Crazy Chords | Gnarls Barkley Guitar Lesson


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Crazy | Chords + Lyrics


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 Chords: Analysing the Unexpected Modulations


The chord progression for the verse and chorus is in the key of Cm, moving CmEbAbG, if you disregard the extensions.

In Roman numerals, this is VI – I – IV – IIIx. The only out-of-key chord is III, which should have been minor.

The real surprise comes in the bridge, where we suddenly get a C major chord instead of Cm. This is known as 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.

To see all these (crazy) variations, including extended chords, follow along with the chords and lyrics above or the chord chart below.


Crazy chord chart.


Crazy Backing Tracks | Chord Chart
(PDF + iReal Pro)


At the top of the page, you find two backing tracks, the second one has vocals. Practise with these to prepare yourself for playing with a band.

If you want to download my chord chart with the correct extensions for Crazy, here’s a PDF: Crazy chord chart PDF.

Should you be using the iReal Pro format instead, here’s that file: Crazy chord chart iReal Pro.



Crazy was 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 | Related Pages


Five similar tunes | Chords + Lyrics

When you can play Crazy's chords, try these five tunes from the songbook.

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