Rivermaya - 20 Million Chords

Intro: C-Em (2x)

Verse I

C
20 million diamonds
Em
Crown the sky tonight
C
Silence for two lovers
Em
everything C
They tell me whispering's a virtue
Em
And holding hands' their game
C Em
'Tis cold, it's cold

Coda:

F 
And as I watch the candle
Em
(burn/turn) this night
D-G
(away/today)
F Em
My life collects another
Eb-G
yesterday

Refrain:

C              F
Alone in the darkness
Am G Ab Bb C
I am waiting for the one
C F
While the lovers wait for the sun
Am-G Ab Bb
Lay I/Waiting for the 
C-Bm-Am-Em-F-G (2x)
one

Verse II

C 
Stalk the streets do lovers
Em
in this town tonight
C
20 million heartbeats
Em
holding hands C
For them, it's darkness
Am
that's most precious
Em F G
But tell me who can I embrace
C-Bm-Am
The cold? There's no one
Em-F-Fm hold
here to hold

(repeat refrain)

Dm Em
Who'll light the darkness
Em-F-G hold
with her name 
Heal this blackout 
C-Bm-Am
pain

--Em-F-Em-Dm-G F- 
Em-Eb-G-
(repeat refrain
except last 4 words of 1st line)

Waiting for the one (..till fade)

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How to play "20 Million" by Rivermaya on guitar

Intro & Verse Chord Progression:
- Start by mastering the intro and the verse chord progression
  which alternates between C and Em. Each chord is typically
  played for one measure each:
  C - Em - C - Em
  Use a simple downstroke strumming pattern to maintain a soft,
  melodic feel, suitable for the reflective lyrics.

Chorus Execution:
- For the chorus, the chord progression is more complex,
  starting with C, moving to F, then cycling through Am, G, Ab,
  Bb, and back to C. This is followed by a repeat but ends
  differently:
  C - F - Am - G - Ab - Bb - C - Bm - Am - Em - F - G (2x)
  The key here is to ensure smooth transitions between these
  chords, especially from G to Ab and then to Bb, which can be
  tricky due to their positions on the fretboard. Practicing the
  changes slowly at first can help build muscle memory.

Coda & Bridge:
- In the coda and bridge sections, the chords include F, Em,
  D, G, and Eb. Pay attention to the Em to F transition and
  the incorporation of the Eb chord, which might require a shift
  in hand position:
  F - Em - D - G - Eb - G
  Use a gentle strumming pattern here, with a focus on
  emotional expression over technical complexity.

Refrain Nuances:
- The refrain uses a series of chords that express a crescendo
  of emotional intensity:
  C - F - Am - G - Ab - Bb - C - Bm - Am - Em - F - G
  This section should be played with a dynamic increase in
  strumming intensity, building up through the progression.

Common Mistakes:
- A common mistake is rushing through the chord transitions
  without allowing each chord to resonate. Take your time to
  let each chord speak as part of the narrative.
- Not adjusting the strumming intensity throughout the song to
  match the lyrical mood can also detract from the overall
  impact.

Lyrics Meaning:
- The lyrics of "20 Million" seem to explore themes of loneliness
  and longing for connection in a vast, indifferent universe. The
  "20 million diamonds" might symbolize the stars or fleeting
  moments of beauty in life, juxtaposed with the protagonist's
  solitude and yearning for meaningful companionship.