Written by Neil Young
Performed live during the European “Greendale” tour, spring 2003
Tabbed by Eyolf Østrem
Tuning: drop D or double drop D (D-a-d-g-b-e’ or D-a-d-g-b-d’). Could be some other tuning as well, but at least these both work.
Chords:
Drop D Double drop D
D 000232 000230
F x3321x x3321x or: 3332xx
G x5543x x5543(0) or: 5554xx
The lick between the lines of melody is played in two octaves (with numerous variations, which I am not going to tab out):
(G) D F G : . . . : . . . : |-------------------------|-------------------------|------ |-------------------------|-------3-----------1-----|-3---- |-------------0-----------|-------2-----------2-----|-4---- |-------0---3-----3-0-----|-0-----0-----------3-----|-5---- |-----------------------3-|-------0-----------3-----|-5---- |-------------------------|-------0-----------------|------
: . . . : . . . : |-------------------------|-------------------------|------ |-----------6-8---6-------|-------------------1-----|-3---- |-------7-----------7---5-|-7-----------------2-----|-4---- |-------------------------|-------0-----------3-----|-5---- |-------------------------|-------0-----------3-----|-5---- |-------------------------|-------0-----------------|------
Only problem is what to do with the D. I have so far not heard a f# from the highest string, which speaks for the double drop tuning (fingering 000230). What I have heard, is that the last tone of the lick is frequently left sounding when the full D chord is struck, which might suggest a chord shape like 05023x or 0577xx (low and high version, respectively), or even some open tuning.
. . . | . D . F | G When the red light shines On the streets of hate, Where the devil dines, Who knows what he ate. "It's a simple thing Trying to stay afloat," The captain said, Without his boat. Some things are getting better, Other things a little worse. It's a situation Much like a curse. "It's the devil's sidewalk, It's the devil's door I've tried to avoid it," Said the captain on the shore. There's a garden growing And a million weeds, With no way of knowing Who's done which deed. "That's an honest tale," Said the helmsman to the mate, About a woman delicious And a matter of fate. Big wheel keep rollin' Down on me. "One thing I can tell you, Is you got to be free." John Lennon said that. And "I believe in love." And I believe in action When push comes to shove. "Who cares what you believe," Said the captain, amazed. "If you stood in my shoes Your eyes would be glazed." So, my fair damsel Won't you take your leave? Are you heading for the country? Where you wear the green sleeves. Where the children laugh And the old folks sing, And the church bell tolls For a miraculous thing. Where the big red furnace Just glows and glows. Where the big heart beats. Where the big wheel rolls.