G
D
A
Bm
F#m
A7
Changes In Latitudes, Changes In Attitudes
Jimmy Buffett
Jimmy Buffett's original version of this classic brings a laid-back, tropical folk-rock feel that is reflected in the easygoing chord progressions and strumming style. Listening to the studio recording can help you capture its relaxed vibe.
## Chords and Progression
The song uses basic open chords: G, D, A, A7, Bm, and F#m. Most beginners will be familiar with G, D, and A, but Bm and F#m are barre chords, which may require extra practice. To simplify, you can substitute Bm with Bm7 (x20202) and F#m with F#m7 (242222).
## Strumming Pattern
Aim for a steady, island-style strum. A simple pattern is: down, down-up, up-down-up (D, D-U, U-D-U). Play this loosely and with a relaxed wrist to match the song's feel. For choruses, you can strum a bit more strongly to bring out the energy.
## Chord Transitions
Practice moving between G, D, and A smoothly, as these changes happen frequently and quickly, especially in the intro and chorus. For the A to A7 switch, just lift your ring finger (A = x02220, A7 = x02020).
## Additional Tips
Listen for the instrumental breaks and use the chord pattern from the verses. Don’t worry about playing fast; focus on clean transitions and keeping the rhythm steady. Play along with the recording to build confidence and timing.
Intro
G D A D
G D A G D A D
Verse 1I took off for aG weekend last month just toA try and recall the wholeD year
All of the faces andG all of the placesA wonderin' where they all disaD ppeared
Bm I didn't ponder theF#m question too long I wasG hungry and went out for aA bite
RanG into a chum with aD bottle of rum and weA wound upA7 drinkin' allD night
ChorusIt's thoseG changes in latitudes,D changes in attitudesA nothing remains quite theD same
WithG all of our running andD all of our cunning ifA we couldn't laugh we wouldG all go inD sane
Verse 2Reading departure signsG in some big airport reA minds me of the places I'veD been
Visions of good times thatG brought so much pleasure makesA me want to go back aD gain
If itBm suddenly ended toF#m morrow, I couldG somehow adjust to theA fall
G Good times and riches andD son of a bitches I'veA seen more thanA7 I can reD call
ChorusWith theseG changes in latitudes,D changes in attitudesA nothin' remains quite theD same
ThroughG all of the islands andD all of the highlands ifA we couldn't laugh we wouldG all go inD sane
InstrumentalG D A G D A D
Verse 3I think about Paris when I'mG high on red wine IA wish I could jump on aD plane
So many nights I justG dream of the ocean God IA wish I was sailin' aD gain
OhBm yesterdays are over myF#m shoulder, soG I can't look backward tooA long
There's justG too much to see waitingD in front of me and IA know that IA7 just can't goD wrong
ChorusWith theseG changes in latitudesD changes in attitudesA nothing remains quite theD same
WithG all of my running andD all of my cunning ifA I couldn't laugh I justG wouldD goA inD sane
OutroIfA we couldn't laugh we justG wouldD goA inD sane
IfA we weren't all crazy weG would,A go inG sane
G G G G G D D D D D A A A A A D