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Father Mountain

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Cmajor

90BPM

Lyrics & ChordsClick chords to see diagrams

Verse             Bridge + Outro
-------------     --------------
    C/G33201x           Em022000
  Gadd432001x       D7sus2xx0210
     Amx0221x           Bbx1333x
      F13321x           Dmxx023x
      G32000x           Emxx200x
                         Fxx321x
                         G32000x
Capo 6th fret
[Intro]
C/G Gadd4 Am   F   G
[Verse 1]
While my C/Gfather built a mFansion on the mC/GountainGadd4  
I was Amchasing my TerFesa around a tGree
We were C/Gkicking precious stones, sinking sFhips and swimming home
Only cAmrazy for the comFfort of our clothesG  
[Verse 2]
While my C/Gfather built a mFansion on the mC/GountainGadd4  
My TeAmresa dragged a rFag across my bGrow
She said, "the C/Gweather's never fair, the wind can oFnly blow your hair"
And I belAmieved her well eFnough or didn't cGare
[Bridge]
Everyone Emknows and they D7sus2don't know
EmChandelier light ain't loD7sus2ve
It just Emwatches the D7sus2time go
ABbcross the marble floor, out the DmornamEmental dFoor
Even Dmrain can Emhear it Frunning off the rGoad
[Interlude]
C/G  F  C/G
Am   F  G
[Verse 3]
While my C/Gfather built a mFansion on the mC/GountainGadd4  
My TeAmresa threw me kiFsses through the cGold
We read the C/Gwriting on the wall, braced each Fother for the fall
There's only one Amway or the mounFtain after aGll
[Verse 4]
While my C/Gfather built a mFansion on the mC/GountainGadd4  
It was Amme and my TerFesa against the wGorld
We took all the C/Griver had to give, broke a bFed and bought a crib
But left the mounAmtain mansion, Fnothing to foGrgive
[Outro]
Bb
Dm  Em  F
Dm  Em  F
G   C/G

All chords in this song (9)

The story behind the song

"Father Mountain" seems to be a song of quiet departure, reflecting on the complicated legacy of family and home. The lyrics suggest a sense of leaving behind a past, perhaps a "mansion on the mountain" built by a father, without anger or regret—"nothing to forgive." It hints at a journey of independence, moving on from what was, whether through acceptance or indifference. This reflective mood fits well with Calexico's "desert noir" style, often blending introspective themes with their distinctive mix of Latin, country, and indie rock sounds.

AI-written from these sources:Calexico (band) — Wikipedia ↗MusicBrainz ↗

Story time

Father Mountain

Father Mountain

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Father Mountain

by Calexico

Lyrics & chords · Original key · Capo on fret 6 (as written in this song)

Chords in this song · guitar

C/G

Gadd4

D7sus2

Verse Bridge + Outro

------------- --------------

C/G Em

33201x 022000

Gadd4 D7sus2

32001x xx0210

Am Bb

x0221x x1333x

F Dm

13321x xx023x

G Em

32000x xx200x

xx321x

32000x

Capo 6th fret

[Intro]

C/G Gadd4 Am F G

[Verse 1]

C/G F C/G Gadd4

While my father built a mansion on the mountain

Am F G

I was chasing my Teresa around a tree

C/G F

We were kicking precious stones, sinking ships and swimming home

Am F G

Only crazy for the comfort of our clothes

[Verse 2]

C/G F C/G Gadd4

While my father built a mansion on the mountain

Am F G

My Teresa dragged a rag across my brow

C/G F

She said, "the weather's never fair, the wind can only blow your hair"

Am F G

And I believed her well enough or didn't care

[Bridge]

Em D7sus2

Everyone knows and they don't know

Em D7sus2

Chandelier light ain't love

Em D7sus2

It just watches the time go

Bb Dm Em F

Across the marble floor, out the ornamental door

Dm Em F G

Even rain can hear it running off the road

[Interlude]

C/G F C/G

Am F G

[Verse 3]

C/G F C/G Gadd4

While my father built a mansion on the mountain

Am F G

My Teresa threw me kisses through the cold

C/G F

We read the writing on the wall, braced each other for the fall

Am F G

There's only one way or the mountain after all

[Verse 4]

C/G F C/G Gadd4

While my father built a mansion on the mountain

Am F G

It was me and my Teresa against the world

C/G F

We took all the river had to give, broke a bed and bought a crib

Am F G

But left the mountain mansion, nothing to forgive

[Outro]

Dm Em F

G C/G

About Father Mountain Chords by Calexico

Learn how to play Father Mountain by Calexico with free guitar chords, lyrics, and interactive chord diagrams. Search for “Father Mountain chords”, “Father Mountain guitar chords”, or “Calexico Father Mountain 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 Father Mountain chords and for experienced players who want accurate Father Mountain lyrics and chords in one place. Common chords in this song include C/G, Em, Gadd4, D7sus2, Am, Bb.

FAQ — Father Mountain by Calexico

How do I play "Father Mountain" by Calexico on guitar?

Open the free chords for "Father Mountain" by Calexico 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 "Father Mountain" by Calexico free?

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Can I transpose "Father Mountain" to a different key?

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

Can I see chord diagrams for "Father Mountain"?

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

Is "Father Mountain" easy to play on guitar?

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

What key is "Father Mountain" in?

The chords for "Father Mountain" show the original chord names (including C/G, Em, Gadd4, D7sus2, Am, Bb). Use transpose to move the song into any key that fits your voice or capo.