carbon leaf – toy soldiers

intro : D ( alternate strum ) Am 2x C 2x G 2

xverse pattern ( same for all verses ) :
Am 2x C 2x G 2x D ( alternate strum into next phrase )

give it a listen for the singing/playing cues . note the F in the chorus could easily be
A C , making this a total novice song . when you progress to bar chords , the F is an
interesting switch .

intro 2

xam C G D
today i strike out on my own
the dog is dead the kids have grown
i fell asleep in my writing chair
i dreamt i found my childhood stare
to family dinner christmas night
we’d cross the river shipyard lights
before the heartbreak and unknown
tonight i strike out on my own

chorus :
D Am F
hi – diddley – o didn’t ya know?
G D – – ( note : all downstrokes )
you fade once you glow
Am C
didn’t ya know child?
G D
after the rhyme high time
D Am F
diddley – o didn’t ya know?
G D – – ( note : all downstrokes )
you fade once you glow
Am C
didn’t ya know child?
G D ( back into alt strumming )
after the rhyme high time

intro 1

xthe families gather but we’re all
mere shadows in this banquet hall
i’m begging mom will you understand
i’m begging dad will you hold her hand
to play outside was all i’d known
and christmas lights on every home

chorus * last phrase changes to :
( C ) G D Am G
G D ( into alternate strumming )
after the rhyme it’s high time

intro 1x ( gradually play softer )

we find the people of our dreams
we find that they’re not what they seem
i’ve learned that people come and go
i’ve learned that families break and grow ( get louder! )
toy soldiers brave away those tears
toy soldiers hope for better years ( louder! )
today i strike out on my own
the dog is dead we kids have grown

chorus * original end phrase
end phrase 2x