When Numbers Get Serious
written and performed by Paul Simon
from "Hearts And Bones."
Transcribed by Erik Strom.
D
I have a number in my head
G Am7 G
Though I don't know why it's there
Am D7 G
When numbers get serious
C/E D/F#
You see their shape everywhere
D G
Dividing and multiplying
Bm7/F# Em
Exchanging with ease
C/E G
When times are mysterious
Am/C D G Am G
Serious numbers are eager to please
F#7 B
Take my address. Take my phone
F#7 B
Call me if you can
F#7 B
Here's my address. Here's my phone
F#7 B
Please don't give it to some madman
F#7 B
Hey hey, whoa, whoa
F#7 B
it's a complicated life
F#7 B
Numbers swirling thick and curious
Em7
You can cut them with a knife
C/E D/F# G Am/D
You can cut them with a knife
G D
Two times two is twenty-two
G Am7 G
Four times four is forty-four
Am D7 G
When numbers get serious
C/E D/F#
They leave a mark on your door
D G
Urgent. Urgent. A telephone
Bm7/F# Em
ringing in the hallways
C/E G
When times are mysterious
Am/C D G Am G
Serious numbers will speak to us always
F#7 B
That is why a man with numbers can
F#7 B
put your mind at ease
F#7 B
We've got numbers by the trillions
F#7 B
Here and overseas
F#7 B
Hey hey, whoa whoa
F#7 B
Look at the stink about Japan
F#7 B
All those numbers waiting patiently
Em7
Don't you understand?
C/E D/F# G Am/D G
Don't you understand?
D
So wrap me, wrap me, wrap me do
G Am7 G
In the shelter of your arms
Am D7 G
I am ever your volunteer
C/E D/F#
I won't do you any harm
D G
I will love innumerably
Bm7/F# Em
You can count on my word
C/E G
When times are mysterious
Am/C D G
Serious numbers will always be heard
C/E D7/F# G
When times are mysterious
C/E D7/F# G C/G G Eb/G
Serious numbers will always be heard
Bb
And after all is said and done
Ab
And the numbers all come home
Gm Fm7 Eb
The four rolls into three
Eb9 Ab
The three turns into two
Gm Fm7 Eb
The two becomes a one
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