By Benson Boone
Introduction:
Benson Boone’s “Beautiful Things” is a heartfelt song exploring the bittersweet nature of appreciating newfound happiness while grappling with the fear of losing it. The lyrics express profound gratitude for positive changes in life—family, love, and inner peace—while acknowledging the inherent fragility of these blessings. The song’s melody is both upbeat and melancholic, perfectly mirroring the emotional complexity of the lyrics.
Guitar Chords for Beautiful Things:
This arrangement utilizes Eb major (Eb), Bb major (Bb), F major (F), G minor (Gm), Gbdim7 (Gb diminished 7th), and C minor (Cm). The Gbdim7 adds a touch of harmonic complexity; if you’re unfamiliar with diminished chords you can consider using a Gm instead.
(Intro)
[Eb] [Bb] [F]
(Verse 1)
[Eb] [Bb]
For a while there it was rough
[F] [Gm]
But lately, I’ve been doin’ better
[Eb] [Bb] [F]
Than the last four cold Decembers I recall
[Eb] [Bb]
And I see my family every month
[F] [Gm]
I found a girl my parents love
[Eb] [Bb] [F]
She’ll come and stay the night, and I think I might have it all
[Eb] [Bb]
And I thank God every day
[F] [Gbdim7] [Gm]
For the girl He sent my way
[Eb] [Bb] [F]
But I know the things He gives me, He can take away
[Eb] [Bb]
And I hold you every night
[Gm] [F] [Eb]
And that’s a feeling I wanna get used to
[Cm] [F] [Eb] [Bb]
But there’s no man as terrified as the man who stands to lose you
(Pre-Chorus)
[F] [Gm]
Oh, I hope I don’t lose you
[Eb] [Bb] [F]
Mm please stay
[Gm] [Eb]
I want you, I need you, oh God
[Bb] [F]
Don’t take
[Eb]
These beautiful things that I’ve got
(Chorus)
[Bb] [Gm]
Please stay
[F] [Eb]
I want you, I need you, oh God
[Bb] [Gm]
Don’t take
[F] [Eb]
These beautiful things that I’ve got
(Post-Chorus)
txt
[Bb] [Gm] [F] [Eb]
Oh-oh-oh-oh, oh, oh, oh-oh-oh
[Bb] [F]
Please don’t take
(Verse 2)
[Eb] [Bb]
I found my mind, I’m feelin’ sane
[F] [Gm]
It’s been a while, but I’m finding my faith
[Eb] [Bb] [F]
If everything’s good and it’s great, why do I sit and wait ’til it’s gone?
[Eb] [Bb]
Oh, I’ll tell ya, I know I’ve got enough
[F] [Gbdim7] [Gm]
I’ve got peace and I’ve got love
[Eb] [Bb] [F]
But I’m up at night thinkin’ I just might lose it all
(Chorus)
[Eb] [Bb] [Gm]
Please stay
[F] [Eb]
I want you, I need you, oh God
[Bb] [Gm]
Don’t take
[F] [Eb]
These beautiful things that I’ve got
(Post-Chorus)
txt
[Bb] [Gm] [F] [Eb]
Oh-oh-oh-oh, oh, oh, oh-oh-oh
(Outro)
[Bb] [F]
Please stay
[Eb]
I want you, I need you, oh God
[Bb] [F]
I need
These beautiful things that I’ve got
Tips for Playing Beautiful Things on Guitar:
- Chord Changes: Practice smooth transitions, paying close attention to the finger placement for the Eb, Bb, F, and Gm chords.
- Strumming Pattern: A steady strumming pattern works well, with slight variations in intensity to emphasize certain phrases or lines. Consider using a fingerpicking pattern for a more delicate and intimate sound during the verses.
- Tempo: Choose a moderate tempo that allows you to bring out the emotion in the lyrics.
- Dynamics: Employ dynamic changes to reflect the song’s shifting moods: less intense during the verses and slightly more powerful in the choruses.
Conclusion:
“Beautiful Things” is an emotionally resonant song that beautifully captures the mix of joy and anxiety that comes with finding happiness. Mastering the chords and developing a sensitive touch will enable you to convey the song’s depth and meaning effectively.
