Indie, Rock

New Slang Chords

The Shins Beginner Key of C 4 Chords 3 min read Updated Jul 2026

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Key

C

Difficulty

Beginner

Capo

None

Chords

Am · C · G · F

New Slang Chords – Guitar

A jangly indie folk song by The Shins. Beginner difficulty in the key of C.

Folk Strum (4/4 Time)

↓↓↑↑↓↑

123456

Tip: Use a capo on the 2nd fret to match the original recording’s key of D, but these chords are written for open position in C.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Verse 1

C G Am

Gold teeth and a curse for this town were all in my mouth

F C

Only, I don’t know how they got out, dear

G Am F

Turn me back in-to the pet that I was when we met

C G

I was happier then with no mind-set

Chorus

F C G

And if you’d a-took to me like a gull takes to the wind

F C G Am F

Well, I’d a-jumped from my tree and I’d a danced like the king of the eyesores

C G

And the rest of our lives would’a fared well

Verse 2

C G Am

New slang when you notice the stripes, the dirt in your fries

F C

Hope it’s right when you die, old and bony

G Am F

Dawn breaks like a bull through the hall, never should’ve called

C G

But my head’s to the wall and I’m lonely

Chorus

F C G

And if you’d a-took to me like a gull takes to the wind

F C G Am F

Well, I’d a-jumped from my tree and I’d a danced like the king of the eyesores

C G

And the rest of our lives would’a fared well

Bridge

F C G

God speed all the bakers at dawn may they all cut their thumbs

F C G

And bleed into their buns ’til they melt away

F C G

I’m looking in on the good life I might be doomed never to find

F C G

Without a trust or a golden word

Verse 3

C G Am

Gold teeth and a curse for this town were all in my mouth

F C

Only, I don’t know how they got out, dear

G Am F

Turn me back in-to the pet that I was when we met

C G

I was happier then with no mind-set

Chorus

F C G

And if you’d a-took to me like a gull takes to the wind

F C G Am F

Well, I’d a-jumped from my tree and I’d a danced like the king of the eyesores

C G

And the rest of our lives would’a fared well

Practice tip: The song has a relaxed, flowing feel. Practice the F to C transition, as it’s used frequently, and let the chords ring out.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "New Slang"?

You need 4 beginner-friendly chords: Am, C, G and F.

Is "New Slang" easy to play on guitar?

It is rated beginner and uses only 4 chords in the key of C, making it a good choice for players at that level.

What key is "New Slang" in?

It is in the key of C.

Who wrote "New Slang"?

It was written by James Mercer, and released in 2001.

Amtap to play

Ctap to play

Gtap to play

Ftap to play

Key

C

Difficulty

Beginner

Tuning

G-C-E-A

Chords

Am · C · G · F

New Slang Chords – Ukulele

A jangly indie folk song by The Shins. Beginner difficulty in the key of C.

Folk Strum (4/4 Time)

↓↓↑↑↓↑

123456

Tip: Use a capo on the 2nd fret to match the original recording’s key of D, but these chords are written for open position in C.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Verse 1

C G Am

Gold teeth and a curse for this town were all in my mouth

F C

Only, I don’t know how they got out, dear

G Am F

Turn me back in-to the pet that I was when we met

C G

I was happier then with no mind-set

Chorus

F C G

And if you’d a-took to me like a gull takes to the wind

F C G Am F

Well, I’d a-jumped from my tree and I’d a danced like the king of the eyesores

C G

And the rest of our lives would’a fared well

Verse 2

C G Am

New slang when you notice the stripes, the dirt in your fries

F C

Hope it’s right when you die, old and bony

G Am F

Dawn breaks like a bull through the hall, never should’ve called

C G

But my head’s to the wall and I’m lonely

Chorus

F C G

And if you’d a-took to me like a gull takes to the wind

F C G Am F

Well, I’d a-jumped from my tree and I’d a danced like the king of the eyesores

C G

And the rest of our lives would’a fared well

Bridge

F C G

God speed all the bakers at dawn may they all cut their thumbs

F C G

And bleed into their buns ’til they melt away

F C G

I’m looking in on the good life I might be doomed never to find

F C G

Without a trust or a golden word

Verse 3

C G Am

Gold teeth and a curse for this town were all in my mouth

F C

Only, I don’t know how they got out, dear

G Am F

Turn me back in-to the pet that I was when we met

C G

I was happier then with no mind-set

Chorus

F C G

And if you’d a-took to me like a gull takes to the wind

F C G Am F

Well, I’d a-jumped from my tree and I’d a danced like the king of the eyesores

C G

And the rest of our lives would’a fared well

Practice tip: The song has a relaxed, flowing feel. Practice the F to C transition, as it’s used frequently, and let the chords ring out.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "New Slang"?

You need 4 beginner-friendly chords: Am, C, G and F.

Is "New Slang" easy to play on guitar?

It is rated beginner and uses only 4 chords in the key of C, making it a good choice for players at that level.

What key is "New Slang" in?

It is in the key of C.

Who wrote "New Slang"?

It was written by James Mercer, and released in 2001.

Amtap to play

Ctap to play

Gtap to play

Ftap to play

Key

C

Difficulty

Beginner

Left Hand

Root notes

Chords

Am · C · G · F

New Slang Chords – Piano

A jangly indie folk song by The Shins. Beginner difficulty in the key of C.

Folk Strum (4/4 Time)

↓↓↑↑↓↑

123456

Tip: Use a capo on the 2nd fret to match the original recording’s key of D, but these chords are written for open position in C.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Verse 1

C G Am

Gold teeth and a curse for this town were all in my mouth

F C

Only, I don’t know how they got out, dear

G Am F

Turn me back in-to the pet that I was when we met

C G

I was happier then with no mind-set

Chorus

F C G

And if you’d a-took to me like a gull takes to the wind

F C G Am F

Well, I’d a-jumped from my tree and I’d a danced like the king of the eyesores

C G

And the rest of our lives would’a fared well

Verse 2

C G Am

New slang when you notice the stripes, the dirt in your fries

F C

Hope it’s right when you die, old and bony

G Am F

Dawn breaks like a bull through the hall, never should’ve called

C G

But my head’s to the wall and I’m lonely

Chorus

F C G

And if you’d a-took to me like a gull takes to the wind

F C G Am F

Well, I’d a-jumped from my tree and I’d a danced like the king of the eyesores

C G

And the rest of our lives would’a fared well

Bridge

F C G

God speed all the bakers at dawn may they all cut their thumbs

F C G

And bleed into their buns ’til they melt away

F C G

I’m looking in on the good life I might be doomed never to find

F C G

Without a trust or a golden word

Verse 3

C G Am

Gold teeth and a curse for this town were all in my mouth

F C

Only, I don’t know how they got out, dear

G Am F

Turn me back in-to the pet that I was when we met

C G

I was happier then with no mind-set

Chorus

F C G

And if you’d a-took to me like a gull takes to the wind

F C G Am F

Well, I’d a-jumped from my tree and I’d a danced like the king of the eyesores

C G

And the rest of our lives would’a fared well

Practice tip: The song has a relaxed, flowing feel. Practice the F to C transition, as it’s used frequently, and let the chords ring out.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "New Slang"?

You need 4 beginner-friendly chords: Am, C, G and F.

Is "New Slang" easy to play on guitar?

It is rated beginner and uses only 4 chords in the key of C, making it a good choice for players at that level.

What key is "New Slang" in?

It is in the key of C.

Who wrote "New Slang"?

It was written by James Mercer, and released in 2001.

Amtap to play

Ctap to play

Gtap to play

Ftap to play

Key

C

Difficulty

Beginner

Tuning

gDGBD (Open G)

Chords

Am · C · G · F

New Slang Chords – Banjo

A jangly indie folk song by The Shins. Beginner difficulty in the key of C.

Folk Strum (4/4 Time)

↓↓↑↑↓↑

123456

Tip: Use a capo on the 2nd fret to match the original recording’s key of D, but these chords are written for open position in C.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Verse 1

C G Am

Gold teeth and a curse for this town were all in my mouth

F C

Only, I don’t know how they got out, dear

G Am F

Turn me back in-to the pet that I was when we met

C G

I was happier then with no mind-set

Chorus

F C G

And if you’d a-took to me like a gull takes to the wind

F C G Am F

Well, I’d a-jumped from my tree and I’d a danced like the king of the eyesores

C G

And the rest of our lives would’a fared well

Verse 2

C G Am

New slang when you notice the stripes, the dirt in your fries

F C

Hope it’s right when you die, old and bony

G Am F

Dawn breaks like a bull through the hall, never should’ve called

C G

But my head’s to the wall and I’m lonely

Chorus

F C G

And if you’d a-took to me like a gull takes to the wind

F C G Am F

Well, I’d a-jumped from my tree and I’d a danced like the king of the eyesores

C G

And the rest of our lives would’a fared well

Bridge

F C G

God speed all the bakers at dawn may they all cut their thumbs

F C G

And bleed into their buns ’til they melt away

F C G

I’m looking in on the good life I might be doomed never to find

F C G

Without a trust or a golden word

Verse 3

C G Am

Gold teeth and a curse for this town were all in my mouth

F C

Only, I don’t know how they got out, dear

G Am F

Turn me back in-to the pet that I was when we met

C G

I was happier then with no mind-set

Chorus

F C G

And if you’d a-took to me like a gull takes to the wind

F C G Am F

Well, I’d a-jumped from my tree and I’d a danced like the king of the eyesores

C G

And the rest of our lives would’a fared well

Practice tip: The song has a relaxed, flowing feel. Practice the F to C transition, as it’s used frequently, and let the chords ring out.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "New Slang"?

You need 4 beginner-friendly chords: Am, C, G and F.

Is "New Slang" easy to play on guitar?

It is rated beginner and uses only 4 chords in the key of C, making it a good choice for players at that level.

What key is "New Slang" in?

It is in the key of C.

Who wrote "New Slang"?

It was written by James Mercer, and released in 2001.

Amtap to play

Ctap to play

Gtap to play

Ftap to play

Key

C

Difficulty

Beginner

Tuning

G-D-A-E

Chords

Am · C · G · F

New Slang Chords – Mandolin

A jangly indie folk song by The Shins. Beginner difficulty in the key of C.

Folk Strum (4/4 Time)

↓↓↑↑↓↑

123456

Tip: Use a capo on the 2nd fret to match the original recording’s key of D, but these chords are written for open position in C.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Verse 1

C G Am

Gold teeth and a curse for this town were all in my mouth

F C

Only, I don’t know how they got out, dear

G Am F

Turn me back in-to the pet that I was when we met

C G

I was happier then with no mind-set

Chorus

F C G

And if you’d a-took to me like a gull takes to the wind

F C G Am F

Well, I’d a-jumped from my tree and I’d a danced like the king of the eyesores

C G

And the rest of our lives would’a fared well

Verse 2

C G Am

New slang when you notice the stripes, the dirt in your fries

F C

Hope it’s right when you die, old and bony

G Am F

Dawn breaks like a bull through the hall, never should’ve called

C G

But my head’s to the wall and I’m lonely

Chorus

F C G

And if you’d a-took to me like a gull takes to the wind

F C G Am F

Well, I’d a-jumped from my tree and I’d a danced like the king of the eyesores

C G

And the rest of our lives would’a fared well

Bridge

F C G

God speed all the bakers at dawn may they all cut their thumbs

F C G

And bleed into their buns ’til they melt away

F C G

I’m looking in on the good life I might be doomed never to find

F C G

Without a trust or a golden word

Verse 3

C G Am

Gold teeth and a curse for this town were all in my mouth

F C

Only, I don’t know how they got out, dear

G Am F

Turn me back in-to the pet that I was when we met

C G

I was happier then with no mind-set

Chorus

F C G

And if you’d a-took to me like a gull takes to the wind

F C G Am F

Well, I’d a-jumped from my tree and I’d a danced like the king of the eyesores

C G

And the rest of our lives would’a fared well

Practice tip: The song has a relaxed, flowing feel. Practice the F to C transition, as it’s used frequently, and let the chords ring out.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "New Slang"?

You need 4 beginner-friendly chords: Am, C, G and F.

Is "New Slang" easy to play on guitar?

It is rated beginner and uses only 4 chords in the key of C, making it a good choice for players at that level.

What key is "New Slang" in?

It is in the key of C.

Who wrote "New Slang"?

It was written by James Mercer, and released in 2001.

Amtap to play

Ctap to play

Gtap to play

Ftap to play

Key

C

Difficulty

Beginner

Harp Key

C Diatonic

Chords

Am · C · G · F

New Slang Chords – Harmonica

A jangly indie folk song by The Shins. Beginner difficulty in the key of C.

Folk Strum (4/4 Time)

↓↓↑↑↓↑

123456

Tip: Use a capo on the 2nd fret to match the original recording’s key of D, but these chords are written for open position in C.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Verse 1

C G Am

Gold teeth and a curse for this town were all in my mouth

F C

Only, I don’t know how they got out, dear

G Am F

Turn me back in-to the pet that I was when we met

C G

I was happier then with no mind-set

Chorus

F C G

And if you’d a-took to me like a gull takes to the wind

F C G Am F

Well, I’d a-jumped from my tree and I’d a danced like the king of the eyesores

C G

And the rest of our lives would’a fared well

Verse 2

C G Am

New slang when you notice the stripes, the dirt in your fries

F C

Hope it’s right when you die, old and bony

G Am F

Dawn breaks like a bull through the hall, never should’ve called

C G

But my head’s to the wall and I’m lonely

Chorus

F C G

And if you’d a-took to me like a gull takes to the wind

F C G Am F

Well, I’d a-jumped from my tree and I’d a danced like the king of the eyesores

C G

And the rest of our lives would’a fared well

Bridge

F C G

God speed all the bakers at dawn may they all cut their thumbs

F C G

And bleed into their buns ’til they melt away

F C G

I’m looking in on the good life I might be doomed never to find

F C G

Without a trust or a golden word

Verse 3

C G Am

Gold teeth and a curse for this town were all in my mouth

F C

Only, I don’t know how they got out, dear

G Am F

Turn me back in-to the pet that I was when we met

C G

I was happier then with no mind-set

Chorus

F C G

And if you’d a-took to me like a gull takes to the wind

F C G Am F

Well, I’d a-jumped from my tree and I’d a danced like the king of the eyesores

C G

And the rest of our lives would’a fared well

Practice tip: The song has a relaxed, flowing feel. Practice the F to C transition, as it’s used frequently, and let the chords ring out.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "New Slang"?

You need 4 beginner-friendly chords: Am, C, G and F.

Is "New Slang" easy to play on guitar?

It is rated beginner and uses only 4 chords in the key of C, making it a good choice for players at that level.

What key is "New Slang" in?

It is in the key of C.

Who wrote "New Slang"?

It was written by James Mercer, and released in 2001.