Daniel Johnston

"Story of an Artist"

One of my favorites from Mr. Johnston, this sounds good if you strum the chord where its 
and let it ring to the next chord.

C
Listen up and I'll tell a story
                 Dm
About an artist growing old

Some would try for fame and glory
                C
Others aren't so bold

C
Everyone, and friends and family
                  Dm
Saying, "Hey! Get a job!"

"Why do you only do that only?
                C
Why are you so odd?


C
We don't really like what you do.
                      Dm
We don't think anyone ever will.

It's a problem that you have,
                             C
And this problem's made you ill."


C
Listen up and I'll tell a story
                 Dm
About an artist growing old

Some would try for fame and glory
                C
Others aren't so bold


C
The artist walks alone
                        Dm
Someone said behind his back,

"He's got gall to call himself that!
                                C
He doesn't even know where he's at!"


C
The artist walks among the flowers
                 Dm
Appreciating the sun

He does this all his waking hours
                    C
But is it really so wrong?


C
They sit in front of their TV
                      Dm
Saying, "Hey! This is fun!"

And they laugh at the artist
                                     C
Saying, "He doesn't know how to have fun."


C
The best things in life are truly free
                           Dm
Singing birds and laughing bees

"You've got me wrong," says he.
                             C
"The sun don't shine in your TV"


C
Listen up and I'll tell a story
                        Dm
About an artist growing old

Some would try for fame and glory
                 C
Others aren't so bold


C
Listen up and I'll tell a story
                 Dm
About an artist growing old

Some would try for fame and glory
                C
Others aren't so bold


C
Everyone, and friends and family
                  Dm
Saying, "Hey! Get a job!"

"Why do you only do that only?
                C
Why are you so odd?

C
We don't really like what you do.
                      Dm
We don't think anyone ever will.

It's a problem that you have,
                             C
And this problem's made you ill."


C
Listen up and I'll tell a story
                 Dm
About an artist growing old

Some would try for fame and glory
                              C
Others just like to watch the world.