Big Black Car by Gregory Alan Isakov is a profoundly moving composition that delves into the intricacies of unexpressed affection, sorrow, and the relentless march of time.
The poignant lyrics offer a compelling insight into the narrator’s emotional conflict as he observes the woman he cherishes endure heartbreak and distress. Although his feelings for her run deep, he finds himself unable to articulate them, and by the moment he is prepared to do so, it is regrettably too late.
Isakov’s talent for articulating such intricate emotions through straightforward yet impactful imagery distinguishes “Big Black Car” within his body of work. The song strikes a chord with anyone who has faced the anguish of unreciprocated love, the remorse of lost chances, or the quiet resignation that certain circumstances lie beyond our influence.
Big Black Car by Gregory Alan Isakov Chords
Capo: 3rd Fret
[Intro]
Am G F C
Am G F C
[Verse 1]
Am G F C
You were a phonograph, I was a kid
Am G F C
I sat with an ear close, just listening
Am G F C
I was there when the rain tapped her way down your face
Am G F C
You were a miracle, I was just holdin' your space
Am C G C
Am C G C
[Verse 2]
Am G F C
Well, time has a way of throwing it all in your face
Am G F C
The past, she is haunted, the future is laced
Am G F C
Heartbreak, ya know, drives a big black car
Am G F C
Swear I was in the back seat, just minding my own
Am C G C
Am C G C
[Chorus]
G C
And through the glass, the corn crows come like rain
G Am
They won't stay, they wont stay for
Em C
Too long now
G Am
This could be all that we know...
Dsus2
Of love and all
[Verse 3]
Am G F C
Well, you were a dancer, I was a rag
Am G F C
The song in my head, well, was all that I had
Am G F C
Hope was a letter I never could send
Am G F C
Love was a country we couldn't defend
Am C G C
Am C G C
[Bridge]
G F C G
And through the carnival we watch them go round and round
G F C G
All we knew of home was just a sunset and some clowns, ohhhhhhh
[Verse 4]
Am G F C
Well, you were a magazine, I was a plain Jane
Am G F C
Just walking the sidewalks all covered in rain
Am G F C
Love to just get into some of your stories
Am G F C
Just me and all of my plain Jane glory
Am G F C
Am G F C
Just me and all of my plain Jane glory
Am C G C
Am C G C
Am G F C
Heyayayayay
Am G F C
(Repeat through the end of the song.)
Big Black Car by Gregory Alan Isakov Chords