WWW.AZCHORDS.COM | Taylor Swift - Long Story Short Chords | Ver. 1
[Intro]
C
[Verse 1]
F C Am G
Fatefully, I tried to pick my battles 'til the battle picked me
F C Am G
Misery, like the war of words I shouted in my sleep
F C
And you passed right by
Am G
I was in the alley, surrounded on all sides
F C
The knife cuts both ways
Am G
If the shoe fits, walk in it 'til your high heels break
[Chorus]
F C
And I fell from the pedestal
Am
Right down the rabbit hole
G
Long story short, it was a bad time
F C
Pushed from the precipices
Am
Clung to the nearest lips
G
Long story short, it was the wrong guy
F C
Now I'm all about you
Am G
I'm all about you, ah
C F G
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
C
I'm all about you, ah
F Em C
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
[Verse 2]
F C Am G
Actually, I always felt I must look better in the rear view
F C Am G
Missing me, at the golden gates they once held the keys to
F C
When I dropped my sword
Am G
I threw it in the bushes and knocked on your door
F C
And we live in peace
Am G/B
But if someone comes at us, this time, I'm ready
[Chorus]
F C
'Cause I fell from the pedestal
Am
Right down the rabbit hole
G
Long story short, it was a bad time
F C
Pushed from the precipices
Am
Clung to the nearest lips
G
Long story short, it was the wrong guy
F C
Now I'm all about you
Am G
I'm all about you, ah
C F G
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
C
I'm all about you
[Bridge]
Am G/B Dm
No more keepin' score
Am
Now I just keep you warm (Keep you warm)
G/B Dm
No more tug of war
F Am
Now I just know there's more (Know there's more)
G/B Dm
No more keepin' score
Am
Now I just keep you warm (Keep you warm)
Am Em F
And my waves meet your shore
G
Ever and evermore
[Verse 3]
F C Am G
Past me, I wanna tell you not to get lost in these petty things
F C Am G
Your nemeses, will defeat themselves before you get the chance to swing
F C
And he's passing by
Am G
Rare as the glimmer of a comet in the sky
F C
And he feels like home
Am G
If the shoe fits, walk in it everywhere you go
[Chorus]
C F
And I fell from the pedestal
G
Right down the rabbit hole
C
Long story short, it was a bad time
F
Pushed from the precipice
Em
Climbed right back up the cliff
C
Long story short, I survived
F G
Now I'm all about you, ah
C
I'm all about you, ah
F Em
I'm all about you, ah
C
I'm all about you, ah
F Em
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
C
I'm all about you
F G
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
C
I'm all about you
[Outro]
F C
Am G F C
Long story short, it was a bad time
Am G N.C.
Long story short, I survived
How to play "Long Story Short" on guitar
- Chord Progression: The song uses a series of chords including F, C, Am, G,
Em, G/B, and Dm. These chords are played in various sequences throughout the
song, creating a dynamic and engaging rhythm.
- Strumming Pattern: Use a straightforward strumming pattern such as
down-down-up-up-down-up. This pattern is versatile and fits well with the
upbeat tempo of the song.
- Verse Technique: In the verses, focus on smooth transitions between F, C,
Am, and G. The story-telling nature of the lyrics should be supported by a
consistent and rhythmic strumming that allows the story to unfold naturally.
- Chorus Dynamics: The chorus is more dynamic. Increase the intensity of your
strumming to match the emotional pitch of the lyrics, particularly on lines
like "Long story short, it was a bad time".
- Bridge Complexity: The bridge introduces a slight change with the inclusion
of G/B and Dm chords. Pay attention to the emotional narrative here,
transitioning smoothly and maintaining the lyrical focus.
- Common Mistakes:
- Losing the rhythm during the switch from F to Am and G in the verses.
- Strumming too aggressively during the verses, which can overpower the vocals.
- Not adjusting strum dynamics in response to the lyrical changes, which is
crucial for conveying the emotional swings in the song.
General Tips:
- Keep your wrist relaxed to maintain a fluid strumming motion.
- Practice the chord changes slowly to begin with, and then increase your speed
as you become more comfortable.
- Listen to the song to understand the nuances in dynamics and how they align
with the emotional cues of the lyrics.
Lyrics Meaning:
"Long Story Short" is a narrative about overcoming hardships and moving past
mistakes. Taylor Swift reflects on past struggles with a sense of learned
wisdom and focuses on a more positive and peaceful present, emphasizing the
importance of focusing on what truly matters in life.