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The Bends

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Original
Lyrics & ChordsClick chords to see diagrams
Cadd9: x32030
C7: x32310
Asus2: x02200
G6: 320030
Eadd#11: 022300 (no 3)
[Intro]
D Cadd9 G6 Cadd9 G6 Cadd9
[Verse]
WEmhere do we go from here
The wGords are coming out all weird
Where are you nCow, when I nC7eed you
AEmlone on an aeroplane
FGalling asleep against the window pCane
My blood will tC7hicken
Asus2 C7
I nEmeed to wash myself again
to hGide all the dirt and pain
Cus I’ve been sCcared that there’s nC7othing underneath
WEmho are my real friends
HGave they all got the bends
Am I really sCinking tC7his low
[Refrain]
Dbaby’s Cadd9got tG6he Cadd9bends, G6oCadd9h no
DWe don’t have aCadd9ny reaG6l fCadd9riends, G6whoa, no, Cadd9no
[Chorus]
Just lAsus2ying in the bar with my drip feed on
Talking to my girlfriend, waiting for something to hEmappen
I Asus2wish it was the sixties, I wish I could be happy
I wish, I wish, I wish that something would hEmappenEadd#11  
[Verse]
WEmhere do we go from here
The pGlanet is a gunboat in a sea of fCear
And where C7are you
They bEmrought in the CIA, the tGanks and the whole marines
To blow me aCway, to blow me C7sky high
[Refrain]
Dbaby’s Cadd9got tG6he Cadd9bendsG6  Cadd9  
DWe don’t have aCadd9ny reaG6l fCadd9riendsG6  Cadd9  
[Chorus]
Just lAsus2ying in the bar with my drip feed on
Talking to my girlfriend, waiting for something to hEmappen
I Asus2wish it was the sixties, I wish I could be happy
I wish, I wish, I wish that something would hCappen
G C G C
I wanna lGive, breathe
I wanna be part of the human rCace
I wanna lGive, breathe
I wanna be part of the human rCace, race, race, race
[Verse]
EmWhere do we go from here
The wGords are coming out all weird
Where are you nCow, when I nC7eed you
Note: Radiohead's recording is not in concert tuning. That's why it won't sound
All chords in this song (9)

The story behind the song

"The Bends" delves into themes of anxiety, insecurity, and a search for identity amidst social pressures. The lyrics, intended to be humorous by the writer, explore a sense of alienation and a longing for a different time, despite being misinterpreted by some as a serious wish for the 1960s. The song's title itself refers to decompression sickness, a condition that can arise from ascending too quickly, which some have connected to the band's sudden rise to fame. It's a structurally complex track from their 1995 album The Bends, known for its classic rock guitar riffs and soaring vocals. Playing this song channels a feeling of questioning and wry observation of the world around you.

AI-written from these sources:The Bends (song) — Wikipedia ↗Radiohead — Wikipedia ↗MusicBrainz ↗

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About The Bends Chords by Radiohead

Learn how to play The Bends by Radiohead with free guitar chords, lyrics, and interactive chord diagrams. Search for “The Bends chords”, “The Bends guitar chords”, or “Radiohead The Bends 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 Bends chords and for experienced players who want accurate The Bends lyrics and chords in one place. Common chords in this song include Cadd9, C7, Asus2, G6, D, Em.

FAQ — The Bends by Radiohead

How do I play "The Bends" by Radiohead on guitar?

Open the free chords for "The Bends" by Radiohead 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 "The Bends" by Radiohead free?

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Can I transpose "The Bends" to a different key?

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

Can I see chord diagrams for "The Bends"?

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

Is "The Bends" easy to play on guitar?

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

What key is "The Bends" in?

The chords for "The Bends" show the original chord names (including Cadd9, C7, Asus2, G6, D, Em). Use transpose to move the song into any key that fits your voice or capo.