FABLES OF THE RECONSTRUCTION: LIFE AND HOW TO LIVE IT

This song, lyrically, was not too difficult, but Stipe had me searching on a couple of words.  Particularly the bit about 'kiss to see you' where 'kiss' is the closest I can get.   The story behind the song follows the real and very strange author Brivs Mekis who wrote a book called Life: How to Live.  The strange part is that, according to Stipe, Mr. Mekis divided up his house into two sides and had separate clothes and furnishings for both sides.  His book was not found until after his death, self-published, copied and in his closet.  You can buy a copy online today!  Below find the link to a couple of cool live versions.  Some of the lyrics have changed over the years including 'shine it's flaws' over 'job has flaws,' but it's pretty much the same as it was.  In the live show from Germany check out how he pretty much just screams the entire ending.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cRBMxBawLZ0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8XHB35uRzE4

LIFE AND HOW TO LIVE IT
Burn bright through the night, two pockets lead the way
Two doors to go between the wall was raised today
Two doors with names before your others and your own
Keep these notes well stocked away, take your happy home

My carpenter’s out and I’m running about, talking to the street
My pockets are out and I’m running about,
You mark it in the street to tell what I have hidden there

Burn bright through the night, two pockets lead the way
Two doors to go between the wall was raised today
Raise the walls, the job has flaws, the carpenters should rest
So that when you tire of one side, the other serves you best

My carpenter’s out and I’m running about, talking to the street
My pockets are out and I’m running about,
You mark it in the street to tell what I have hidden there

The hills ring, hear the woods in time
Listen to the holler
Listen to my walls within my tongue
Kiss to see you when my ears go tin
The air quick and tension building
Interference and suddenly
Life and how to live it

Raise the walls, the job has flaws, the carpenters should rest
So that when you tire of one side, the other serves you best
Read about the wisdom laws a knock, knock, knock
It’s a secret knock when hammers lock, the other wisdom lost

My carpenter’s out and I’m running about, talking to the street
My pockets are out and I’m running about,
You mark it in the street to tell what I have hidden there
My carpenter’s out and I’m running about, and blocking in the, listen to the holler
Pockets are out and I’m running about,
You mark it in the street to tell what I have hidden there

Listen, listen to the howl, yea
I’m gonna write a book it will be called, life and how to live it.


I'm not going to lie, I had to redo this one a couple of times.  The live stuff didn't help at first and just made things more confusing.  This song was one of the original reasons I started this blog when I figured out the intro.  I was very proud of myself.  But I was wrong.  But since the notes were correct and it was easier to play, I've left it as an option in the tab.  Don't forget to emphasize the note changes in the verse riff before the lyrics start and once the drums kick in play fast and loose!  Also, don't be intimidated by the way the verse riff looks, it's just a barred C to D with some pinkie movement.  Enjoy!  One of my all time favorites ... maybe top 5.

LIFE AND HOW TO LIVE IT

Easier Intro:

e|-0-0--2--0--0--0---2--3--5--5--5>7-0---|

B|-1--1--1--1--1------3--3--3--3-----1---|

G|-0---0--0--0--0------2--2--2--2----0---|

D|-2---------------------------------2---|

A|-3--------------3>5----------------3---|

E|-0---------------------------------0---|

Intro: (Buck version)

e|-3----------------3>5-------5--5--5--5>7-3----|

B|-5-5--7--5--5--5--5>7-7--8---------------5----|

G|-5--5--5--5--5--5-5>7--7--7--7--7--7-----5----|

D|-3----------------3>5--------------------3----|

A|-3---3--3--3--3---3>5---5--5--5--5--5----3----|

E|-3----------------3>5--------------------3----|

Verse Riff:

e|-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3>5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5<3-----|

B|-7-7-7-5-5-3-5-5-3-5-5-3>5-7-7-7-5-5-5-5-5<3-----|

G|-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5>7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7<5-----|

D|-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3>5-5-5-5-5-7-7-7-7<3-----|

A|-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3>5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5<3-----|

E|-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3>5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5<3-----|

Chorus: x2

e|-3---0---3---0---5-------------|

B|-3---3---3---3---7-------------|

G|-0---0---0---0---7-------------|

D|-0---0---0---0---5-------------|

A|-2---3---2---3---5-------------|

E|-3---0---3---0---5-------------|

Post Chorus Bridge and End: x2

e|--8----8----8-3---5-------|

B|-10---11---10-5---7-------|

G|-10---10---10-5---7-------|

D|-10---10---10-5---7-------|

A|--8----8----8-3---5-------|

E|--8----8----8-3---5-------|

End on D