The Blue Distance Chords
The Blue Distance by Mary Chapin Carpenter is a moderately challenging guitar song played in the key of F. It uses the chords Bb, F, C, Am, Dm and B. Use the transpose and diagram tools on this page to change the key, see each shape, or simplify the chords.
Intro
Bb F C F
Bb F Am Bb
verse 1
C F Bb F
Across the railroad tracks, down the gravel road
C Dm C Bb
headlights throw a beam on the way back home.
C F Bb F
Lie down, lie down, listen wide awake
C F Bb
To the trains that roll, to the sound time makes.
verse 2
C F Bb F
It passes through the air like a summer storm
C Dm C Bb
Catching on my sleeve like a rose's thorn.
C F Bb F
Sometimes it whispers, sometimes it roars
C F Bb
Flies like the wind, waits by the door.
F Bb F Dm F
And I know you know and that’s all I need
Bb F Am
When the light of day looks like night to me
Bb F Dm F
When you’re far away and I’m all alone
Bb F C F
I can’t explain, I know you know.
Mid 8
Bb F C F
Bb F Am Bb
verse 3
C F Bb F
It fills up my chest, it fills up my eyes
C Dm C Bb
like an old glass jar filled with fireflies.
C F Bb F
Sometimes I’m still, sometimes I sigh
C F Bb
Sometimes I’m lost and I don’t know why
F Bb F Dm F
But I know you know and that’s all I need
Bb F Am
When the light of day looks like night to me.
Bb F Dm F
When you’re far away and I’m all alone
Bb F C F
I can’t explain, I know you know.
Instrumental
Bb F C F
Bb F Am
F Bb F C Dm
Bb F Am Bb
verse 4
C F Bb F
In the morning light, before the heat sets in
C Dm C Bb
Call the dogs to run where the shade has been.
C F Bb F
Across the railroad tracks lay your silver down
C F Bb
Find it smooth and flat, stars for your crown.
Verse 5
C F Bb F
In the blue distance where our lives unfurl
C Dm C Bb
The edges of the sky, the beauty of the world.
F Bb F Dm F
But I know you know and that’s all I need
Bb F Am
When the light of day looks like night to me.
Bb F Dm F
When you’re far away and I’m all alone
Bb F C F
I can’t explain, I know you know.
Outro
B F C F
B F Am
Bb F C Dm
Bb F Am Bb