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Protagonist

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1/8

Tempo 80 BPM

Sound:

Step 1 / 8Position: 1

1 index2 middle3 ring4 pinkyO open

Artist: They Might Be Giants
Title: Protagonist
Album: Join Us
Tabbed by: Daniel Martin
Tuning: Standard
Chords used:
    F     A     Bb     Am    D     Gm    C     Eb
e|--1-----0-----1------0-----5-----3-----3-----6-----|
B|--1-----2-----3------1-----7-----3-----5-----8-----|
G|--2-----2-----3------2-----7-----3-----5-----8-----|
D|--3-----2-----3------2-----7-----5-----5-----8-----|
A|--3-----0-----1------0-----5-----5-----3-----6-----|
E|--1------------------------------3-----------------|
(you don't have to use these exact fingers, I just found these the easiest to play)
Also, the s are the second person talking in the song, but you can sing the whole song with one person
F
She stole my daydreams
A
She stole my air guitar 
Bb
[Exterior. Man on lawn, alone at dawn.]
F
Packed the typewriter
A
And drove off in her car 
Bb
[A battered automobile drives past state line sign.]
Am                  Bb
And now I know that I'll rue the day
Am              Bb
I let her get away
F        D
I need a haircut
Gm         C
I've got myself to blame 
F
[A gloved hand spins a combination dial quickly
Eb
opening a large wall safe.]
F
He wasn't so fine
A
To my beginner's mind 
Bb
[Motel. The other man, severe, refined.]
F
But with that big talk
A
I should have seen the signs 
Bb
[Woman enters and they embrace. He packs duct tape, rope.]
Am                      Bb
And right on her he was fixing his aim
Am                  Bb
He pushed me out of frame
F          D
I need new head shots
Gm         C
I've got myself to blame 
F
[She spins her ring to hide the diamond in her hand
            Eb
and drops a gun into a small beaded purse.]
D
Know the diff between a script and a spec
It's a test, just the stage directions left
                     F          C
And no camera angles to use, mm-hmm
D
A novice script may seem strange in this format
But like any other business
                                     F           C
It's a standard that the writer gets used to, aw-huh
F
My scenes are cut out
A
I'm just on speaker phone
Bb
(*Trumpet*)
F
For exposition
A
I'm out here on my own
Bb
(*Trumpet*)
Am                        Bb
And as the night falls on this sleepy town
Am              Bb
The iris closes down
F           D
I missed my close-up
Gm         C            F     D
I've got myself to blame
Gm         C            F     D
I've got myself to blame
Gm         C       F
I've got myself to blame

Protagonist chords and lyrics

Free chords for Protagonist by They Might Be Giants. Scroll the interactive sheet above or read the chord names inline below.

Artist: They Might Be Giants
Title: Protagonist
Album: Join Us
Tabbed by: Daniel Martin
Tuning: Standard
Chords used:
(you don't have to use these exact fingers, I just found these the easiest to play)
Also, the [  ]s are the second person talking in the song, but you can sing the whole song with one person
It's a test, just the stage directions left
But like any other business

Protagonist Chords by They Might Be Giants

Learn how to play Protagonist by They Might Be Giants with free guitar chords, lyrics, and interactive chord diagrams. Search for “Protagonist chords”, “Protagonist guitar chords”, or “They Might Be Giants Protagonist 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 Protagonist chords and for experienced players who want accurate Protagonist lyrics and chords in one place. Common chords in this song include F, A, Bb, Am, D, Gm.

Frequently asked questions about Protagonist

How do I play "Protagonist" by They Might Be Giants on guitar?

Open the free chords for "Protagonist" by They Might Be Giants 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 "Protagonist" by They Might Be Giants free?

Yes. The chords for "Protagonist" by They Might Be Giants are 100% free on Free Chord Book — no sign-up required.

Can I transpose "Protagonist" to a different key?

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

Can I see chord diagrams for "Protagonist"?

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

Is "Protagonist" easy to play on guitar?

Many players learn "Protagonist" by They Might Be Giants with our free chords. Use transpose and chord diagrams to simplify tricky shapes, and browse related songs by They Might Be Giants below.

What key is "Protagonist" in?

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