No capo in the original version, but if you can sing as low as Leonard Cohen (I can!) then you're doing well.
This is the lowest key you'll ever need it in, just capo it up as you need to! :)
INTRO: D – C - D x 4 – if you want to replicate the bass line in the intro and you’re just strumming,
then do these as barre chords and just hit the top three strings. Strumming pattern I’ve used is
D C D D
D-U-D-U-U-Dmute-Umute
But I’ve found you can just play a standard D/F# chord and just lift off the E string to kind of make a
reasonably acceptable sound.
[VERSE 1]
D
I’m slowing down the tune, I never liked it fast
You want to get there soon, I want to get there last
A Gm A Gm
It’s not because I’m old, It’s not the life I led
A Gm G F D
I always liked it slow, That’s what my momma said
D
I’m lacing up my shoe, But I don’t want to run
I’ll get there when I do, Don’t need no startin' gun
A Gm A Gm
It’s not because I’m old, And it’s not what dying does
A Gm G F D
I always liked it slow, Slow is in my blood
[CHORUS 1]
Bb F C F
I always liked it slow, I never liked it fast
Bb F C A
With you it’s got to go, With me it’s got to last
Gm A Gm A
It’s not because I’m old, It’s not because I’m dead
Gm A G F D
I always liked it slow, That’s what my momma said
6 bars of D - improv if you can!
[VERSE 2]
D
All your moves are swift, All your turns are tight
Let me catch my breath, I thought we had all night
A Gm A Gm
I like to take my time, I like to linger as it flies
A Gm G F D
A weekend on your lips, A lifetime in your eyes
[CHORUS 2]
Bb F C F
I’m slowing down the tune, I never liked it fast
Bb F C A
You want to get there soon, I want to get there last
Gm A Gm A
It’s not because I’m old, It’s not the life I led
Gm A G F D
I always liked it slow, That’s what my momma said
[CHORUS 3]
Bb F C F
I’m slowing down the tune, I never liked it fast
Bb F C A
You want to get there soon, I want to get there last
Gm A Gm A
So, baby, let me go, You’re wanted back in town
Gm A G F D
In case they want to know, I’m just trying to slow it down
