Down To Zero

Words & Music:

Joan Armatrading

Tabbed by: Nic Boulton

Corrections by: KCH

Nic's 1997 tab is very good.  I've just added a few corrections by ear from the recording.  There's definitely more corrections to be made, so feel free to send 'em along.   Played in A [capo 2] plus, tune up just a touch. It's in 3/4 time.  I'm hearing more of the gospel I-Isus4-I or I-IV-I than the C/E-G6-G, but either works.

INTRO:  [divided by measures - make the D a strong pick up to the G]

|G/E      |G/D     (C)|G      |G   G/B|

|CM7      |CM7        |C      |D      |  [first 2 measures are piano]

|G        |G          |Am[Em?]|D      |G...

 

Nic's Chords:

X x 2 0 1 0 - C/E

x x 0 0 0 0 - o (?G+6) [traditionally an A11 chord when you play all 6 strings, let's call this one a G6 chord.]

3 2 0 0 0 3 - G

x x 0 2 3 2 - D

0 2 2 0 0 0 - Em

x 3 2 0 1 0 - C

(C)D, (C)Em, etc. means strum the C real quick, then change *immediately*  

to the next chord...sometimes she misses out the C entirely

in the intro & outro, emphasise the low notes in the D (=?D5 (xx023x))

C/E   o G  [this sounds like G  Gus4  G or G  C  G vamp on recording]

  * * * *

         Oh, the feeling

  C/E   G

    *   *

         when you're reeling.

      (C)D

         You step lightly, thinking you're number one.

C/E   o G

  * * * *

         Down to zero with a

  C/E   G

    *   *

         word leaving

       (C)D

            for another one.

Em       D                               G

Now, you walk with your feet back on the ground.

(C)Em            D                   G   G/B  G/C

   Down to the ground, down to the ground.

Em                   D                   G

       down to the ground, down to the ground.

Brand new dandy, first-class scene-stealer,

Walks through the crowd and takes your man.

Sends you rushing to the mirror.

Brush your eyebrows and say:

"There's more beauty in you than anyone."

Em       D                     G

      Oh, remember who walked the warm sand beside you.

(C)Em                D                        G

      Moored to your heel, let the waves come rushing in.

Em                 D               C

     She took the worry from your head.

CM7

But, then again, she put trouble in your heart instead and you fall...

Em               D                   G

   Down to the ground, Down to the ground.

BRIDGE:  [listen to the recording for chord rhythms]

  C   o D                             C   D

  * * * *                             *   *

         You know heartache--------, still more crying

              Em              G            D

When you're thinking of your mother's only son.

  C   o D                             C   D

  * * * *                             *   *

         You take to your bed----, you say there's peace in sleep.

     Em           G         D

But you dream of lo-ove instead.

        C                Em             G                  Em         D

Oh, the heartache you'll find can bring more pain than the blistering sun.

Em     (D)            G   Em    (D)            G

    But oh, when you fall--- but oh, when you fall,

    C(M7)      C/E   D    G

You fall at my door.

INSTRUMENTAL OVER:  ||: C/E  |D   |G   |G    :||

VERSE ONE REPRISE:  ["Oh, the feeling..." through "...down to the ground"]

 

BRIDGE REPRISE:  ["You know heartache..." through "...you fall at my door"]

OUTRO:

|C/E    |D    |G     |G