The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress - guitar chords and comments
Lyrics without distraction HERE
At least the title of the 1966 scifi novel by Robert Anson Heinlein inspired Jimmy Webb to write this song. It was first recorded by Joe Cocker in 1974, following Glen Campbell (of course), Judy Collins and so on. Webb is famous for writing striking melodies with complex harmonies. To guitar players, he seems to roll out a new chord with each note. His own interpretation of this song is embarrassing. But it's possible to play the way I've put it up, without twisting and spraining your fingers too much. I first heard it with late Radka Toneff, during a jazz session a few months before she died. Something sounded familiar; could it be ...? Yup, sure it was. You always recognize a Webb song. At that time, the bells did not chime strong enough, but they lingered on until lately : the song appeared on the radio, and today we've got the web and search engines. So here it is. Unfortunately, Radka is not (but she's on YouTube, of course).G see her as she flies Cmaj7 C ... D7sus4 golden sails across the sky Em ... Em7 ... C close enough to touch D7sus4 Bm ... E7/9 but careful if you try Am ... Am7 ... D though she looks as warm as gold Bm Cmaj7 ... D the moon's a harsh mistress D7sus4 G the moon can be so cold
G
Cmaj7
C
D7sus4
Em
Em7
Bm
E7/9
Am
Am7
D
Originally, the song modulates three half notes to Bb key for the third verse. This works fine for a piano man; not for a guitar player. I raise it one step to A key instead, because the guitar is a harsh master ...
... and that famous run down chords in the prelude and interlude; well: I've found a workaround I'm not able to share. Do it your own way, like I did. The SONG is essential, not introverted piano tricks. You might as well play the song G key throughout, and it's still beautiful. Happy buskin'.
... and that famous run down chords in the prelude and interlude; well: I've found a workaround I'm not able to share. Do it your own way, like I did. The SONG is essential, not introverted piano tricks. You might as well play the song G key throughout, and it's still beautiful. Happy buskin'.
G ... Edim ... E7 E6 A ...Amaj7 I fell out of her eyes D ... E I fell out of her heart E6 F#m D I fell down on my face yes I did E6 C#m ... Edim and I tripped and missed my star Bm ... Bm/A ...E and I fell and fell alone E6 Dmaj7 ... D6 the moon's a harsh mistress E6 E7 A ... C#m ... F#m the sky is made of stone E6 Dmaj7 ... D6 the moon's a harsh mistress Esus4 A she's hard to call your own
E
Edim
E6
E7
Esus4
A
Amaj7
D
D6
Dmaj7
Bm
F#m
C#m
