Perceive It ----------- Transcribed by Steve Douglas (tod@lineone.net) Last updated 3rd April 1997 Considering the simplicity of the chords this song has a surprisingly rich and complex sound, and is one of my favourites. Much of the appeal of this song arises from the contrast between the rich, rhythmical patterns which tend to occur in the introduction and the line-ends, set against the sense of quietness and anticipation that precedes the start of each new verse. It has an uneven rhythm containing a mixture of strong and weak beats, which can be hard to play initially but comes naturally with practice. It is possible to play the verses using the intermediate forms of D and A in the same way as the introduction, but this can detract from the song so it is better to play straight unmodified chords during the singing. You can, however, pick up the gap at the ends of the some of the lines with the transient chord forms to add a stronger feel to the song. The trick is to play the start bar (D,G,A,G) of each line very quietly, and begin to build the strength and depth throughout the second half of the line, from about the middle onwards, saving something for the chorus where the power is supposed to be otherwise you'll have nowhere to go. Unusually, the verse and chorus can be played using the same sequence of chords, which doesn't happen in many songs. There are many different ways of sequencing both the introduction and the main song, but these chord sequences and patterns should work OK with the phrasing and timing used on the original version and the later variations which I've heard sung live more recently. Intro Look for places where you can move between D- and D by "hammering on" the note that changes with the left hand only, and not playing the chord again. This gives you a 'pseudo' beat, which adds to the richness of the rhythm. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | D D- | D D- | D D | G+ | G- | G- G | D D- | D D- | D D | A A- | A A- | A-A | | \-\\ | \-\\ | \-\- | \-\\ | \-\- | \\-\ | \-\\ | \-\\ | \-\- | \-\\ | \-\\ | \-\- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- D G Stop the car if I have come this far G D A Without learning how to make an unexpected turn A D G Learn to play the changes to the beat of time G D A D Satisfaction never was a friend of mine Chorus D G Perceive it, and say goodbye to it G D A Don't hold on to any one moment A D G You've got to love it, and then release it G D A D Don't hold on to any one moment Send a postcard if you go to France Let me know if you're alive and doing fine I have never loved by mail so here's my chance I would like to write it if I ever get the time Draw your boundaries and paint your signs Though they say 'alone' at least I have a word to pray And I'll follow needing all there is of time Solo dancers learn their steps along the way