Taylor Swift - Eyes Open Chords

Standard Tuning
No Capo


*Single strums
G* 
Everybody's waiting
D* 
Everybody's watching
Em*
Even when you're sleepin'
C*                     G D Em C
 Keep your ey-eyes open


G
The tricky thing
                         D
Is yesterday we were just, children
                          Em
Playing soldiers just pre-tending
                          C
Dreaming dreams with happy endings

G
In backyards,
                        D
Winning battles with the, wooden swords
                            Em
But now we've stepped into a, cruel world
                          C
Where everybody stands and, keeps score
     D          
Keep your eyes open


G
Everybody's waiting for you to breakdown
D
Everybody's watching to see the fallout
Em
Even when you're sleepin', sleepin'
C                      G  
 Keep your ey-eyes open 
D                      Em
 Keep your ey-eyes open 
C              -mute    G 
 Keep your ey-eyes open 


G
So here you are
                           D
Two steps ahead and staying, on guard
                    Em
Every lesson forms a, new scar
                                C
They never thought you'd make it, this far
G
 But turn around
                            D
Oh, they surrounded you, it's, a showdown
                    Em
And nobody comes to save you now
                                C
But you got something they don't

Yeah, you got something they don't
                    D
You just gotta keep your eyes open


G
Everybody's waiting for you to breakdown
D
Everybody's watching to see the fallout
Em
Even when you're sleepin', sleepin'
C                      G  
 Keep your ey-eyes open 
D                      Em
 Keep your ey-eyes open 
C               
 Keep your ey-eyes 


     D
Keep your feet ready
Em
Heartbeat steady
C             D
Keep your ey-eyes open
     Em
Keep your aim locked
    C
The night grows dark
   G          D        
Ke-ep your ey-eyes open 

G
 Keep your ey-eyes open                        
D
 Keep your ey-eyes open 
Em
 Keep your ey-eyes open 
C              
 Keep your ey-eyes open 


G
Everybody's waiting for you to breakdown
D
Everybody's watching to see the fallout
Em
Even when you're sleepin', sleepin'
C                      G  
 Keep your ey-eyes open 
                       D
(Keep your ey-eyes open)
                      Em
Keep your ey-eyes open 
                        C
(Keep your ey-eyes open)
                     G-once
Keep your ey-eyes open




How to play "Eyes Open" by Taylor Swift on guitar

Tuning and Strumming Pattern:
- The song is played in standard tuning with no capo required.
- Use a combination of single strums and a consistent strumming pattern
  of down-down-up-up-down-up for the verses and choruses.

Intro and Verse Approach:
- Begin with single strums on G, D, Em, and C to set a dramatic tone.
- This approach highlights the narrative and builds tension before the
  full strumming pattern kicks in.

Chorus Dynamics:
- Increase strumming intensity in the chorus to emphasize the song's
  theme of vigilance and readiness.
- Pay close attention to maintaining rhythm as the lyrics "Keep your
  ey-eyes open" are pivotal and repeat throughout the song.

Bridge Techniques:
- For the bridge ("Keep your feet ready, heartbeat steady..."), switch
  back to single strums or a softer strumming pattern to contrast with
  the chorus and highlight the lyrical advice.

Common Mistakes:
- Over-strumming in parts that require single strums. It's important to
  control dynamics to match the emotional shifts in the song.
- Losing timing during the transition from single strums to full strumming.
  Practice these transitions to ensure smooth execution.

Outro and Closing:
- The outro reiterates the chorus with continued strong strumming.
- Gradually slow down and soften the strumming to bring closure to the
  performance.

General Tips:
- Practice the chord changes slowly at first to ensure each chord is
  clean and clear.
- Listen to the song to get a feel for when to change dynamics and how
  to handle the transitions between different sections.

Lyrics Overview:
"Eyes Open" speaks to staying alert and prepared, metaphorically keeping
one's eyes open even in challenging or perilous situations. It reflects
a theme of resilience and vigilance, appropriate for overcoming adversity.