Ahead of the game (2024)     (video)

 

    E ~ ~  E ~ ~  E ~ ~  E ~ ~

 

            A

1. It's nothing but the hits in a room downtown,

                                            G

    they're noisy as hell but nice.

       Bm

    People don't usually get to play in there

                                        A

    more than a time or twice.

A

    You had your regular spot,

                                                          G

    they were even advertising your name.

       Bm

    Better than the usual thing you got

                                            F#m   - A                         E

    staying just ahead of the game,       ahead of the game.

 

+  E ~ ~ E ~ ~

 

            A

2. And I can't tell you one thing new

                                         G

    about playing for the door,

     Bm

    some of my dreams back there, too,

                                              A

    with the sawdust on the floor

                  A

    We're worn out and weary, all of us,

                                        G

    but we know why we came,

     Bm

    banged up and battered like this old bus,

                                             F#m   - A                         E

    staying just ahead of the game,       ahead of the game.

 

+  E ~ ~

 

    D                     Bm                     - A

+     The sky's as big as nowhere        which is where we've been,

D                           Bm                              - A                       Bm

    left a dream behind there somewhere,      you've got to have a dream.

 

+  instrumental = verse 3

 

+  E ~ ~  E ~ ~

 

         A

3. I gave your buddy a ride to the train,

                                                G

    he was telling me he'd be back.

                  Bm

    It was a red light shining, love in vain

                                                 A

    when we rolled across the tracks.

         A

    Barista-bartender selling beat-up car,

                                                    G

    needs a ticket for a bus or a plane.

      Bm

    Singer-songwriter heading for home,

                                            F#m   - A                        E

    staying just ahead of the game,      ahead of the game.

 

+  E ~ ~  E ~ ~  E ~ ~  E ~ ~ ....

 

(orig. = capo 4th)    (Mark Knopfler)