G
Em
D
C
F
Slip Sliding Away
Paul Simon
Paul Simon’s "Slip Slidin' Away" is a gentle folk-pop classic, known for its warm acoustic arrangement and heartfelt lyrics. While the original features layered guitars and smooth harmonies, a solo player can capture its spirit with basic open chords and a relaxed feel.
Chords & Progression
The song uses common open chords: G, Em, C, D, and briefly F. These are all beginner-friendly, though F may require practice as a barre chord.
Strumming Pattern
Aim for a light, flowing strum, matching the song’s laid-back mood. A good starting pattern is:
Down – down-up – up-down-up
Keep your wrist relaxed and focus on smooth, even strokes. You can soften your strum for verses and play a little fuller in the chorus to add dynamics.
Transitions & Tips
- Practice switching between G and Em, as this transition repeats often. Try “pivoting” your index finger to move quickly between these shapes.
- For C and D, keep your fingers close to the strings to reduce movement.
- The F chord can be tricky; if a full barre is too hard, try the simpler “mini F” shape (xx3211).
- During the instrumental, the [F] [C] [G] sequence is played, which gives a nice change—keep the strumming steady.
General Advice
Sing along to help with timing and chord changes. Play slowly at first, focusing on smooth transitions, and gradually increase speed as you gain confidence. Most importantly, enjoy the relaxed groove that makes this song memorable!
Intro
G OooooohEm oooh.G OooooohEm oooh.
ChorusSlip sliding aG way, slip sliding aEm way-ay.
You know theG nearer your destinD ation, theC more you slipD sliding aG way.
Verse 1I know aEm man, he came fromG my hometown.
He wore hisC passion for hisD woman like aC thorny crown.
He said DoG lorG essssss, I live inEm fear.
My love forG you's so overD powering I'm aC fraid that I-D -I will disaG ppear.
ChorusSlip sliding aG way, slip sliding aEm way-ay.
You know theG nearer your destinD ation, theC more you slipD sliding aG way-ay.
Verse 2And I know aEm woman, became aG wife.
These are theC very words sheD uses to deC scribe her life.
She said aG goodG dayyyy, ain't got noEm rain.
She said aG bad day is when ID lie in the bed and I think of things that might haveG been.
ChorusSlip sliding away, slip sliding aEm way-ay.
You know theG nearer your destinD ation, theC more you slipD sliding aG way-ay.
InstrumentalF C G
Verse 3And I know aC fa-D ther who had aG son.
He longed toC tell him all theD reasons for theC things he'd done.
He came aG longG wayyyy, just to exEm plain.
He kissed hisG boy as he layD sleeping then heC turned around and heD headed home aG gain.
ChorusHe's slip slidin'. Slip sliding aEm way-ay.
You know theG nearer your destinD ation theC more you slipD sliding aG way-ay.
InstrumentalF C G
F C G G G G G G
Verse 4AndG God onlyEm knows. And God makes hisG plan.
The inforC mation's unaD vailable to theC mortal man.
We're workin' ourG jobs, collect ourEm pay-ay.
Believe we'reG gliding down theD highway when inC fact we're slipD sliding aG way.
ChorusSlip sliding aG way, slip sliding aEm way-ay.
You know theG nearer your destinD ation theC more you slipD sliding aG way.
Slip sliding away, slip sliding aEm way-ay.
You know theG nearer your destinD ation theC more you slipD sliding aG way-ay.
OutroMmmmEm hmm-hmm; ohG lah lah lah lah lah lah lah lah lah lah lah lah woh ohEm oh;
I wannaG lah lah lah lah lah lah lah lah lah lah lah lah woh ohEm oh;
I wannaG lah lah lah lah lah lah lah lah lah lah lah lah woh ohEm oh;
I wannaG lah lah mona a lah lah mona lah lah mona lah lah monaEm mona moan moan;
I wannaG lah lah lah lah lah lah lah lah lah lah lah lah lah lah moanEm mo-oan.