Suzanne - Joan Baez | Song Tabs - Guitar Chord Sheets

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Suzanne Joan Baez

Joan Baez’s rendition of "Suzanne," originally by Leonard Cohen, is known for its gentle, flowing guitar accompaniment that highlights the song’s poetic lyrics and meditative atmosphere. The song is typically performed at a moderate tempo, with a folk-inspired feel.

## Chords and Structure

The main chords used are C, F, Dm, and Em, which are all open chords suitable for beginners. The song follows a repetitive structure, making it easier to memorize chord changes.

## Strumming Pattern

For a beginner, a simple down-down-up-up-down-up (D D U U D U) pattern works well. Try to keep your strumming hand moving steadily, even if you miss a string or two. This helps maintain the song’s smooth, continuous flow.

## Chord Transitions

Practice moving smoothly between C and F, as this transition occurs frequently. For F, use the simplified version (xx3211) if barre chords are too challenging. Take time to switch between Dm and C as well, since these appear back-to-back in verses and chorus.

## Additional Tips

Listen to the song to get a feel for the dynamics—play softly during verses and slightly stronger in the chorus. Don’t rush; let the chords ring out fully. If you struggle with F, pause and work on finger placement separately. With patience, your transitions will become smoother.

Enjoy playing and let the gentle rhythm carry the song’s mood.

C

F

Dm

Em

Intro

C F C C F C F C F C F C

Verse 1

C Suzanne takes you down, to her place by the river

You canDm hear the boats go by, you can spend the night forever

And youC know that she's half crazy, and that's why you want to be there

And sheEm feeds you tea and oranges, that comeF all the way from China

AndC just when you mean to tell her, you have no love to give her

SheDm gets you on her wave-length, and she lets the river answer, that you'veC always been her lover

Chorus

And youEm want to travel with her, and youF want to travel blind

And youC think you maybe trust her, cuz she'sDm touched your perfect body, with herC mind

Interlude

C F C C F C F C F C F C

Verse 2

C Jesus was a sailor, when He walked upon the water

HeDm spent a long time watching, from a lonely wooden tower

AndC when he knew for certain, only drowning men could see him

He said "Em All men shall be sailors then, unF til the sea shall free them"

ButC He himself was broken, long before the sky would open

ForDm saken, almost human, he sank beneath your wisdom like aC star

Chorus

And youEm want to travel with him, and youF want to travel blind

And youC think you maybe trust him, 'cause He'sDm touched your perfect body, with hisC mind

Interlude

C F C C F C F C F C F C

Verse 3

C Suzanne takes your hand, and she leads you to the river

She'sDm wearing rags and feathers, from Salvation Army counters

And theC sun pours down like honey, on our lady of the harbor

And sheEm shows you where to look, among theF garbage and the flowers

There areC heroes in the seaweed, there are children in the morning

They'reDm leaning out for love, and they will lean that way forever, whileC Suzanne holds the mirror

Chorus

And youEm want to travel with her, and youF want to travel blind

And youC think you maybe trust her, cuz she'sDm touched your perfect body with herC mind

Outro

C F C C F C F C F C F C