-A-D-G-B-E
C/E 0(3)2-0-1-0
D7/F# 2-x-0-2-1-0
Dm7/G 3-x-0-2-1-1
Am/G 3-x-2-2-1-0
F/G 3-x-3-2-1-1
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
[Intro] (slide)
C C/E F C/E F D7/F# Dm7/G
| | | | |
[Verse] 1
C C/E
There's a whole lot of people suffering tonight
F
From the disease of conceit
C/E F D7/F#
Whole lot of people struggling tonight
Dm7/G
From the disease of conceit
Am Am/G
Comes right down the highway
F C
Straight down the line
Am Am/G
Rips into your senses
F C
Through your body and your mind
F D7/F# C/G
Nothing about it that's sweet
F/G C
The disease of conceit
[Verse] 2
C C/E
There's a whole lot of hearts breaking tonight
F
From the disease of conceit
C/E F D7/F#
Whole lot of hearts shaking tonight
Dm7/G
From the disease of conceit
Am Am/G
Steps into your room
F C
Eats your soul
Am Am/G
Over your senses
F C
You have no control
F D7/F# C/G
Ain't nothing too discreet
F/G C
About the disease of conceit
[Verse] 3
C C/E
There's a whole lot of people dying tonight
F
From the disease of conceit
C/E F D7/F#
Whole lot of people crying tonight
Dm7/G
From the disease of conceit
Am Am/G
Comes right out of nowhere
F C
And you're down for the count
Am Am/G
From the outside world
F C
The pressure will mount
F D7/F# C/G
Turn you into a piece of meat
F/G C
The disease of conceit
Am Am/G
Conceit is a disease
F C
But the doctors got no cure
Am Am/G
They've done a lot of research on it
D F/G
But what it is, they're still not sure
[Verse] 4
C C/E
There's a whole lot of people in trouble tonight
F
From the disease of conceit
C/E F D7/F#
Whole lot of people seeing double tonight
Dm7/G
From the disease of conceit
Am Am/G
Give ya delusions of grandeur
F C
And an evil eye
Am Am/G
Give you the idea that
F C
You're too good to die
F D7/F# C/G
Then they bury you from your head to your feet
F/G C
From the disease of conceit
[Coda] (guitar solo)
C C/E F C/E F D7/F# Dm7/G
| | | | |
Am Am/G F C Am Am/G F C
| | | | |
F D7/F# C/G Dm7/G C
| | |
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Capo: 4th fret
Play: Am
Key: C#m
[Chords]
E-A-D-G-B-E
Dm/A x-0-3-2-3-x
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
[Intro]
Dm7 Dm/A Am
| | | | % |
[Verse]
Am
What was it you wanted?
Am
Tell me again so I'll know
Am
What's happening in there
Am
What's going on in your show
Dm7
What was it you wanted
Dm/A
Could you say it again?
Am
I'll be back in a minute
Am
You can get it together by then
[Interlude]
F Em Am
| | | | % |
[Verse]
Am
What was it you wanted
Am
You can tell me, I'm back
Am
We can start it all over
Am
Get it back on the track
Dm7
You got my attention
Dm/A
Go ahead, speak
Am
What was it you wanted
Am
When you were kissing my cheek?
[Interlude]
F Em Am
| | | | % |
[Verse]
Am
Was there somebody looking
Am
When you gave me that kiss
Am
Someone there in the shadows
Am
Someone that I might have missed?
Dm7
Is there something you needed
Dm/A
Something I don't understand
Am
What was it you wanted
Am
Do I have it here in my hand?
[Interlude]
C Em Am
| | | | % |
Em
Whatever you wanted
Em
Slipped out of my mind
Em
Would you remind me again
Em
If you'd be so kind
Em
Has the record been breaking
Em
Did the needle just skip
Em
Is there somebody waiting
Em
Was there a slip of the lip?
[Verse]
Am
What was it you wanted
Am
I ain't keeping score
Am
Are you the same person
Am
That was here before?
Dm7
Is it something important?
Dm/A
Maybe not
Am
What was it you wanted?
Am
Tell me again I forgot
[Interlude]
C Em Am
| | | | % |
[Solo]
Am
| | % | % | % |
Dm7 Dm/A Am
| | | | % |
C Em Am
| | | | % |
Em
Whatever you wanted
Em
What could it be
Em
Did somebody tell you
Em
That you could get it from me
Em
Is it something that comes natural
Em
Is it easy to say
Em
Why do you want it
Em
Who are you anyway?
[Verse]
Am
Is the scenery changing
Am
Am I getting it wrong
Am
Is the whole thing going backwards
Am
Are they playing our song?
Dm7
Where were you when it started
Dm/A
Do you want it for free
Am
What was it you wanted
Am
Are you talking to me?
[Outro]
C Em Am
| | | | % |
F Em Am
| | | | % |
C Em Am Am
| | | | % |
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Capo: 4th fret
Play: C
Key: E
[Chords]
E-A-D-G-B-E
C/E 0(3)2-0-1-0
Abaug 4-x-2-1-1(0)
Am7/G 3-x-2-0-1-0
Am/F# 2-x-2-2-1-0
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Capo 4th fret
[Intro]
C C/E F C
| | | | |
C C/E F F
| | | | |
F G C F
| | | | |
C C/E F C
| | | | |
[Verse]
C C/E
Seen a shooting star tonight
F C
And I thought of you
C C/E
You were trying to break into another world
F
A world I never knew
F G C F
I always kind of wondered if you ever made it through
C C/E
Seen a shooting star tonight
F C
And I thought of you
[Verse]
C C/E
Seen a shooting star tonight
F C
And I thought of me
C
If I was still the same
C/E F
If I ever became what you wanted me to be
F G C F
Did I miss the mark or overstep the line that only you could see
C C/E
Seen a shooting star tonight
F C
And I thought of me
Am Abaug
Listen to the engine listen to the bell
Am7/G Am/F# F
As the last fire truck from hell goes rolling by
G C F C
All good people are praying
Am Abaug
It's the last temptation the last account
Am7/G Am/F#
The last time you might hear the sermon on the mount
F F/G
The last radio is playing.
[Verse]
C C/E F C
Seen a shooting star tonight slip away
C C/E F
Tomorrow will be another day
F G
Guess it's too late to say the things to you
C F
That you needed to hear me say
C C/E F C
Seen a shooting star tonight slip away
[Coda] (Harp)
C C/E F C
| | | | |
C C/E F F
| | | | |
F G C F
| | | | |
C C/E F C
| | | |
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About Oh Mercy Chords by Bob Dylan
Learn how to play Oh Mercy by Bob Dylan with free guitar chords, lyrics, and interactive chord diagrams. Search for “Oh Mercy chords”, “Oh Mercy guitar chords”, or “Bob Dylan Oh Mercy 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 Oh Mercy chords and for experienced players who want accurate Oh Mercy lyrics and chords in one place. Common chords in this song include Am, F#m, E, A, D, G.
FAQ — Oh Mercy by Bob Dylan
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What key is "Oh Mercy" in?
The chords for "Oh Mercy" show the original chord names (including Am, F#m, E, A, D, G). Use transpose to move the song into any key that fits your voice or capo.