There are plenty of sad songs about love. There are plenty of clever songs about everyday jobs. But only The Weakerthans—and their brilliant frontman John K. Samson—could write a song that is simultaneously a heart-wrenching character study, a love letter to public libraries, and a masterclass in quiet, jangly indie rock.
So grab your acoustic guitar, put the capo on the 2nd fret, and play this one quietly. Just try not to fall in love with a librarian by the end of the chorus. Check out our other breakdowns of The Weakerthans songs like "Left and Leaving" and "A Plea from a Cat Named Virtute." joyce the librarian - lyrics and chords
C G Joyce the librarian, check my due dates Am F Stamp the card and push it through the gate C G Knew the weight of every book I take Dm G The careful way she'd make the shelves all straight The chorus lifts slightly here. Strum a bit brighter, but keep the tempo steady. There are plenty of sad songs about love
Em F And I would line them up in single file C G And I would try to make each one smile Em F And I would take the long way home each night C G To pass the library's blue and yellow light The song doesn't have a big finish. It just fades out, like a sigh. Samson—could write a song that is simultaneously a