Saved

Nightswimming

Chords
4.7366 votes
Get the app
App StoreGoogle Play
15
Original
Lyrics & ChordsClick chords to see diagrams
Tuning: standard (EADGBe)
(Chords)
G: 320033
Cadd9: x32033
Aadd9: x02033 (simply remove top 3 on Cadd9)
D: xx0232
[Intro]
G C9
G D
[Verse 1]
GNight - C9swimmingD...
G   C9  A9*
deserves a quiet night.
C9   DThe..
Gphotograph on the C9dashboarDd,
G   C9  A9*
taken years ago,
C9turned around backwards so tDhe windshield shows.
GEvery streetlight C9rDeveals the
G   C9  A9*
picture in re-verse.
C9Still it's so mucDh clearer.
GI forgot my C9shirt aDt the
G   C9  A9*
water's edge. The moon is low to-
C9-night.D  
[Instrumental]
G C9
G D
[Verse 2]
GNight - C9swimmingD...
G   C9  A9*
deserves a quiet night. I’m
C9not sure all thesDe people under-
G-stand. It’s C9not like Dyears
G   C9  A9*
ago. The fear of getting
C9caught, of Drecklessness and
Gwater. They C9cannot Dsee me
G   C9  A9*
naked. These things they go
C9away, rDeplaced by every(day).
[Verse 3]
G-day. Night - C9swimmingD...
G   C9  A9*
remembering that night. Sep-
C9-tember's coming Dsoon. I'm
Gpining for the C9moon. DAnd
G   C9  A9*
what if there were two side by
C9side in orbit Daround the fairest
Gsun? That C9bright, Dtight for-
G   C9  A9*
-ever drum cannot describe night-
C9swimming.D  
[Verse 4]
GYou, I thought I C9knew youD.
G   C9  A9*
You, I can-not judge.
C9You, I thought you Dknew me. This one’s
Glaughing quietC9-ly Dunder-
G   C9  A9*
-neath my breath. Night-
C9swimming.D  
[Interlude]
[Intro]
G C9
G D
[Verse]
(w/ solo)
G C9 D
G   C9  A9*
C9   D(The..)
[Verse 5]
Gphotograph reC9-flects Devery
G   C9  A9*
streetlight a reminder. Night-
C9-swimming deD-serves a quiet
Gnight.C9  D  
G   C9  A9*
de-serves a quiet
C9night.D  
[Outro]
(w/ solo)
G C9 D
G   C9  A9*
C9 D
G   C9  A9*
C9   D   G(one strum)
Progressions
Intro (2 measures, played once)
1. G   C9  
2. G   D  
-d-u-d--u--u-d-u-d-------d---d---
1 & 2 & 3 & 4 &
Verses (3 measures, repeat as needed)
1. G   C9   D  
2. G   C9  A9*
-d---d--u--u-d-u-d---d-u-d---d-u-
1 & 2 & 3 & 4 &
then
3. C9   D  
-d---d--u--u-d-u-d---d--u--u-d-u-
1 & 2 & 3 & 4 &
Notes:
I found the previous tab hard to follow and played around with the chords
simply removing the A note off the Cchord it sounded closer to the song.
Then, by changing the Cto a Cadd9and doing the same thing, song became
extremely simple to play and still sounds great (on my guitar, actually
better this way, to me). Thus creating the Aadd9(A9)* for lack of a name.
(Sure you'll let me know the real chord)
strumming until you get the rhythm down as it's not a very complicated
song. Then by adding in base lines especially on the Gchords, and using
some middle string strumming you can make things a bit more interesting.
All chords in this song (7)

The story behind the song

"Nightswimming" captures the feeling of a shared, fleeting moment of youthful freedom. Michael Stipe's lyrics recount the experience of a group of friends going skinny dipping at night, drawing directly from similar memories from the band's early days. The song, featured on the 1992 album Automatic for the People, is a ballad carried by Mike Mills' piano, which he initially thought little of until it inspired Stipe. It’s a reflective piece, painting a picture of nostalgia for simpler times.

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

🎸 Tips from players

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

About Nightswimming Chords by R.E.M.

Learn how to play Nightswimming by R.E.M. with free guitar chords, lyrics, and interactive chord diagrams. Search for “Nightswimming chords”, “Nightswimming guitar chords”, or “R.E.M. Nightswimming 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 Nightswimming chords and for experienced players who want accurate Nightswimming lyrics and chords in one place. Common chords in this song include G, Cadd9, Aadd9, D, C9, A9.

FAQ — Nightswimming by R.E.M.

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

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

Yes. The chords for "Nightswimming" by R.E.M. are 100% free on Free Chord Book — no sign-up required.

Can I transpose "Nightswimming" to a different key?

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

Can I see chord diagrams for "Nightswimming"?

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

Is "Nightswimming" easy to play on guitar?

Many players learn "Nightswimming" 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 "Nightswimming" in?

The chords for "Nightswimming" show the original chord names (including G, Cadd9, Aadd9, D, C9, A9). Use transpose to move the song into any key that fits your voice or capo.