Avalanche

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Lyrics & ChordsClick chords to see diagrams
Album: Songs of Love and Hate (1971)
Capo 1
Advice: when passing from C/G to Em, play the open A string.
[Intro]
Em
[Verse 1]
Em C/G Em
I stepped into an avalanche,
D/F# Em
it covered up my soul;
C/G
When I am not this hunchback that you see,
Em D/F# Em
I sleep beneath a golden hill.
G B7
You who wish to conquer pain,
Em C/G B7/F#
you must learn, learn to serve me well.
[Verse 2]
Em C/G Em
You strike my side by accident
D/F# Em
As you go down for your gold.
C/G
The cripple here that you clothe and feed
Em D/F# Em
Is neither starved nor cold;
G B7
He does not ask for your company,
Em C/G B7/F#
Not at the centre, the centre of the world.
[Verse 3]
Em C/G Em
When I am on a pedestal,
D/F# Em
You did not raise me there.
C/G
Your laws do not compel me
Em D/F# Em
To kneel grotesque and bare.
G B7
I myself am the pedestal
Em C/G B7/F#
For this ugly hump at which you stare.
[Verse 4]
Em C/G Em
You who wish to conquer pain,
D/F# Em
You must learn what makes me kind;
C/G
The crumbs of love that you offer me,
Em D/F# Em
They’re the crumbs I’ve left behind.
G B7
Your pain is no credential here,
Em C/G B7/F#
It’s just the shadow, shadow of my wound.
[Verse 5]
Em C/G Em
I have begun to long for you,
D/F# Em
I who have no greed;
C/G
I have begun to ask for you,
Em D/F# Em
I who have no need.
G B7
You say you’ve gone away from me,
Em C/G B7/F#
But I can feel you when you breathe.
[Verse 6]
Em C/G Em
Do not dress in those rags for me,
D/F# Em
I know you are not poor;
C/G
And don’t love me quite so fiercely now
Em D/F# Em
When you know that you are not sure,
G B7
It is your turn, beloved,
Em C/G B7/F#
And it is your flesh that I wear.
[Outro]
Em

Avalanche chords and lyrics

Free chords for Avalanche by Leonard Cohen. Scroll the interactive sheet above or read the chord names inline below.

Album: Songs of Love and Hate (1971)
Capo 1
Advice: when passing from C/G to Em, play the open A string.
[Intro]
Em
[Verse 1]
[Verse 2]
[Verse 3]
[Verse 4]
[Verse 5]
[Verse 6]
[Outro]
Em

Avalanche Chords by Leonard Cohen

Learn how to play Avalanche by Leonard Cohen with free guitar chords, lyrics, and interactive chord diagrams. Search for “Avalanche chords”, “Avalanche guitar chords”, or “Leonard Cohen Avalanche 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 Avalanche chords and for experienced players who want accurate Avalanche lyrics and chords in one place. Common chords in this song include C/G, Em, A, D/F#, G, B7.

Frequently asked questions about Avalanche

How do I play "Avalanche" by Leonard Cohen on guitar?

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Are the chords for "Avalanche" by Leonard Cohen free?

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Can I transpose "Avalanche" to a different key?

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

Can I see chord diagrams for "Avalanche"?

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

Is "Avalanche" easy to play on guitar?

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What key is "Avalanche" in?

The chords for "Avalanche" show the original chord names (including C/G, Em, A, D/F#, G, B7). Use transpose to move the song into any key that fits your voice or capo.