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.

Songs by Elle King on this site:
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A seasoned performer joyfully playing the guitar