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Driver 8

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Step 1 / 32Position: 2
1 index2 middle3 ring4 pinkyO open
DRIVER 8
[Riff]
e|----------------------------------------------|
B|----------------------------------------------|
G|--------------------4---0---0---0---0---0-----|
D|----------------s-5----5---5--4---2---0-------|
A|---------2-0-2-3------------------------------|
E|-0-0-2-3--------------------------------------| repeat....
[Verse 1]
TEmhe walls are bAmuilt up, Gstone by G/F#stone,
TEmhe fields diviAmded one by oGne.G/F#  
AEmnd the train conductor sAmays
"Take a Gbreak driver G/F#8, driver Em8 take a Ambreak
We've been oGn this shift too lG/F#ong".
[Chorus]
ADnd the traCin conductor saysD  
"Take a Cbreak Driver D8, DriveCr 8 take a bDreak
We can Creach our destiEmnation, Em/F#but we're Em/Gstill a Em/F#ways awayEm"Em/F#  Em/G  Em/F#  
{on that part, play the Em Em/F# Em/G Em chords, or this riff}:
e|-----------------------------------|
B|-----------------------------------|
G|-----------------------------------|
D|------0-------0------0--------0----|
A|----2-------2------2-------2-------|
E|--0-------2------3------2----------|
[Verse 2]
I saw a treehouse on the outskirts of the farm.
The power lines have floaters so the airplanes won't get snagged.
Bells are ringing through the town again,
Children look up, all they hear is sky-blue, bells ringing
[Chorus]
ADnd the traCin conductor saysD  
"Take a Cbreak Driver D8, DriveCr 8 take a bDreak
We can Creach our destiEmnation, Em/F#but we're Em/Gstill a Em/F#ways awayEm"Em/F#  Em/G  Em/F#  
[Verse 3]
WAmay to seal the hated hCeat.
WGay to put myself to slDeep.
WAmay to shield the hated Cheat.
WGay to put myself, my chDsus4ildren to sleep.
He piloted this song in a plane like that one.
She is selling faith on the Go Tell crusade.
Locomotive 8, Southern Crescent, hear the bells ring again.
Field to weed is lookin' thin
[Chorus]
ADnd the traCin conductor saysD  
"Take a Cbreak Driver D8, DriveCr 8 take a bDreak
We've bCeen on this shiEmft too Em/F#long."Em/G  Em/F#  Em  Em/F#  Em/G  Em/F#  
ADnd the traCin conductor saysD  
"Take a Cbreak Driver D8, DriveCr 8 take a bDreak
We can Creach our destiEmnation, Em/F#but we're Em/Gstill a Em/F#ways awayEm"Em/F#  Em/G  Em/F#  

The story behind the song

"Driver 8" was released in September 1985 as the second single from R.E.M.'s third album, Fables of the Reconstruction. The song references the Southern Crescent, a passenger train, and its music video featured Chessie System trains. A harmonica was used in the song to mimic the sound of a train whistle. Guitarist Peter Buck later noted that the verse chords for "Imitation of Life" were unintentionally taken from "Driver 8."

AI-written from these sources:Driver 8 — Wikipedia ↗R.E.M. — Wikipedia ↗MusicBrainz ↗

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About Driver 8 Chords by R.E.M.

Learn how to play Driver 8 by R.E.M. with free guitar chords, lyrics, and interactive chord diagrams. Search for “Driver 8 chords”, “Driver 8 guitar chords”, or “R.E.M. Driver 8 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 Driver 8 chords and for experienced players who want accurate Driver 8 lyrics and chords in one place. Common chords in this song include B, G, D, A, E, Em.

FAQ — Driver 8 by R.E.M.

How do I play "Driver 8" by R.E.M. on guitar?

Open the free chords for "Driver 8" by R.E.M. 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 "Driver 8" by R.E.M. free?

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Can I transpose "Driver 8" to a different key?

Yes. Use the transpose buttons on the song page to shift "Driver 8" up or down by half-steps so it matches your vocal range or capo position.

Can I see chord diagrams for "Driver 8"?

Yes. Tap any chord in "Driver 8" to instantly see an interactive guitar chord diagram with alternate fingerings.

Is "Driver 8" easy to play on guitar?

Many players learn "Driver 8" by R.E.M. with our free chords. Use transpose and chord diagrams to simplify tricky shapes, and browse related songs by R.E.M. below.

What key is "Driver 8" in?

The chords for "Driver 8" show the original chord names (including B, G, D, A, E, Em). Use transpose to move the song into any key that fits your voice or capo.