Mr. Brightside | Chords + Lyrics
Intro
||: Dbadd9 | Dbadd9/C | Dbadd9/Gb | Dbadd9/Gb :||
Verse 1
| Dbadd9 | Dbadd9/C |
Coming out of my cage and I’ve been doing just fine,
| Dbadd9/Gb | Dbadd9/Gb |
gotta, gotta be down because I want it all.
| Dbadd9 | Dbadd9/C |
It started out with a kiss, how did it end up like this?
| Dbadd9/Gb | Dbadd9/Gb |
It was only a kiss, it was only a kiss.
| Dbadd9 | Dbadd9/C |
Now I’m falling asleep and she’s calling a cab,
| Dbadd9/Gb | Dbadd9/Gb |
while he’s having a smoke and she’s taking a drag.
| Dbadd9 | Dbadd9/C |
Now they’re going to bed and my stomach is sick,
| Dbadd9/Gb | Dbadd9/Gb |
And it’s all in my head but she’s touching his.
Bridge 1
| Bbm | Bbm | Ab | Ab ||: Dbadd9/Gb | Dbadd9/Gb :||
Chest now. He takes off her dress now, letting me go.
| Bbm | Bbm | Ab | Ab ||: Dbadd9/Gb | Dbadd9/Gb :||
And I just can’t look, it’s killing me and taking control.
Chorus 1
||: Db5 | Gb | Bbm | Ab :||
Jealousy, turning saints into the sea. Swimming through sick lullabies.
Choking on your alibis. But it’s just the price I pay.
Destiny is calling me, open up my eager eyes.
‘Cause I’m Mr. Brightside.
Instrumental
| Db D4sus4 Db5 | Gb Gbsus2 Gb Gbmaj7 |
| Bbm Bbmb6 Bbm | Ab6 Ab6sus4 Ab |
Verse 2
I’m coming out of my cage and I’ve been doing just fine,
gotta, gotta be down because I want it all.
It started out with a kiss, how did it end up like this?
(It was only a kiss), it was only a kiss.
Now I’m falling asleep and she’s calling a cab,
while he’s having a smoke and she’s taking a drag.
Now they’re going to bed and my stomach is sick,
and it’s all in my head but she’s touching his.
Bridge 2
Chest now. He takes off her dress now, letting me go.
And I just can’t look, it’s killing me and taking control.
Chorus 2
Jealousy, turning saints into the sea. Swimming through sick lullabies.
Choking on your alibis. But it’s just the price I pay.
Destiny is calling me, open up my eager eyes.
‘Cause I’m Mr. Brightside.
Instrumental 2
||: Db D4sus4 Db5 | Gb Gbsus2 Gb Gbmaj7 |
| Bbm Bbmb6 Bbm | Ab6 Ab6sus4 Ab :||
Outro
||: Db D4sus4 Db5 | Gb Gbsus2 Gb Gbmaj7 |
| Bbm Bbmb6 Bbm | Ab6 Ab6sus4 Ab :|| x4
I never, I never, I never, I never.
Mr. Brightside Chords: Overcoming the Challenge of Db
The original recording of Mr. Brightside is heavily produced, making it tricky to define a simple part for playing with a band as the sole guitarist. While the bridge and chorus chords are relatively straightforward, it’s the intro and instrumental sections that present the most challenge.
The track is recorded in Db, playing in Db a bit tricky, and while there’s an argument for learning it in D and using a Digitech drop pedal to reach Db, we’ll stick with Db for now. The verse riff is based on a Dbadd9 chord with different bass notes, as follows:
||: Dbadd9 | Dbadd9/C | Dbadd9/Gb | Dbadd9/Gb :||
In the bridge, we recycle the final chord of the verse but add a VI and V progression before it:
| Bbm | Bbm | Ab | Ab ||: Dbadd9/Gb | Dbadd9/Gb :||
The chorus follows a classic diatonic chord progression: I – IV – VI – V.
| Db5 (I) | Gb (IV) | Bbm (VI) | Ab (V) |
You could play the chorus with power chords throughout, which is how most people do it.
The instrumental section mirrors the chorus but can be written with chord extensions when paired with the melody:
| Db D4sus4 Db5 | Gb Gbsus2 Gb Gbmaj7 |
| Bbm Bbmb6 Bbm | Ab6 Ab6sus4 Ab |
Imagine how much simpler it would be in D with a tuned-down guitar. Alternatively, transposing everything to C is another option.
To help you get a better feel for the song, I’ve developed some TAB for the intro and instrumental section, which will work even if no one else is playing the chords.
Here’s the link to the TAB lesson: Mr. Brightside – Guitar Lesson with TAB.
And for further support, this chord chart will guide you through the key of Db. Why not just write it in D, you ask? I believe you need to experience the challenge of Db to truly appreciate it!
Mr. Brightside Chord Chart | PDF + iReal Pro
If you’d like to download the chord chart, here’s a link to the PDF: Mr. Brightside chord chart PDF.
This chord chart was created using iReal Pro. You can access it here: Mr. Brightside iReal Pro. With the iReal Pro app, you can even change the key – perhaps to D.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you could convince the singer to perform it a semitone higher. Alternatively, why not bring a spare guitar tuned to Eb?
Mr. Brightside: The Killer Tune That Defines the Decade
The Killers‘ biggest hit, Mr. Brightside, was released as the lead single from their debut album Hot Fuss in 2004.
An immense success, the song would go on to be crowned “Song of the Decade” by U.K. radio stations, selling over 10 million copies worldwide. Its lasting appeal is evident in the way it’s become a staple of live performances, with bands still playing it almost two decades later, often as the final encore.
Mr. Brightside seamlessly fits alongside other classic anthems like Sex On Fire, Summer Of ’69, and Seven Nation Army. These are the kinds of songs you can count on to elevate the energy of any event, ensuring it’s a night to remember.
Mr. Brightside Chords: Continue Learning
Want to master this song? Check out the full TAB lesson here: Mr. Brightside (The Killers) Guitar Lesson with TAB.
Alternatively, here are five similar tunes you might enjoy: