Now playing

By The Time It Gets Dark

Chords
4.45 votes
Emajor
90BPM
Lyrics & ChordsClick chords to see diagrams
I Can Hear the Heart Beating As One [Deluxe Edition] (1997) & Prisoners of Love: A
One of my favorite songs ever!
This is a cover of a wonderful song by Sandy Denny (of Fairport Convention).
However, it deserves to be tabbed in its own right, because Yo La Tengo doesn't
play it as a straight cover; the chords in their version have a more droning
quality whereas Sandy's change around a lot. Listen to the two recordings to hear
what I mean.
For the verses, you'll keep your fingers in the same position, except that your
middle finger will walk up a bass line (E-F#-A). You can even do the quick step
up to B when switch back to Eadd9 if you want. Listen to the recording to hear
how it goes. As for the chorus, I'm not sure if it's exactly right (sounds a
little weird played along with the recording), but I think it sounds good.
Just to be clear, here's how I play these chords:
Eadd9: 022102
Eadd9/F#: 2x2102
Eadd9/A: x02102
INTRO:
Eadd9  Eadd9/ F#Eaddd9/ A  Eadd9  
Eadd9  Eadd9/ F#  Eadd9/ A  Eadd9  
Baby, every cloud has a silver lining
Eadd9/ F#  Eadd9/ A  Eadd9  
Baby every dog really has his day
Eadd9/ F#  Eadd9/ A  Eadd9  
And it matters to me to see you smiling
Eadd9/ F#  Eadd9/ A  Eadd9  
Why don't we blow all your cares away?
Eadd9/ F#  Eadd9/ A  Eadd9  
Yesterday is gone and will be forgotten
Eadd9/ F#  Eadd9/ A  Eadd9  
And today is where every new day starts
Eadd9/ F#  Eadd9/ A  Eadd9  
Got to be free like the leaves in autumn
Eadd9/ F#  Eadd9/ A  Eadd9  
You may be sad but it never lasts.
Eadd9
CHORUS:
And C#mmaybe, Bby the evening we'll be AlaughingE  
Just wait and C#msee
All the changes there'll Bbe
By the Atime it gets Edark.Eadd9  
Eadd9  Eadd9/ F#  Eadd9/ A  Eadd9  
We could go walking out in the sunshine
Eadd9/ F#  Eadd9/ A  Eadd9  
Look at all the people out in the street
Eadd9/ F#  Eadd9/ A  Eadd9  
Hurrying away to a business luncheon
Eadd9/ F#  Eadd9/ A  Eadd9  
Waiting for a taxi for aching feet.
Eadd9/ F#  Eadd9/ A  Eadd9  
Light up your face, baby, let's get going
Eadd9/ F#  Eadd9/ A  Eadd9  
Want to see a change in those weary eyes
Eadd9/ F#  Eadd9/ A  Eadd9  
We'll have some fun, take a boat out rowing
Eadd9/ F#  Eadd9/ A  Eadd9  
Why on earth should life be so serious?
Eadd9
[CHORUS] x2
Eadd9/ F#  Eadd9/ A  Eadd9  
By the time it gets dark.
Eadd9/ F#  Eadd9/ A  Eadd9  
By the time it gets dark.
Eadd9/ F#  Eadd9/ A  Eadd9  
By the time it gets dark.
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.

About By The Time It Gets Dark Chords by Yo La Tengo

Learn how to play By The Time It Gets Dark by Yo La Tengo with free guitar chords, lyrics, and interactive chord diagrams. Search for “By The Time It Gets Dark chords”, “By The Time It Gets Dark guitar chords”, or “Yo La Tengo By The Time It Gets Dark 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 By The Time It Gets Dark chords and for experienced players who want accurate By The Time It Gets Dark lyrics and chords in one place. Common chords in this song include A, E, F, B, Eadd9, F#.

FAQ — By The Time It Gets Dark by Yo La Tengo

How do I play "By The Time It Gets Dark" by Yo La Tengo on guitar?

Open the free chords for "By The Time It Gets Dark" by Yo La Tengo 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 "By The Time It Gets Dark" by Yo La Tengo free?

Yes. The chords for "By The Time It Gets Dark" by Yo La Tengo are 100% free on Free Chord Book — no sign-up required.

Can I transpose "By The Time It Gets Dark" to a different key?

Yes. Use the transpose buttons on the song page to shift "By The Time It Gets Dark" up or down by half-steps so it matches your vocal range or capo position.

Can I see chord diagrams for "By The Time It Gets Dark"?

Yes. Tap any chord in "By The Time It Gets Dark" to instantly see an interactive guitar chord diagram with alternate fingerings.

Is "By The Time It Gets Dark" easy to play on guitar?

Many players learn "By The Time It Gets Dark" by Yo La Tengo with our free chords. Use transpose and chord diagrams to simplify tricky shapes, and browse related songs by Yo La Tengo below.

What key is "By The Time It Gets Dark" in?

The chords for "By The Time It Gets Dark" show the original chord names (including A, E, F, B, Eadd9, F#). Use transpose to move the song into any key that fits your voice or capo.

Report a problem with this sheet · Copyright concern?