Can't Be Loved chords

by Elle King
  • Can't Be Loved was written by American singer, musician, songwriter, and actress - Elle King.
  • There's no official studio recording on streaming platforms or albums, but it was a staple in Elle King's early live sets ~ 2012.
  • Video: Live solo performance at eTown Hall - a multi-purpose building in downtown Boulder featuring a world-class live music venue.
  • Music: Key of E Major in 4/4 time at ~ 58 bpm (𝅘𝅥)
  • Chords: E, A, B, C#m
Chart Legend
Numbered Circles: Fingers used to play chords   O: Optional Note
Barre Line: One finger holds down multiple strings   R: Root Note
Unmarked strings: Play open   X: Don't play string    B: Bass Note
E Major E Major Barre Chord A Major Barre Chord B Major Barre Chord C#m
E Major E Major Barre Chord A Major Barre Chord B Major Barre Chord C#m

Can't Be Loved

Song Key is highlighted - Transpose to any other key 
C#m                A
1. Quit try-ing to love me
          E                    B
   I done told you I'm not the one
         C#m                    A
   Ba-by please quit try-ing to love me
              E                       B
   You should know you were just some fun
          C#m
   Can un-lock my heart 
             A
   Don't you e-ven start 
      E                B
   To try to get in my head
   
             A             B
Chorus: It's dark and it's black
                E            A   
        And I can ne-ver get back
               E             B 
        To the way I used to love
           A                   B
        My heart it just ain't right
            E             A
        But I try with my might
            E                    B
        But I... I just can't be loved
        
        C#m                       A
2. Baby please let's make this is easy
             E                     B
   Ain't too hard to for-get about me
                  C#m
   And af-ter I'm gone
                      A   
   It'll be just that ea-sy
                    E
   To get your-self some-one
                          B     
   A lit-tle bet-ter than me... Yeah   
   
             A             B
Chorus: It's dark and it's black
                E            A   
        And I can ne-ver get back
               E             B 
        To the way I used to love
           A                   B
        My heart it just ain't right
            E             A
        But I try with my might
            E                    B
        But I... I just can't be loved
           A                   B
        My heart it just ain't right
            E             A
        But I try with my might... Yeah
            E               B
        But I just can't be loved
                      C#m
        Just can't be loved
                      A
        Just can't be loved
                   E        B   C#m    A    E
        Can't be | loved -    |     -    |  𝄑  |

Notes:

The style of playing intergrates barre chords and dampening strings which is commonly used in Bluesy songs. She finishes the song with an open E chord.

The C#m utilizes the 'Am shape' starting with a barre on the 4th fret. You can also play this with the 'Em shape' starting with a barre on the 9th fret.

Elle is known for her blend of genres, particularly country, rock, and blues. Her music often carries a raw and energetic vibe, along with powerful vocals.

Elle's style of singing, especially songs like this, is reminiscent of Janis Joplin... raw, gutsy and unique. Perhaps Elle will cover some of her songs in the near future. 

Songs by Elle King on this site:
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