Chords + Lyrics | Crazy
Intro
| C5 |
Verse 1
| Cm | Cm | Ebmaj7 |
I remember when, I remember, I remember when I lost my mind.
| Ebmaj7 Eb | Abadd9 |
There was something so pleasant about that place.
| Ab | Gsus4 | G |
Even your emotions have an echo, and so much space. Mmm.
Verse 2
And when you’re out there without care, yeah, I was out of touch.
But it wasn’t because I didn’t know enough.
I just knew too much. Hm.
Chorus 1 (as verse)
| Cm | Cm | Ebmaj7 | Ebmaj7 Eb |
Does that make me crazy? Does that make me crazy?
| Abadd9 | Ab | Gsus4 | G |
Does that make me crazy? Possibly.
Bridge 1
| C | C | Abadd9 | Ab |
And I hope that you are having the time of your life.
| Eb | Eb | Gsus4 | G |
But think twice, that’s my only advice. Mm.
Verse 3
Come on now, who do you, who do you, who do you. Who do you think you are?
Ha ha ha, bless your soul.
You really think you’re in control. Well.
Chorus 2
I think you’re crazy. I think you’re crazy.
I think you’re crazy. Just like me.
Bridge 2
| C | C | Abadd9 | Ab |
My heroes had the heart to lose their lives out on the limb.
| Eb | Eb | Gsus4 | G N.C |
And all I remember is thinking I want to be like them. Mm, hm.
Verse 4
Ever since I was little, ever since I was little it looked like fun.
And it’s no coincidence I’ve come, (hm, mm)
and I can die when I’m done,
Chorus 3
But maybe I’m crazy. Maybe you’re crazy.
Maybe we’re crazy. Probably.
Outro (as bridge)
| C | C | Abadd9 | Ab |
Oh, ah, oh.
| Eb | Eb | Gsus4 | G | Cm |
Wo-oh, wo-ho, mm, hm.
Crazy Backing Tracks | Chord Analysis
Above, you’ll find two backing tracks I created using Serato to remove the chords so you can play them yourself.
The second track has no vocals. In some countries, the first track (with vocals) may be blocked due to copyright restrictions.
Practise with both these tracks, as well as the original version at the top of the page, to prepare for playing Crazy with a band.
Chord Progressions – What’s Going On?
The chord progression for the verse and chorus is in the key of Cm, moving:
Cm – Eb – Ab – G, if you disregard the extensions.
Disregarding extensions, this is VI – I – IV – IIIx in Roman numerals. The only out-of-key chord is III, which would normally be minor.
Bridge
The real surprise comes in the bridge, where a C major chord replaces Cm. This is a modal interchange (step 8 in my chord progression course), shifting from Aeolian (Cm) to Ionian (C).
This change lasts just two bars before the progression returns to familiar territory, though now with Eb and Ab swapped.
The original recording features backing vocals, strings, and layered keyboards, creating a rich production. To translate this to guitar, check out: Crazy – Guitar Lesson with TAB.
Once you can play the TAB, practise along with the backing track and follow the chords and lyrics above, or use the chord chart below.
Crazy Chord Chart | PDF + iReal Pro Download
If you want to download my chord chart with the correct extensions for Crazy, you can do so in two formats:
- PDF: Crazy chord chart PDF
- iReal Pro: Crazy iReal Pro
Crazy TAB | Course Preview
In the course, you get TAB for all sections of Crazy. Due to the dense production of the original, this will involve experimenting with your part so it fits your band. Consider whether your band has keyboards, horns, or if you’re the only chord instrument.
As a preview, here’s one way to approach the chorus. Notice that I’m playing an Absus2, not Abadd9.
Gnarls Barkley’s debut single
Taken from the album St. Elsewhere, Crazy was Gnarls Barkley’s first single and catapulted them to superstardom almost overnight, topping charts worldwide.
In the U.K., it held the number one spot for nine weeks—an achievement unmatched for a decade.
Beyond its original success, Crazy has become a staple in most cover bands’ repertoires, remaining popular since its 2006 release.
Many guitarists in these bands play the chords without the proper extensions. Above, you’ll find the chords and lyrics—try playing along with the original recording and see if you agree with the extensions.
And remember, before dismissing any chord as “crazy,” try playing it in all CAGED shapes!
Crazy Chords: Continue Learning
Want to master this song? Check out the full TAB lesson here: Crazy (Gnarls Barkley) Guitar Lesson with TAB.
Alternatively, here are five similar tunes you might enjoy:
