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Tear Stained Eye

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Dmajor

90BPM

Lyrics & ChordsClick chords to see diagrams

Capo 2nd fret
[Verse 1]
DWalkin down Main Street, gettin' to Gknow the concrete
Lookin for a Apurpose from a neon Dsign.
I would meet you anywhere western Gsun meets the air
I'll hit the Aroad, never lookin' Dbehind.
[Chorus]
DCan you deny, there's nothin' Emgreater
nothin' Gmore than travelin' hands Dof time
St. Genevieve can hold back the Emwater,
but saints don't Abother with a tear stained Deye.
[Banjo Solo]
D Em G D
[Verse 2]
DSeein' traces of the Gscars that came before
hittin the Apavement, still askin' for Dmore
when the hours don't move along, worn-out Gwood and familiar songs
To hear your Avoice is not enough, is Dmore than a shame.
[Chorus]
DCan you deny, there's nothin' Emgreater
nothin' Gmore than travelin' hands Dof time
St. Genevieve can hold back the Emwater,
but saints don't Abother with a tear stained Deye.
[Solo]
D Em G D
D Em A D
[Verse 3]
DLike a man said, rode Ghard and put away wet
throw away the Abad news and put it to Drest
If learnin' is livin', and the Gtruth is a state of mind
you'll fiAnd it's better at the end of the Dline.
[Chorus]
DCan you deny, there's nothin' Emgreater
nothin' Gmore than travelin' hands Dof time
St. Genevieve can hold back the Emwater,
but saints don't Abother with a tear stained Deye.
D Em G D
DSt. Genevieve can hold back the Emwater,
but saints don't Abother with a tear stained Deye.

All chords in this song (4)

The story behind the song

"Tear Stained Eye" captures a feeling of quiet observation, walking through a familiar place and seeing the layers of history and experience etched into it. It's about recognizing the past and the "traces of the scars that came before," finding a kind of wisdom in the journey, even when it's hard. The song suggests that understanding and peace often come "at the end of the line," after enduring what life brings. As a staple of the alternative country rock movement, Son Volt, formed by Jay Farrar after Uncle Tupelo, often explores such reflective, roots-driven themes. It feels like a hymn to resilience and the quiet dignity of simply being.

AI-written from these sources:Son Volt — Wikipedia ↗

Story time

Tear Stained Eye

Tear Stained Eye

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Tear Stained Eye

by Son Volt

Lyrics & chords · Original key · Capo on fret 2 (as written in this song)

Chords in this song · guitar

Capo 2nd fret

[Verse 1]

D G

Walkin down Main Street, gettin' to know the concrete

A D

Lookin for a purpose from a neon sign.

I would meet you anywhere western sun meets the air

A D

I'll hit the road, never lookin' behind.

[Chorus]

D Em

Can you deny, there's nothin' greater

G D

nothin' more than travelin' hands of time

St. Genevieve can hold back the water,

A D

but saints don't bother with a tear stained eye.

[Banjo Solo]

D Em G D

[Verse 2]

D G

Seein' traces of the scars that came before

A D

hittin the pavement, still askin' for more

when the hours don't move along, worn-out wood and familiar songs

A D

To hear your voice is not enough, is more than a shame.

[Chorus]

D Em

Can you deny, there's nothin' greater

G D

nothin' more than travelin' hands of time

St. Genevieve can hold back the water,

A D

but saints don't bother with a tear stained eye.

[Solo]

D Em G D

D Em A D

[Verse 3]

D G

Like a man said, rode hard and put away wet

A D

throw away the bad news and put it to rest

If learnin' is livin', and the truth is a state of mind

A D

you'll find it's better at the end of the line.

[Chorus]

D Em

Can you deny, there's nothin' greater

G D

nothin' more than travelin' hands of time

St. Genevieve can hold back the water,

A D

but saints don't bother with a tear stained eye.

D Em G D

D Em

St. Genevieve can hold back the water,

A D

but saints don't bother with a tear stained eye.

About Tear Stained Eye Chords by Son Volt

Learn how to play Tear Stained Eye by Son Volt with free guitar chords, lyrics, and interactive chord diagrams. Search for “Tear Stained Eye chords”, “Tear Stained Eye guitar chords”, or “Son Volt Tear Stained Eye 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 Tear Stained Eye chords and for experienced players who want accurate Tear Stained Eye lyrics and chords in one place. Common chords in this song include D, G, A, Em.

FAQ — Tear Stained Eye by Son Volt

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Is "Tear Stained Eye" easy to play on guitar?

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What key is "Tear Stained Eye" in?

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