Now playing

When I Was Afraid

Chords

Listen

YouTubeYouTube SpotifySpotify AppleApple Music

C#minor

90BPM

Lyrics & ChordsClick chords to see diagrams

1/31

Tempo 80 BPMVol

Sound:

Position

Step 1 / 31Position: 2

1 index2 middle3 ring4 pinkyO openSpace = play/pause

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuning: Standard
Verse 1
C#mTime kepAt me line
C#mKept me Adefined
C#mIt kept Ame safe when F#I was afraid
C#mKept me Ain line
C#mKept me Adefined
C#mIt kept Ame sane when F#I was afraid
    E      G#    F#CoAunting the days
    E      G#    F#PaAcing the sky
E   G#  F#  A
G#Holding evEery breath C#mI had left in tiEme
Verse 2
Gravity, I can't forget
You saved my hide a thousand ways
Gravity, I can't forgive
You let me go
I fell away when I was afraid
Falling away
Out into space
Losing all my breath when I was afraid
Chorus 1
EFear was mine
G#Fear was by my side
EIt kept me well
Hell, it G#kept me alive
AI counted days as they fBaded away
AI only felt Bsane when I was afraid
Love, it held me near
You held me close
I couldn't die when I was afraid
You held me close
I couldn't die
I couldn't live when I was afraid
EFear was mine
G#Fear was by my side
EIt kept me well
Hell, it G#kept me alive
AI counted days as they fBaded away
AI only felt Bsane when I was afraid
Solo:
e|---------------------------------------------------------------------------|
B|---------------------------------------------------------------------------|
G|---------------------------------------------------------------------------|
D|--------------------------------------------------9-9-8-9-8-9-8-/13-11-----|
A|-----------------------7-7-6-7-7/9-7-6---11-11-9---------------------------|
E|0--0--2--4-4-4h5-4-2-0-----------------9-----------------------------------|

All chords in this song (6)

🎸 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

When I Was Afraid

by The Thermals

Lyrics & chords · Original key

Chords in this song · guitar

C#m

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Tuning: Standard

Verse 1

C#m A

Time kept me line

C#m A

Kept me defined

C#m A F#

It kept me safe when I was afraid

C#m A

Kept me in line

C#m A

Kept me defined

C#m A F#

It kept me sane when I was afraid

E G# F# A

Counting the days

E G# F# A

Pacing the sky

E G# F# A

G# E C#m E

Holding every breath I had left in time

Verse 2

Gravity, I can't forget

You saved my hide a thousand ways

Gravity, I can't forgive

You let me go

I fell away when I was afraid

Falling away

Out into space

Losing all my breath when I was afraid

Chorus 1

Fear was mine

Fear was by my side

It kept me well

Hell, it kept me alive

A B

I counted days as they faded away

A B

I only felt sane when I was afraid

Love, it held me near

You held me close

I couldn't die when I was afraid

You held me close

I couldn't die

I couldn't live when I was afraid

Fear was mine

Fear was by my side

It kept me well

Hell, it kept me alive

A B

I counted days as they faded away

A B

I only felt sane when I was afraid

Solo:

e|---------------------------------------------------------------------------|

B|---------------------------------------------------------------------------|

G|---------------------------------------------------------------------------|

D|--------------------------------------------------9-9-8-9-8-9-8-/13-11-----|

A|-----------------------7-7-6-7-7/9-7-6---11-11-9---------------------------|

E|0--0--2--4-4-4h5-4-2-0-----------------9-----------------------------------|

About When I Was Afraid Chords by The Thermals

Learn how to play When I Was Afraid by The Thermals with free guitar chords, lyrics, and interactive chord diagrams. Search for “When I Was Afraid chords”, “When I Was Afraid guitar chords”, or “The Thermals When I Was Afraid 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 When I Was Afraid chords and for experienced players who want accurate When I Was Afraid lyrics and chords in one place. Common chords in this song include C#m, A, F#, E, G#, B.

FAQ — When I Was Afraid by The Thermals

How do I play "When I Was Afraid" by The Thermals on guitar?

Open the free chords for "When I Was Afraid" by The Thermals 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 "When I Was Afraid" by The Thermals free?

Yes. The chords for "When I Was Afraid" by The Thermals are 100% free on Free Chord Book — no sign-up required.

Can I transpose "When I Was Afraid" to a different key?

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

Can I see chord diagrams for "When I Was Afraid"?

Yes. Tap any chord in "When I Was Afraid" to instantly see an interactive guitar chord diagram with alternate fingerings.

Is "When I Was Afraid" easy to play on guitar?

Many players learn "When I Was Afraid" by The Thermals with our free chords. Use transpose and chord diagrams to simplify tricky shapes, and browse related songs by The Thermals below.

What key is "When I Was Afraid" in?

The chords for "When I Was Afraid" show the original chord names (including C#m, A, F#, E, G#, B). Use transpose to move the song into any key that fits your voice or capo.