A Sigh

Words and music by Neil Finn. Copyright © 2007 Roundhead Music. Published by EMI Music Publishing Ltd.

Transcribed by Tom Johnstone

This song reminds me strongly of Radiohead's "How To Disappear Completely.." It's basically a 14-bar cycle repeated three times, but some deceptive phrasing of the lyrics makes it sound more complicated than it is, like it's constantly evolving.

The first two cycles condition us to think the lyric "A sigh" is the start of the cycle (C chord). But then "A sigh" shows up suddenly in the middle of the second cycle (on Fmaj7), defying our expectations. Later, "A sigh" is followed by some organ notes on Am, rather than more lyrics, as in the first two cycles. So what we first believe is a familiar landmark becomes the main point of departure -- a very dream-like way to construct a song.


Capo 2nd fret

 

Intro

C   Dadd2/4   Am

Gsus   G


Song

  C     Dadd2/4
A sigh

         Am
from the deepest world

        Gsus   G          Em
You can tell a lot by not saying a thing

Fmaj7       Dadd2/4
This truth

Am                 
between us my friend

     Gsus     G
This longing



C       Dadd2/4
A sigh

    Am
for loneliness to end

Gsus      G       Em
No   changing the story now

Fmaj7   Dadd2/4
A sigh

         Am
from the emptiest part

       Gsus   G
It's a tender place



C       Dadd2/4   Am
A sigh

   Gsus            G
Is more than I can bear

     Em                  Fmaj7   Dadd2/4
This show is not fooling anyone

         Am
But it's all for you

      Gsus               G
But I think your mind is made up


C   Dadd2/4   Am

Gsus  G

C

Chords


Dadd2/4     554030
Gsus        3x0013
Fmaj7       133210