Phil Coulter - My Boy Chords

[Intro]
G
 
[Verse 1]
G                     D/F#                        Em
You’re sleeping son I know, but really this can’t wait
              B                    Em
I wanted to explain before it gets too late
 
[Verse 2]
                    C                    Bm
For your mother and me, love has finally died
              Am                     B
This is no happy home, but God knows how I've tried
 
[Chorus]
               Em            Am
Because you’re all I have my boy
           D                  G
You are my life, my pride, my joy
         C#m            F#7          Bsus4 B  §  G
And if I stay, I stay because of you my boy
 
[Verse 3]
                          D/F#                   Em
I know, it’s hard to understand. Why did we ever start?
                          B                      Em
We’re more like strangers now, each acting out a part
 
[Verse 4]
                  C                          Bm
I have laughed, I have cried, I have lost every game
          Am                        B
Taken all I can take, but I’ll stay just the same
 
[Chorus]
               Em            Am
Because you’re all I have my boy
           D                  G
You are my life, my pride, my joy
         C#m7           F#7          Bsus4 B  §  G
And if I stay, I stay because of you my boy
 
[Verse 5]
                              D/F#                       Em
Sleep on, you haven’t heard a word, perhaps it’s just as well
                      B                                Em
Why spoil your little dreams. Why put you through that hell?
 
[Verse 6]
                C                         Bm
Life is no fairytale, as one day you will know
                      Am                       B
But now you’re just a child, I’d stay here and watch you grow
 
[Chorus]
               Em            Am
Because you’re all I have my boy
           D                  G
You are my life, my pride, my joy
           C#m7             F#7          Bsus4 B
And if I'd stay, I'd stay because of you my boy
 
[Chorus]
  B7           Em            Am
Because you’re all I have my boy
           D                  G
You are my life, my pride, my joy
           C#m7             F#7          Bsus4 B
And if I'd stay, I'd stay because of you my boy
 
[Outro]
     Em   Am  B   E
My-y boy          (stop)






How to play "My Boy" on guitar

[Intro]
- Chord: G.
- Strumming: Use a slow downstroke to create a calming atmosphere.
- Dynamics: Begin slowly to offer a calming introduction.

[Verse 1.]
- Chords: G, D/F#, Em, B, Em.
- Strumming: Maintain a consistent down-up strumming pattern.
- shift: Notice the smooth shift from D/F# to Em.
- Nuances: For more depth, emphasize each chord's bass tones.

[Verse 2.]
- Chords are C, Bm, Am, B.
- Strumming: Use a steady strumming pattern.
- Transition: Practice quickly switching between Am and B.
- Expression: To underline the emotional content of the lyric,
add a small pause before B.

[Chorus]
- Chords are Em, Am, D, G, C#m, F#7, Bsus4, B
- Strumming: Create a more dynamic strumming pattern with
emphasized downstrokes.
- Transition smoothly between minor and major chords.
- Expression: Emphasize the emotional significance of "you're all I have, my boy."

[Verse 3.]
- Chords: G, D/F#, Em, B, Em.
- Strumming: Return to the moderate strumming pattern from verse one.
- Transition: Maintain a smooth beat throughout.
- Nuances: Vary the dynamics to keep the verse interesting.

[Verse 4.]
- Chords are C, Bm, Am, B.
- Strumming: Be consistent in your strumming.
- Transition: Make sure the changes between chords are seamless.
- Expression: Use your playing to emphasize the emotionally charged lyrics.

[Chorus]
- Follow the same strategy as the previous chorus.

[Verse 5.]
Chords: G, D/F#, Em, B, Em.
- Strumming: Follow the same mild pattern as the previous verses.
- Transition: A smooth transition between chords.
- Nuances: Use small changes in dynamics to improve expression.

[Verse 6.]
- Chords are C, Bm, Am, B.
- Strumming: Keep the strumming pattern consistent.
- Transition: Use seamless chord changes.
- Expression: Use sensitivity to portray the lyrics.

[Chorus]
- Follow the same approach as before.

[Outro]
- Chords: Em, Am, B, and E
- Strumming: Finish with a slow and deliberate strum on each chord.
- Dynamics: Allow the final chord (E) to ring out organically for
an emotional ending.

[Common Mistakes]
- Rapid transitions between chords, particularly in the chorus.
- Not highlighting the emotional dynamics, which are critical to
the song's vibe.
- Strumming too fiercely throughout the quieter verses,
which reduces the song's effect.

[Song Facts]
Phil Coulter's ballad "My Boy" explores the challenges parents have while
explaining adult relationships to their children. 
The song evokes strong emotions and a sense of protective affection.
Phil Coulter, a prominent Irish musician and composer, is noted for his
evocative melodies and meaningful lyrics. "My Boy" exemplifies his ability
to combine personal stories with universal themes like love and sacrifice.