Suzanne - Leonard Cohen | Song Tabs - Guitar Chord Sheets

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Suzanne Leonard Cohen

Leonard Cohen’s original "Suzanne" is gentle and reflective, with a flowing, fingerpicked style on guitar. Its simplicity makes it approachable for beginners, while the steady pulse and melodic chords create its unique mood.

Chords and Progression

The song uses only five chords: C, Dm, Em, F, and briefly G. All are open-position chords, ideal for beginners. Practice each chord shape first to ensure smooth, clean transitions.

Strumming Pattern

A soft, slow strumming pattern works best. Try a simple down-down-up-up-down-up (D-D-U-U-D-U) for each measure. Aim for a gentle touch, letting chords ring out naturally. For a more authentic feel, listen to Cohen’s recording and match the relaxed tempo.

Chord Transitions

Most of the song moves between C and Dm, with Em and F providing color in the chorus and certain verses. Focus on moving from C to Dm, as this is the most frequent transition. Practice “pivoting” your index finger to make this faster.

Additional Tips

If the F chord is difficult, use the easier Fmaj7 (xx3210) as a substitute. Keep your strumming hand relaxed. For added texture, lightly emphasize the bass note of each chord on the first beat of each measure.

Play slowly, focusing on the song’s calm, storytelling mood rather than speed. Enjoy the meditative flow.

C

Dm

Em

F

Intro

C C C C

Verse 1

C Suzanne, takes you down, to her place near the river

You canDm hear the boats go by, you can spend the night beside her

And youC know that she's half crazy, but that's why you wanna be there

And sheEm feeds you tea and oranges that comeF all the way from China

AndC just when you mean to tell her, that youDm have no love to give her

Then sheC gets you on her wave-length

And sheDm lets the river answer that you'veC always been her lover

Chorus

And youEm want to travel with her, and youF want to travel blind

And youC know she will trust you, for youDm touched her perfect body with yourC mind

Verse 2

C And Jesus was a sailor, when He walked upon the water

And HeDm spent a long time watching from His lonely wooden tower

AndC when He knew for certain, only drowning men could see Him

He saidEm All men shall be sailors then unF til the sea shall free them

ButC He Himself was broken, longDm before the sky would open

ForC saken, almost human, HeDm sank beneath your wisdom like aC stone

Chorus

And youEm want to travel with him, and youF want to travel blind

And youC think maybe you'll trust him

For he'sDm touched your perfect body with hisC mind

Verse 3

C Now Suzanne takes your hand and she leads you to the river

She'sDm wearing rags and feathers from Salvation Army counters

And theC sun pours down like honey, on our lady of the harbor

And sheEm shows you where to look among theF garbage and the flowers

There areC heroes in the seaweed, there areDm children in the morning

They areC leaning out for love, they willDm lean that way forever

WhileC Suzanne holds the mirror

Chorus

And youEm want to travel with her, and youF want to travel blind

And youC know you can trust her for she'sDm touched your perfect body, with herC mind

Outro

C C C