Now playing

Rooks

Chords

4.913 votes

Listen

YouTubeYouTube SpotifySpotify AppleApple Music

Gminor

90BPM

Lyrics & ChordsClick chords to see diagrams

Intro :   Gm-  Cm-  Gm-  Cm-  Gm- D  
when the rookGms were laid in piles
by the sides of the road
Cmcrashing into the aerials
tangled in the laundery liGmne
Cmand gathered in a field
                                   Bb-  Gm- Cm  
they were burned in a feathering pyre
with a cold black eDye
when the swalloGmws fell from the eaves
and the gulls from the spires
and stCmarlings in the millions
will feed on the ground where they Gmlie
Cmthe ambulance men said there's
                           Bb-  Gm- Eb  
nowhere to flee for your life
so we stayed insidDe
and we'll sBbleep until
the world of man is paralyzGmed
GmOh the falconer awakes
to the sound of the belBbls
overhead and southbounEbd
they are leaving his Dlife
and eacGmh empty cage just rings
in his heart like a bBbell
underneath these cold stEbars
and his trembling niDght
and he crBbies of man
"let the kingdom come to nDight
let this dream be realiGmzed"

All chords in this song (5)

🎸 Tips from players

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

Chord Book

670,000+ free guitar chords · free-chords.com

Rooks

by Shearwater

Lyrics & chords · Original key

Chords in this song · guitar

Gm Cm Gm Cm Gm D

Intro : - - - - -

when the rooks were laid in piles

by the sides of the road

crashing into the aerials

tangled in the laundery line

and gathered in a field

Bb Gm Cm

- -

they were burned in a feathering pyre

with a cold black eye

when the swallows fell from the eaves

and the gulls from the spires

and starlings in the millions

will feed on the ground where they lie

the ambulance men said there's

Bb Gm Eb

- -

nowhere to flee for your life

so we stayed inside

and we'll sleep until

the world of man is paralyzed

Oh the falconer awakes

to the sound of the bells

overhead and southbound

they are leaving his life

and each empty cage just rings

in his heart like a bell

underneath these cold stars

and his trembling night

and he cries of man

"let the kingdom come to night

let this dream be realized"

About Rooks Chords by Shearwater

Learn how to play Rooks by Shearwater with free guitar chords, lyrics, and interactive chord diagrams. Search for “Rooks chords”, “Rooks guitar chords”, or “Shearwater Rooks 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 Rooks chords and for experienced players who want accurate Rooks lyrics and chords in one place. Common chords in this song include Gm, Cm, D, Bb, Eb.

FAQ — Rooks by Shearwater

How do I play "Rooks" by Shearwater on guitar?

Open the free chords for "Rooks" by Shearwater 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 "Rooks" by Shearwater free?

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

Can I transpose "Rooks" to a different key?

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

Can I see chord diagrams for "Rooks"?

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

Is "Rooks" easy to play on guitar?

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

What key is "Rooks" in?

The chords for "Rooks" show the original chord names (including Gm, Cm, D, Bb, Eb). Use transpose to move the song into any key that fits your voice or capo.