As they try to take the world
I've seen my share of hustlers
Play the chords of pain
When they find their melody
If you want to keep your song
They write down what you say
The other side of fame
If you want to keep your song
They're surrounded by the girls
But it all fades so quickly
They will rob you of your innocence
Play the chords of pain
Play the chords of pain
They will put you up for sale
But I wonder who I left behind
The more that you will fail
I can see you make the music
Don't, don't, don't, don't play the chords of fame
And I really can't complain
'Cause you carry a guitar
If you want to keep your song
So play the chords of love, my friend
A bottle of gin and a cigarette
So play the chords of love, my friend
Don't, don't, don't, don't play the chords of fame
Don't, don't, don't, don't play the chords of fame
Was all that he had left
Like a sunny summer day
So play the chords of love, my friend
I've been around, I've had my share
Who tries to be a star
But God, help the troubadour
More that you will find success
Reporters ask you questions
If you want to keep your song
Play the chords of pain
So play the chords of love, my friend
