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Fading Away

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Gordon Lightfoot - Fading Away
CAPO: 4th Fret
         Am
[INTRO:]  
[VERSE 1:]                             
I was at the breakwall, I was looking at the sea 
   D                      Am
In back of an eight ball, in some misery 
There on the horizon stood a mighty ship of fools 
          D                            Am
They were headed into the harbour with all their broken rules
[CHORUS:]
                     C             D                Am
Whenever I'm feeling lonely, I can just pick up the phone 
                   C              D             Am
Or I can go to the movies or just stay at home alone 
                         C                  D                  Am    D
They're better off to be someplace that's a good long way from home
                            C
Anyway I can't lose myself
                         D                A   G
The dawn is breaking, I'm hesitating, I'm 
D       A     G
Fading away
D       A    G  D  A
fading away 
[VERSE 2:]                             
     Am
They sailed right up to meet me, I said, "What's it all about
       D                 Am
Please try to excuse me, we can work things out
If you've ever wondered, if that mighty ship is real 
       D                                Am
Let me tell ya 'bout it brother, it was something you could feel"
[CHORUS:]
                     C             D                Am
Whenever I'm feeling lonely, I let twilight set the tone 
                   C              D             Am
Or I can go to the movies or just stay at home alone 
                         C                  D                Am
They're better off to be someplace that's a good long way to roam 
D                                        C
Ain't living high on the hog right now 
                         D                A   G
The dawn is breaking, I'm hesitating, I'm 
D       A     G
Fading away
D       A    G  D
fading away 
[VERSE 3:]                             
         Am
One more day on the calendar in my mind 
     D                         Am
I am down around the breakwall putting in some time 
The whole ship of fools has gotten safely under way 
          D                             Am
And I was proud to be a part of what it was they had to say
[CHORUS:]
                     C             D                Am
Whenever I'm feeling lonely, I can just pick up the phone 
                   C              D             Am
Or I can go to the movies or just stay at home alone 
                         C                  D                  Am    D
They're better off to be someplace that's a good long way from home
                            C
Anyway I can't lose myself
                         D                A   G
The dawn is breaking, I'm hesitating, I'm 
D       A     G
Fading away
D       A    G  D  A
fading away 
D       A    G  D  A
fading away 
D       A    G  D
fading away 

Fading Away chords and lyrics

Free chords for Fading Away by Gordon Lightfoot. Scroll the interactive sheet above or read the chord names inline below.

Gordon Lightfoot - Fading Away
CAPO: 4th Fret
[INTRO:] Am 
[VERSE 1:]                             
I was at the breakwall, I was looking at the sea 
There on the horizon stood a mighty ship of fools 
[CHORUS:]
[VERSE 2:]                             
If you've ever wondered, if that mighty ship is real 
[CHORUS:]
[VERSE 3:]                             
The whole ship of fools has gotten safely under way 
[CHORUS:]

Fading Away Chords by Gordon Lightfoot

Learn how to play Fading Away by Gordon Lightfoot with free guitar chords, lyrics, and interactive chord diagrams. Search for “Fading Away chords”, “Fading Away guitar chords”, or “Gordon Lightfoot Fading Away 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 Fading Away chords and for experienced players who want accurate Fading Away lyrics and chords in one place. Common chords in this song include Am, D, C, A, G.

Frequently asked questions about Fading Away

How do I play "Fading Away" by Gordon Lightfoot on guitar?

Open the free chords for "Fading Away" by Gordon Lightfoot 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 "Fading Away" by Gordon Lightfoot free?

Yes. The chords for "Fading Away" by Gordon Lightfoot are 100% free on Free Chord Book — no sign-up required.

Can I transpose "Fading Away" to a different key?

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

Can I see chord diagrams for "Fading Away"?

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

Is "Fading Away" easy to play on guitar?

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

What key is "Fading Away" in?

The chords for "Fading Away" show the original chord names (including Am, D, C, A, G). Use transpose to move the song into any key that fits your voice or capo.