"People Are Crazy" by Billy Currington is a laid-back country song known for its storytelling and easy groove. The original version features acoustic guitar as the backbone, making it approachable for beginners and a great song for singalongs or casual jams.
How to Play on Guitar
Start with these chords: C, Cadd9, G, Am, F, Em, Dm. All are common open chords, though Cadd9 may be new for some beginners. Practice switching between C and Cadd9 by simply adding your pinky to the third fret of the B string while holding the C shape.
Strumming Pattern:
A simple pattern such as down, down-up, up-down-up works well. Keep your strum relaxed and steady to match the conversational, easy-going feel of the song.
Chord Transitions:
Most changes happen at the end of each lyric line. Practice moving from C to G and G to Am, as these are frequent transitions. For the F chord, if the barre shape is difficult, use the easier "mini F" (xx3211).
Techniques & Tips:
- Use light palm muting for a subtle country feel.
- Emphasize the root note of each chord on the first strum.
- For the outro, let the final C ring out to close the song.
With practice, focus on smooth chord changes and keeping your rhythm steady. This song is perfect for practicing your timing while singing along.
IntroC Cadd9 C G C
Verse 1C This old man and me,G were at the bar and we,Am
Were having us some beers and,F swappin' I don't cares.C
Talkin' politics,G blonde and red-head chicks,Am
Old dogs and new tricks and,F habits we ain't kicked.C
Verse 2C We talked about God's grace,G and all the hell we raised.Am
Then I heard the ol' manF say:C
God is great, beer isG good, and people are craC zy.
InterludeC Cadd9 C G C
Verse 3C He said "I fought two wars,G been married and divorced."Am
What brings you to Ohio?F He said "Damned if I know."C
We talked an hour or two,G 'bout every girl we knew.Am
What all we put 'em through,F like two old boys'll do.C
Verse 4C We pondered life and death,G he lit a cigarette.Am
He said "These damn things will kill me,F yet."C
But God is great, beer isG good, and people are craC zy.
BridgeF Last call it's two a.m.,Em I said goodbye to him.Dm
I never talked, to him aG gain.
Verse 5C Then one sunny day,G I saw the old man's face.Am
Front page obituary,F he was a millionaire he,C
He left his fortune to,G some guy he barely knew.Am
His kids were mad as hell.F But me, I'm doin' well.C
Verse 6C And I dropped by today,G to just say thanks and pray.Am
And I left a six-pack, right there on hisF grave. And I said,C
God is great, beer isG good, and people areC crazy.G F C
OutroC God is great, beer isG good, and people are craAm zy.G F C
God is great, beer isG good, and people are craC zy.
EndingC Cadd9 C G C