Playing to the Firmament
Words and music by Dar Williams
From The Green World

Transcription by:  Ron Greitzer

Intro: (G)(C)(G)(C) . . . (G)(C)(G)(C)

There are (G)kids, lots of kids, who put the (Em)law inside a circle
As they (C)jump, I hope that you will up and (G)down, up and (D)down
When did (G)you cave into this (Em)role that you were cast in
When did (C)dress-up turn to fashion, throw your (G)gown up and (D)down

There's (G)always the sky, let it (C)hear what you're saying
For (G)all that you are saying(C)
And let it (Em)take you apart, to the (C)elements of praying
Til (G)we are only playing to the (C)firmament
Til (G)we are only playing to the (C)firmament (G)(C)(G)(C)

In the (G)rain, in the rain, people (Em)rush around on cold streets
Here's a (C)shell to hear their heartbeats very (G)loud, very (D)loud
Where's the (G)pain, it's only rain, it's only (Em)slowing down a work day
Only (C)singing happy birthday to a (G)crowd, very (D)loud

So (G)turn on the sky, let it (C)hear what you're saying
For (G)all that you are saying(C)
And let it (Em)take you apart, to the (C)elements of praying
Til (G)we are only playing to the (C)firmament
Til (G)we are only playing to the (C)firmament

(G)(C)(G)(C)

And when did (Em)sex get so mean, when did (C)crime get so clean
You know I (Em)just can't seem to find the (C)soul in this (D)striving
Why not (Em)play to a dream, cause the (C)world is too green
For (Am)all this bad (D)driving

(G)What's the rush, dip your (Em)brush into this twilight
There are (C)leaves upon the skylight, trace your (G)hand, trace your (D)hand
Mr. (G)Ed, he shot ahead, he shot a(Em)head inside a circle
On a (C)bad day, who would you kill, take a (G)stand, trace your (D)hand

There's (G)always the sky, let it (C)hear what you're saying
For (G)all that you are saying(C)
Let it (Em)take you apart to the (C)elements of praying
Til (G)we are only playing to the (C)firmament
Til (G)we are only playing to the (C)firmament

(G)(C)(G)(C) . . . (G)(C)(G)(C) . . . fade . . .

This file is the author's own work and represents their interpretation of the song. You may only use this file for private study, scholarship, or research.
Words and music copyright © 2000 Burning Field Music