A
G
D
E
Bm
Crush With Eyeliner
R.E.M.
R.E.M.'s "Crush With Eyeliner" is a grungy alternative rock song from their 1994 album "Monster." The original features a fuzzy, driving guitar sound, but it can be played simply and effectively on acoustic or electric guitar.
Chords
You'll need to know these chords: A, G, D, E, and Bm. All are open chords except Bm, which is a barre chord. Beginners may substitute Bm with Bm7 or play only part of the barre to make it easier.
Strumming Pattern
A steady, rock-style strumming works best: try downstrokes on each beat for verses, adding more upstrokes and dynamics in choruses. A simple pattern is D-D-U-U-D-U (D = down, U = up), but don't worry about being too precise—focus on keeping the rhythm driving throughout.
Chord Transitions
Most of the song alternates between A, G, and D in quick succession. Practice transitioning between these chords smoothly, especially moving from G to D and back. Choruses add E, which is an easy transition from A, and the bridge briefly introduces Bm.
Techniques & Tips
Mute the strings slightly with your palm for a chunkier sound in the verses. In choruses, open up and strum more fully.
Practice the Bm chord shape ahead of time—if it's difficult, play only the top three strings (Bm7) as a workaround.
Listen to the original recording to match the song’s energy and rhythm.
Enjoy playing and focus on keeping the groove steady—this song is all about attitude!
Intro
A G D
A G D
Verse 1A I,G know,D you.A IG know you'veD seen her.A She's aG sad toD mato.
She'sA threeG milesD of bad road.A WalkingG down theD street.
A Will IG never,D meet her?A She's aG realD woman child.A Oh myG kiss-breathD turpentine.
ChorusE I,D am, smitG tenA .E I'm theD realG thing(I'm the real [D]thing).
E Have youD seen herG come aA round?G My crush with eyeliner.
Verse 2A I'm,G in,D like.A I'm inG fatuD ated.A It'sG all tooD much, pressure.
A She's all thatG I canD take.A What positionG should ID wear?
A Cop anG attiD tude? Fake her.A How canG I conD vince her? Fake her.
A That I'm inG ventedD too. Yeah.
ChorusE I,D am, smitG tenA .E I'm theD realG thing(I'm the real [D]thing).
E WeD all inG vent ourA selves andG uh you know me.
BridgeBm A Bm A D E G
Verse 3G A She's aG sad toD mato. She'sA threeG milesD of bad road.
A She's herG own inD vention(she's her own [A]invention). ThatG gets meD in the throatA .
WhatG can ID make myself beA ? LifeG isD strange yeah life isA strange.
WhatG can ID make myself be fake her.G To make herD mine?
Final ChorusE I,D am, smitG tenA .E I'll doD anyG thing(I'll do any [D]thing).
E A kiss-breathG turpenA tine.G My crush with eyeliner.
E I,D am,G smittenA .E You knowD me(yeah [G]you know [D]me).
E I couldD be yourG FrankenA stein.G My crush with eyeliner.
E I,D am, smitG tenA .E I'm theD realG thing(I'm the real [D]thing).
E Won't youD be myG valenA tine?G My crush with eyeliner.
OutroE D G A
E D G
E D G A G E