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 backing tracks to use when learning Crazy. I’ve used stem separation to extract the guitar while keeping the drums, bass, keys, and vocals intact.
After studying the chords and TAB, use my backing tracks to prepare for playing this tune with a band.
Should you want to play along with the original recording instead, you need to tune your guitar sharp to 442Hz. In the backing track, I’ve done this job for you by detuning it to 440Hz.
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. 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 the TAB further down this guitar lesson.
Once you can play the TAB, practice along with the backing tracks 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
Let’s go through some TAB so you can develop a part that works in your band.
Intro
This is the easiest section!
Verse
Things get complicated quickly. Even though the verse and chorus use the same chords, it’s important to differentiate between the two sections.
Verse idea 1 works well as a base for a looping arrangement on acoustic guitar or if you’re the only chord instrument. Can you stretch for the add9?
Verse idea 2 is similar to idea 1, but now we change the add9 to a sus2, as the stretch is quite demanding.
Verse idea 3 abandons the bass notes, focusing on beats 2 and 4 for a more rhythmic feel.
Chorus
The chorus uses the same chords, but now we need more intensity.
Chorus idea 2 adds stabs and a 16th note on beats 3+ and 2+ for extra drive.
Bridge
The bridge features the modal interchange. We maintain the chorus feel but with different chord shapes. There are three endings included for bridge 1, 2, and the final section.
When you can play all this TAB, practise along with the backing tracks above. Decide whether to stick with these ideas or develop your own interpretation.
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
Step-by-step Guitar Courses
Master guitar by studying real tunes. Build your skills with video lessons, eBooks and practice routines that connect theory with the music you love!
Explore SpyTunes step-by-step Guitar Courses.
Five similar tunes | Chords + Lyrics
