Harry Chapin

Six String Orchestra

Harry Chapin


Tom: Bm

    D                         Em
The very day I purchased it I christened my guitar

      A                                       D
As my monophonic symphony six string orchestra

D                                 Em
In my room I'd practice late, and they'd leave me alone

    A                                    G        A           
D
My mother said, "You're nothin' yet, to make the folks write home."


    F#m                                Em
I'd play at all the talent nights, I'd finish, they'd applaud

     Bm                F#m              E                     
A
Some called in muffled laughter, I just figured they were awed

     D                                Em
So I went up for an encore, but they screamed they'd had enough

     A                           G       A     D
or, maybe I just need a group to help me do my stuff


           G                              D
And so I dream a bass will join me and fill the bottom in

     G               D                 E                 A
And maybe now some lead guitar so it would not sound so thin

Ab G                                  D       
         Bm
I need some drums to set the beat and help me keep in time

    Em                 A           G            A    
    D
And way back in the distance some strings would sound so fine

    G                            D                  D7
And we'd all play together like fine musicians should

    G                   D              E                A
And it would sound like music and the music would sound good

Ab  G                                D        
      Bm
But in real life I'm stuck with that same old formula

             Em         A     Em          (individual notes: 
- D - A - F# - D - A)
Me and my monophonic symphony six string

    D
orchestra


        D                                   Em
I write love songs for my favorite girl and sing 'em soft and slow

       A                                           D
But before I get to finish she says she has to go

                                     Em
She's nice and say, "Excuse me, I've got to find a bar

  A                                      G   A      D
I think I need refreshment 'fore I hear you play guitar."

  F#m                              Em
I sent a demo tape I made to the record companies

Bm              F#m                 E            A
Two came back address unknown, one came back C.O.D.

   D                             Em
Of course I got form letters all sayin' pleasant things

        A                                     G         A     
  D
Like suggesting I should find a trade where I would not have to sing


           G                            D
And so I dream a bass will join me and fill the bottom in

     G              D                 E                  A
And maybe now some lead guitar so it would not sound so thin

Ab G                                  D       
         Bm
I need some drums to set the beat and help me keep in time

    Em                 A           G            A    
    D
And way back in the distance some strings would sound so fine

    G                            D                  D7
And we'd all play together like fine musicians should

    G                   D              E                A
And it would sound like music and the music would sound good

Ab  G                                 D        
      Bm
But in real life I'm stuck with that same old formula

          Em         A        Em          (individual notes: 
- D - A - F# - D - A)
Me and my monophonic symphony six string

   D
orchestra


          D                            Em
I've been takin' guitar lessons but my teacher just took leave

        A                                             D
It was something about a breakdown or needing a reprieve

                               Em
I know I've found my future so I will persevere

     A                            G     A          D
And hold on to my dream of makin' music to their ears


           G                              D
And so I dream a bass will join me and fill the bottom in

     G               D                 E                 A
And maybe now some lead guitar so it would not sound so thin

Ab G                                  D       
         Bm
I need some drums to set the beat and help me keep in time

    Em                 A           G            A    
    D
And way back in the distance some strings would sound so fine

    G                            D                  D7
And we'd all play together like fine musicians should

    G                   D              E                A
And it would sound like music and the music would sound good

Ab  G                                D        
      Bm
But in real life I'm stuck with that same old formula

          Em         A        Em          (individual notes: 
- D - A - F# - D - A)
Me and my monophonic symphony six string

   D
orchestra