Quicksand

Chords
4.551 votes
15
Original
Lyrics & ChordsClick chords to see diagrams
QUICKSAND- David Bowie
[Intro] G   Am   G   Am   G   Am   G  Am  
[Verse 1]
I'm Ccloser to the Golden Dawn
Immersed in Crowley's uniform of imagGery
I'm lCiving in a silent film
Portraying Himmler's sacred realm of dreGam reality
I'm fEbrightened by the total goal
F(VII)
I'm drawing to the ragged hole
G   Em(N.C.) C  
And I ain't got the power anymore
No I aCin't got the pCmaj7ower anyGmoreAm  Am  Asus2  A  
[Verse 2]
I'm the twDisted name on Garbo's eyes
I'm living proof of Churchill's lies, I'm deAstiny
I'm tDorn between the light and dark
Where others see their targets, divine syAmmetry
SFhould I kiss the viper's fang
Or hGerald loud the death of Man
I'm sinAking in the quiF#mcksand of my thoDught
And I aiDn't got the Dmaj7power anyAmore
[Chorus]
DAon't belEieve in youF#mrself
Don't decB7eive with beElief
Knowledge cEmomes with death's relBmease
AAdimaaaaahhAhh aaF#maaaaC#mahhhE  
[Verse 3](chords same as second verse)
I'm not a prophet or a stone age man
Just a mortal with potential of a superman, I'm living on
I'm tethered to the logic of Homo Sapien
Can't take my eyes from the great salvation of bullshit faith
If I don't explain what you ought to know
You can tell me all about it on the next Bardo
I'm sinking in the quicksand of my thought
And I ain't got the power anymore
[Chorus]
DAon't belEieve in youF#mrself
Don't decD#dim7eive with belieEf
Knowledge cEdim7omes with death's Bmrelease
AF#dim7aaaaahhhh AaaaaF#maaahC#mhhE  
DAon't belEieve in youF#mrself
Don't decD#dim7eive with belieEf
Knowledge cEdim7omes with death's Bmrelease
AF#dim7aaaaahhhh AaaaaF#maaahC#mhhE  
Adim: x 0 1 2 1 2
All chords in this song (20)

The story behind the song

"Quicksand" is a song born from a period of confusion, reflecting a blend of narrative and surrealism. Lyrically, this 1971 track from the album Hunky Dory delves into themes of Buddhism, occultism, and Nietzsche's concept of the Superman, even referencing figures like Aleister Crowley and the Golden Dawn. It’s a ballad featuring multi-tracked acoustic guitars and a string arrangement, with the producer aiming for a powerful acoustic sound. Playing this song can feel like navigating a complex internal landscape, full of philosophical and mystical musings.

🎸 Tips from players

Got a tip for playing this song — capo position, easier chords, strumming? Be the first to share one.

About Quicksand Chords by David Bowie

Learn how to play Quicksand by David Bowie with free guitar chords, lyrics, and interactive chord diagrams. Search for “Quicksand chords”, “Quicksand guitar chords”, or “David Bowie Quicksand 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 Quicksand chords and for experienced players who want accurate Quicksand lyrics and chords in one place. Common chords in this song include G, Am, C, Eb, F, Em.

FAQ — Quicksand by David Bowie

How do I play "Quicksand" by David Bowie on guitar?

Open the free chords for "Quicksand" by David Bowie 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 "Quicksand" by David Bowie free?

Yes. The chords for "Quicksand" by David Bowie are 100% free on Free Chord Book — no sign-up required.

Can I transpose "Quicksand" to a different key?

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

Can I see chord diagrams for "Quicksand"?

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

Is "Quicksand" easy to play on guitar?

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

What key is "Quicksand" in?

The chords for "Quicksand" show the original chord names (including G, Am, C, Eb, F, Em). Use transpose to move the song into any key that fits your voice or capo.