That Dreaded 4th Chord

Song Length 4:02 Genre Folk - Country, Folk - Contemporary
Tempo Medium (111 - 130) Lead Vocal Male Vocal
Mood Jovial Subject Comedy, Funny
Language English

Lyrics

That Dreaded 4th Chord
©J.C. Ashbaker 2007
909-793-0245

I could write a big hit song, and only use the three chords that I Know
(This probably isn't it though)
Then anyone could play it, and everybody else could sing along
And I wouldn't have to use that dreaded fourth chord
'Cause I always play it wrong

The words would seem real clear-cut, with trendy double meanings so profound
Metaphors and similes, but, no cliche's, trite sayings or chestnuts
And I wouldn't have to use that dreaded fourth chord
Cause I always screw it up

--Refrain--
When my phrasing stinks and my meter's rinky-dink
I'll bridge the chorus to the verse
Then everyone might say, "Man, that boy can play
But is he blessed or is he cursed
This song's his best, no it's his worst"
------------
I'll try to rhyme the sound of orange, from families twice removed & then combined
Stick to verse, verse, chorus, for a structure that allows for my cheap rhymes
And I wouldn't have to use that dreaded fourth chord
More than just one time (oops)

--Refrain--
So when I'm showing off, I'll be that fourth chord snob
Refrain the chorus from the verse
I'll use a relative, minor chord that is
E must = Fb, says Albert... Einstein?
This song's too deep I should rehearse

Then everyone might say, "Man, that boy can play
But is he blessed or is he cursed
This song's his best, no it's his worst"
----------------

I love to hear a song that's never been written before...this is one of them. Starkly original. Who writes a song about writing a song? It's got a lot of tongue in cheek humor. The writer pokes fun at himself for not being able to play a 4th chord very well. Love the reference to metaphor and simile. Favorite rhyme: stink/rinky dink. Some really clever lyric writing here. This is a fun song and I think the ones who will like it best are the songwriters. Great instrumentation, production and performance.

Very well constructed lyrics, maybe a hidden message in song writing, almost felt like you were coaching some of us. Interesting start because it captures your attention from the first beat. Background harmonies nice!!! Steel gives it a very clear country vibe. Love the solo, well played and not over the top. This should be on every musicians playlist.

way to go, writing a song about writing songs....

nice country ditty

Well done piece! Folk with strong Country roots. Excellent balanced production. Always nice to hear the lyrics. Great vocal and Instrumentation was 'spot on"! Professional work.

good humurous track about writing a song with 3 chords. liked the humour and the country rock vibe of the track was really good. enoyable song. very likeable

Think I know where your coming from, critiques seem to say opposites often, which make it hard for songwriters to get ahead we just have to bite the bullet on what they say and move on --- hard though it maybe.

Very country sounding but well done, vocal very clear and very up front, female vocal well placed and works well with you are there 3 of you or am I hearing you doing your own harmony?

Lyrics Jeff Ashbaker Music Jeff Ashbaker
Performance Jeff Ashbaker
This track is on 1 Member Playlists
Playlist Creator Playlist Name Date Added
Scott Tingley Phase ll 2/2/2011

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