Every Day Is A Winding Road Tabs:
SONG NAME - IF IT MAKES YOU HAPPY
Band Name - Sheryl Crow
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Tabbed by: Steven Huch
Email: stevenhuch@hotmail.com
Tuning: Standard
I’ve noticed that there aren’t many tabs for this song, and the other one I saw didn't
quite right, so I decided to write a comprehensive tab from start to finish. I’m pretty
that this is totally correct, because it sounds spot on. The only thing difficult about
this song, is the rhythm. If you want to get it sounding really good, then I
that you listen closely to the record and get an understanding of the timing. I’ve tried
show the timing as clearly as possible, but this is just a guide. The intro goes for a
of 16 bars. The first 8 bars of the intro I have labeled as ‘intro – first part’. This
because the rhythm for the next 8 bars of the intro changes very slightly – I’ve labeled
next 8 bars of the intro as ‘intro – second part’. The song is in 4:4 timing and on
second beat of the bar you strum hard (i.e. strum hard on 2, 3, 4 for the first bar). Use
down strokes for the intro.
Intro – first part
G5 G G5 G G5 G G7 Gsus4 G7 G5 G
e|-------------------------|-----------------------------|
B|-------------------------|-----------------------------|
G|-------4-------4-------4-|---4------5--5--4--------4---|
D|-------5-------5-------5-|---3------3--3--3--------5---| 4x
A|---5---5---5---5---5---5-|---5------5--5--5----5---5---|
E|---3---3---3---3---3---3-|---3------3--3--3----3---3---|
1 2 & 3 & 4 1 2 3 & 4 &
Intro – second part
G5 G G5 G G5 G G7 Gsus4 G5 Gsus4 G5 Gsus4
e|-------------------------|-----------------------------|
B|-------------------------|-----------------------------|
G|-------4-------4-------4-|---4----5--------5-------5---|
D|-------5-------5-------5-|---3----3--------3-------3---| 4x
A|---5---5---5---5---5---5-|---5----5----5---5---5---5---|
E|---3---3---3---3---3---3-|---3----3----3---3---3---3---|
1 2 & 3 & 4 1 2 & 3 & 4
With this part, I think the chords are being played on an electric guitar using a bit of
effect. But since I was using an acoustic guitar when I was tabbing this, I’ve
and arranged it so it sounds good without any tremolo effects. I also play this part
quickly, however, it’s really up to you if you want to play it like this or slightly slower,
on the record - either way it uses the same chords. Use all down strokes for this part
well.
Fill 1
C C7 Csus4 C7 C C7 Csus4 C7
e|----------------------------------------------------------|
B|----------------------------------------------------------|
G|---9------9------10------9------9------9------10------9---|
D|---10-----8------8-------8------10-----8------8-------8---| 1x
A|---10-----10-----10------10-----10-----10-----10------10--|
E|---8------8------8-------8------8------8------8-------8---|
1 & 2 & 3 & 4 &
Back to Intro – second part 4x
Fill 2
C C7 Csus4 C7 C C7 Csus4 C7
e|------------------------------------------|
B|------------------------------------------|
G|---9----9----10---9----9----9----10---9---|
D|---10---8----8----8----10---8----8----8---| 2x
A|---10---10---10---10---10---10---10---10--|
E|---8----8----8----8----8----8----8----8---|
1 & 2 & 3 & 4 &
D D7 Dsus4 D7 D D7 Dsus4 D7
e|------------------------------------------|
B|------------------------------------------|
G|---11---11---12---11---11---11---12---11--|
D|---12---10---10---10---12---10---10---10--| 1x
A|---12---12---12---12---12---12---12---12--|
E|---10---10---10---10---10---10---10---10--|
1 & 2 & 3 & 4 &
C C7 Csus4 C7 C C7 Csus4 C7
e|------------------------------------------|
B|------------------------------------------|
G|---9----9----10---9----9----9----10---9---|
D|---10---8----8----8----10---8----8----8---| 1x
A|---10---10---10---10---10---10---10---10--|
E|---8----8----8----8----8----8----8----8---|
1 & 2 & 3 & 4 &
e|------------------------------------------|
B|------------------------------------------|
G|---11---11---11---------------------------|
D|---12---12---12---------------------------| 1x
A|---12---12---12---------------------------|
E|---10---10---10---------------------------|
1 2 3
Just strum this how you hear it on the record. It’s not complex, just a simple strum.
follow the beat I’ve set out below too strictly – this is just a rough guide to give you
idea of how it is strummed.
Chorus
Am C
e|---5---5---5-5-5-5---5---|---8---8----8--8--8---8------------|
B|---5---5---5-5-5-5---5---|---8---8----8--8--8---8------------|
G|---5---5---5-5-5-5---5---|---9---9----9--9--9---9------------|
D|---7---7---7-7-7-7---7---|---10--10---10-10-10--10-----------| 1x
A|---7---7---7-7-7-7---7---|---10--10---10-10-10--10-----------|
E|---5---5---5-5-5-5---5---|---8---8----8--8--8---8------------|
1 2 & 3 & 4 & 1 2 & 3 & 4 &
^ ^ v ^ v ^ ^ ^ ^ v ^ v ^ ^
G D
e|---3---3---3-3-3-3---3---|---5---5----5-5-5-5---5------------|
B|---3---3---3-3-3-3---3---|---7---7----7-7-7-7---7------------|
G|---4---4---4-4-4-4---4---|---7---7----7-7-7-7---7------------|
D|---5---5---5-5-5-5---5---|---7---7----7-7-7-7---7------------| 1x
A|---5---5---5-5-5-5---5---|---5---5----5-5-5-5---5------------|
E|---3---3---3-3-3-3---3---|-----------------------------------|
1 2 & 3 & 4 & 1 2 & 3 & 4 &
^ ^ v ^ v ^ ^ ^ ^ v ^ v ^ ^
Am C
e|---5---5---5-5-5-5---5---|---8---8----8--8--8---8------------|
B|---5---5---5-5-5-5---5---|---8---8----8--8--8---8------------|
G|---5---5---5-5-5-5---5---|---9---9----9--9--9---9------------|
D|---7---7---7-7-7-7---7---|---10--10---10-10-10--10-----------| 1x
A|---7---7---7-7-7-7---7---|---10--10---10-10-10--10-----------|
E|---5---5---5-5-5-5---5---|---8---8----8--8--8---8------------|
1 2 & 3 & 4 & 1 2 & 3 & 4 &
^ ^ v ^ v ^ ^ ^ ^ v ^ v ^ ^
Back to Intro – first part 2x
Back to Intro – second part 4x
Back to Fill 1 1x
Back to Intro – second part 4x
Back to Fill 2 1x
Back to Chorus
Am C G G(bar chords)
Am C G D (bar chords)
Am C Em (Em is open)
Then a short lick is played using the G major scale starting on the 3rd fret. This
as Em is ringing out.
e|------------------------|-------------------------------------|
B|------------------------|-------------------------------------|
G|------------------------|-------------------------------------|
D|---5---4---2-------2~---|---5---4---2-------------------------| 1x
A|---------------5--------|---------------5---2~----------------|
E|------------------------|-------------------------------------|
1 2 3 & 4 1 2 3 & 4
e|------------------------|-------------------------------------|
B|------------------------|-------------------------------------|
G|------------------------|-------------------------------------|
D|---5---4---2-------2~---|---2---2-----------------------------| 1x
A|---------------5--------|-----------5---3------5--------------|
E|------------------------|----------------------3--------------|
1 2 3 & 4 1 2 3 & 4
Back to Intro – second part 6x
Back to Fill 2 1x
Back to chorus 4x
Throughout the song there are a few short solos played. I’m not exactly sure how they
played, but just fiddle around with something using the G major scale higher up the neck –
pretty sure that they are played using a G major scale because I can hear it while the
part is being played.
There is then a solo part played to finish off the song, but I haven’t figured it out
– when I do, I’ll add it in, but I think you should be able to play the song fairly well
what I’ve shown you.
I hope this tab helps you out, and if it does, please rate it highly. If you have any
or questions just email me.
P.S. If you've been playing guitar for about 1 to 3 years and you're looking to have a
with someone, send me an email. Thanx.
http://www.guitarmasta.net/c/crow,_sheryl/.html
Tab Discussion, Comments, and Critiques
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No Picture
Will Wanna Be |
#1 by Will Hay at Sep 29, 2007 at 7:12 PM EST |
| To me, its both about not being perfect but the person you're with is still happy with you, but is also about getting irritated by many things in life that make you think you're depressed for a while. But when you think about it, you're actually quite happy with you're life so all the little things can't be that bad. | |
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No Picture
Scott Average |
#2 by Scott Anderson at Sep 29, 2007 at 11:05 PM EST |
| If it feels good, do it? I guess. I could have liked this song, but she just screams the chorus way too loud and shrill. It sounds like she is yelling at me. | |
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No Picture
chOxY Rhythm Player |
#3 by chOxY at Sep 30, 2007 at 10:58 PM EST |
| chorus is great, really makes me ask myself the same question. If it makes me happy, then why the hell am i so sad? I really have no idea what shes talking about, but it doesnt really matter, does it? We all have our own interpretations, and whatever we see in the words and emotion is good | |
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No Picture
†§ean† Average |
#4 by †§ean† at Oct 1, 2007 at 3:07 AM EST |
| This reminds me of people who pretend to be depressed or put themselves down just to get complimants. I know we all do it...but there are some people who over d it...and its REALLY annoying. | |
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No Picture
claireus Wanna Be |
#5 by claireus s at Oct 2, 2007 at 12:20 PM EST |
| i dunno, i kinda had a totally different outlook on this song... it kinda reminds me of me n my boyfriend... like he smokes and stuff...so its kinda like, "hey, u if u like it... it cant be that bad.." ya know? lol i dunno, after reading all of urs i think im sooo off track here.. lol | |
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No Picture
JUSTIN Lead Player |
#6 by JUSTIN LOCKHART at Oct 3, 2007 at 12:15 PM EST |
| "If it makes you happy, it can't be that bad?" - people shouldn't be so afraid to do or admit to the things they enjoy. Just be yourself "If it makes you happy, why the hell are you so sad?" - people make out their happy and that 'things' make them happy when clearly they don't. Again be yourself. be yourself, may not be perfect but that does matter | |
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No Picture
RoBsN Average |
#7 by RoBsN Stalder at Oct 4, 2007 at 2:48 PM EST |
| I think this is about someone (sheryl) trying to get through to her close friend and sort out their issues(maybe boyfriend). I probably think this because that's what i am going through, but anyway. In the first verse she is just making conversation, starting off light-hearted and trying to get him to talk back. She's making it up becuase she doesn't know what to say and she promised not to give up on him and so she is trying her best to help. I think the chorus is about their relationship. Maybe they had an argument or have issues. It makes him happy generally so it can't be SO bad. BUt still he gets down about it. ''why the hell are you so sad'' is her desperately almost yelling at hiim to tell her what the hell is up. The next verse tells him how she tries hard for him and puts up with alot. she may not be perfect, she gets stoned etc, but she loves him. She in a way tells him to stop the self-pity ("who hasn't been there before?") and that he is being weak. The final verse is her telling him how they aren't as bad as he may think. They have been through alot, it's all been alright. They get along, why does he have to find wrong in everything? | |
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No Picture
Randy Lead Player |
#8 by Randy Lott at Oct 5, 2007 at 2:37 AM EST |
| To me this song is all about drugs. More specifically heroin. (What her ex. boyfriend died of.) "If it makes you happy, it can't be that bad." | |
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No Picture
jim Professional |
#9 by jim d.f at Oct 5, 2007 at 3:38 AM EST |
| If it makes you happy, it CAN be that bad, and that’s why you are so sad. That’s the reality of the situation. A lot of things make us happy, but they can be bad for us and knowing that but continuing doing them is what makes us sad. We know damn well they’re not good for us but we carry on because they make us feel good. That’s life – one big contradiction. Great song though. Haven’t got a clue what the rest of it means. | |
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No Picture
niles Wanna Be |
#10 by niles lewis at Oct 5, 2007 at 4:30 AM EST |
| I can't explain how great this song is. Sheryl Crow just really makes some good ones. | |
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No Picture
Tony Wanna Be |
#11 by Tony Danza at Oct 6, 2007 at 8:15 AM EST |
| This song totally reminds me of this girl I am friends with. She dated this guy who was into bad stuff, but acted differently around his family. He would never bring her around to his home because she was considered bad. He refused to recognize their relationship and just totally used her. She was in love with him and he led her on for a long time. If it makes you happy, it can't be that bad. Right? | |
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No Picture
Austin Average |
#12 by Austin Schrauben at Oct 6, 2007 at 12:34 PM EST |
| guybrows, that is the funniest piece of bullshit i've ever read. | |
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No Picture
More Cowbell Lead Player |
#13 by More Cowbell at Oct 7, 2007 at 9:13 AM EST |
| I don't know what this song means to me, but it takes me back, I love Sheryl Crow and this is one of her best songs. | |
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Josh Average |
#14 by Josh Smith at Oct 8, 2007 at 8:49 AM EST |
| Well, I don't remember exactly what she said, but Sheryl said on her Bravo channel Musicians special that this song was in response to all the trash-talking and negativity that came her way after the success of her first album. It was her response to the nasty side of success and fame. Now, when she says, "If it makes you happy, it can't be that bad. If it makes you happy, then why the hell are you so sad?" I don't have a clue who she's talking to. Herself, maybe?? Or am I totally off track? The only part of the song that seems to clearly indicate life as a famous musician is "put on a poncho, played for mosquitos," about putting in your time before hitting it big and/or playing your music for industry bigwigs who are like vultures. I dunno, though. The rest of the lyrics kind of escape me. Any other interpretations? | |
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No Picture
ToRRi Average |
#15 by ToRRi L at Oct 9, 2007 at 1:11 AM EST |
| I think its about people who say things will make them happy, and once they get it, they go back to being sad so they can get whatever they want, its about selfish people begging for more. | |
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No Picture
john Wanna Be |
#16 by john dolmayan at Oct 9, 2007 at 3:41 AM EST |
| I probably have a weird take on this song, but I'll share it anyway. I picture a pair of exes. The guy dumped the girl over something petty-- like maybe he's a total momma's boy, and she's too edgy for his family. But the girl isn't going to give up on him. She'll maintain the friendship, and watch him grow miserable without her. She'll even take care of him. He made the decision to break it off-- but if he's happy with that decision, then why doesn't his lifestyle reflect that? So she's bitterly asking him this question in order to point out the obvious: that SHE could make him happy. That's my take on it. :0) | |
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No Picture
Kazza Average |
#17 by Kazza at Oct 11, 2007 at 1:29 AM EST |
| Hey this song is great...It's a shame that it's to be heard in britney's movie...but anyway, I like it (this song, not that damn movie) | |
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No Picture
danielle Lead Player |
#18 by danielle woodley at Oct 11, 2007 at 1:34 PM EST |
| it relates to the lyric from Llama "in the middle of paradise I would still cry for the moon" in otherwords, the grass is always greener | |
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Jarrett Lead Player |
#19 by Jarrett Sandlin at Oct 13, 2007 at 2:28 PM EST |
| Man I love this song. Thats all I have to say. ANd when she says "put on a poncho" I thought she was saying "put on a bomb show" that makes sense to. It sounds like she is trying to cheer someone up throughout the song. like the first verse she starts off telling a story to get their mind off of whatever it is they are thinking about, she lies but what the hell she tried. The second verse shes telling the person what they need to hear being more direct about whats going on. Then she tries to relate to that persons issues with her own corky issues to make them understand hey no ones perfect that life but if you like yourself and what u do makes you happy than y are u sad. Either change or accept yourself. | |
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Tony Average |
#20 by Tony Riemer at Oct 15, 2007 at 8:05 PM EST |
| If it makes you happy It can't be that bad If it makes you happy Then why the hell are you so sad this is the que | |
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No Picture
Musical Genius |
#21 by oh.... THAT guy at Oct 15, 2007 at 9:13 PM EST |
| probably my favorite sheryl crow song. she's admitting that she is far from perfect, but maybe she's perfect for him, you know? | |
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No Picture
phil Wanna Be |
#22 by phil taylor at Oct 15, 2007 at 10:52 PM EST |
| The Thing that I read about the song was that it was a response to her boyfriend at the time(Eric Clapton)... The 2 were dating and Eric was a tee-totaler... Eric would preach to her about the evils of chemical or alchohol abuses... Eric had done it all as a younger man and was speaking with experience but Sheryl was younger and still had some fun to have... | |
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No Picture
Mat Average |
#23 by Mat Hancock at Oct 16, 2007 at 3:26 AM EST |
| She's singing to herself in the chorus. | |
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No Picture
†§ean† Average |
#24 by †§ean† at Oct 17, 2007 at 9:38 AM EST |
| I think this song is about telling people what they want to hear, you know like those little white lies we tell people. We try to get them to be happy, and even if they are for that second, they end up sad again. Maybe it's because we lied to them...(in other words...if it makes you happy when I tell you a lie, it can't be that bad...but if it makes you happy, why the hell are you so sad?) | |
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No Picture
ian Average |
#25 by ian mckinly at Oct 17, 2007 at 10:59 AM EST |
| voodoochild: yes! yazzers and lilac3397: while that may not have been what sheryl exactly meant, it's exactly how i feel about this song too at the moment! | |
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