"After Hours"
The Velvet Underground
Music and lyrics by Lou Reed
VERSE 1 PROGRESSION:
(1,2,3)
Bb G7
If you close the door
Cm F
The night could last forever
Bb G7
Leave the sunshine out
Cm F
And say hello to never
VERSE 2 PROGRESSION:
Bb Bb7
All the people are dancing and they're having such fun
Eb Ebm
I wish it could happen to me
Bb G7
But if you close the door
Cm F Bb
I'd never have to see the day again
(VERSE 1P)
If you close the door
The night could last forever
Leave the wine glass out
And drink a toast to never
(VERSE 2P)
Oh, someday I know someone will look into my eyes
And say hello
You're my very special one
But if you close the door A
I'd never have to see the day again
Dm
Dark party bars
A
Shiny Cadillac cars
Dm A Dm Ab
And the people on subways and trains
G
Looking gray in the rain
G7
As they stand disarrayed
Cm F
Oh, but people look well in the dark
(VERSE 1P)
And if you close the door
The night could last forever
Leave the sunshine out
And say hello to never
(VERSE 2P)
All the people are dancing and they're having such fun
I wish it could happen to me
'Cause if you close the door
Cm F Bb G7
I'd never have to see the day again
Cm F Bb G7
I'd never have to see the day again, once more
Cm F Bb
I'd never have to see the day again
NOTES:
I transcribed these chords while listening to the original
version found at the end of The Velvet Underground's self-titled
third album, released on Verve Records in 1969. The song is
interesting in that it's one of only two Velvet Underground songs
that feature lead vocals by drummer Maureen Tucker. In addition
to Tucker's vocals, the studio version utilizes acoustic guitar
and bass guitar - a relatively sparse set up.
Once you get the chord progression down, it's a really easy song
to transpose, in case you want to switch to a different key. It
sounds nice whether you're imitating the picking pattern in the
song (which isn't difficult to figure out on your own) or simply
playing straight chords. I adore this song to pieces, it's the
one that got me into the band (along with "Candy Says"). I hope
you enjoy it as much as I do.
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