If you’re a fan of Taylor Swift’s signature country-pop sound, you’ll love playing this hit song “Mean.” The best part? You only need to learn four chords to play this song from start to end!
In this guide, I’ll take you through everything you need to know about playing “Mean” on the guitar, from the chords to the strumming pattern.
Mean Chords ( Capo 4 )
The chords for “Mean” are C, Am, G, and F. These are some of the most common open chords in guitar playing, making them perfect for beginners. Once you get the hang of these chords, you can start adding the strumming pattern. Start by practicing each chord individually, making sure that every note sounds clear and clean. Then, try strumming each chord in the sequence of C, Am, G, and F. Take it slow at first and gradually increase your speed as you become more comfortable with the song.
Mean Strumming Pattern
The main strumming pattern for Mean goes as DD-DU-DU. This is a very common pattern and easy to play. If you are not familiar with this pattern then refer to the video mentioned above for a visual representation. Also, make sure to start with a slow tempo and gradually increase the speed as you become more comfortable with the pattern.
Mean Chords with Lyrics
[Verse]
[Am]You with your [G]words like knives and
[F] swords and weapons that you use against me.
[Am]You, have [G]knocked me off my [F] feet,
again, got me feeling like nothing
[Am]You, with your [G]voice like nails on a
[F]chalkboard calling me out when i’m wounded [Am] you [G]picking on the weaker [F]man
[Pre chorus]
[G] Well you can take me down [C], with just one [F]single [G]blow
But [F]you don’t know, what you don’t know
[Chorus]
[C]Someday, [G]I’ll be, [Am]living in a big ol [F]city
And [C]all your [G]ever gonna be is [F]mean.
[C]Someday, [G]I’ll be, [Am]big enough so you can’t [F]hit me
And [C]all you’re [G]ever gonna be is [F]mean,
[F]why ya gotta be so, [C]mean?
[Verse]
[Am]You, with your [G]switching sides and your
[F] wildfire lies and your humiliation
[Am] you, are [G]pointing out my [F]flaws again as
if i don’t already see them.
[Am]I walk with [G]my head down, trying to [F] block
you out cause i never impress you.
[Am]I just [G]wanna feel ok,[F] again.
[Pre chorus]
[G]I bet you got pushed around,
[C]somebody [F]made you cold.[G]
[G]But, the cycle ends right now cause
[F]you can’t lead me down that road,
[F]And you don’t know, what
you don’t know.
[Chorus]
[C]Someday, [G]I’ll be, [Am]living in a big ol [F]city
And [C]all your [G]ever gonna be is [F]mean.
[C]Someday, [G]I’ll be, [Am]big enough so you can’t [F]hit me
And [C]all you’re [G]ever gonna be is [F]mean,
[F]why ya gotta be so, [C]mean?
[Bridge]
And I can [G] see you years from now in a bar,
[C]Talking over a [F]football game.[G]
[G]With that same big loud opinion
[C]but nobody’s [F]listening.[G]
[G]Washed up and ranting bout the
[Am]same old [G]bitter [F]things,
[G]drunk and grumbling on about how [Am] I [G]can’t [F] sing.
But all you are [C]is mean. [G] [Am]
[F]All you are is [C]mean, and a [G]liar, and
[Am]pathetic,
And [F]alone in life and [C]mean
and [G]mean, and [Am] mean, and [F]mean
[Chorus]
[C]Someday, [G]I’ll be, [Am]living in a big ol [F]city
And [C]all your [G]ever gonna be is [F]mean.
[C]Someday, [G]I’ll be, [Am]big enough so you can’t [F]hit me
And [C]all you’re [G]ever gonna be is [F]mean,
[F]why ya gotta be so, [C]mean?
