Running Scared (Desert Song)

Q: How to play the easy chords for Running Scared (Desert Song) (The Strumbellas)?

To play the Easy Chords for Running Scared (Desert Song), toggle the Easy Chords button above the workstation canvas. This version is designed with beginner-friendly open chords (C, G, Am, F) with Capo on Fret 5 to make transitions easier without barre chords.

Q: Is audio sync and auto-scroll available for practice?

Yes, ChordGitar.in features touch-free Auto-Scroll with speed control, as well as an integrated player so your tempo and rhythm practice stays precise.

The Strumbellas verified

Key: DM

110 BPM

Tuning: Standard (E A D G B E)

Strum: ↓ - ↓ ↑ - ↑ ↓ ↑

🎸 Original Version Easy Chords

Transpose

Notation

Capo

Instrument

speed

auto_awesome

Easy Chord Tip: Place Capo on Fret to play open chord shapes ().

CHORD DIAGRAMS

volume_up Click chord to hear sound

tune Transposed: semitones

[Intro]
[Dm] [C] [G]

[Dm]Do you [C]remember me,
[G]Back when [Dm]we were young?
[C]The night we [G]met at the boathouse
[Dm]I was hoping [C]you noticed me
[G]And I still [Dm]believe in another life
[C]We were [G]meant to be
[Dm]Like two birds [C]on a desert tree
[G]'Cause we [Dm]could all get
[C]A little high [G]if we want
[Dm]We could all [C]get a little
[G]High if we [Dm]want, come on
[C]Ah, come on!
[G]'Cause I'm [Dm]running scared
[C]Hey, and [G]I'm running scared
[Dm]Oh, and [C]I'm running scared
[G]And I'm [Dm]running scared
[C]Oh, don't [G]look back
[Dm]Don't look [C]back, hey
[G]Oh, don't [Dm]look back
[C]♪
[G]Don't look [Dm]back, hey
[C]♪
[G]'Cause I'm [Dm]borderline, mentally unstable

[Dm]Sweep it under [C]the table, yeah
[G]And these [Dm]bedroom eyes
[C]We were meant to [G]be in a different time
[Dm]Everything is [C]a warning sign
[G]'Cause we can all live [Dm]a better life if we want
[C]We can all live a better [G]life if we want, come on
[Dm]Ah, come on!
[C]'Cause I'm [G]running scared
[Dm]Hey, and [C]I'm running scared
[G]Oh, and [Dm]I'm running scared
[C]And I'm [G]running scared
[Dm]Oh, don't [C]look back
[G]Don't look [Dm]back, hey
[C]♪
[G]Oh, don't [Dm]look back
[C]Don't look [G]back, hey
[Dm]♪
[C]We could all get a [G]little high if we want
[Dm]We could all get a [C]little high if we want
[G]♪
[Dm]Yeah we can all live [C]a better life if we want
[G]We can all live a better [Dm]life if we want, come on
[C]♪
[G]'Cause we could all get [Dm]a little high if we want
[C]We could all get a [G]little high if we want
[Dm]♪
[C]'Cause I'm [G]running scared
[Dm]Hey, and [C]I'm running scared
[G]Oh, and [Dm]I'm running scared
[C]And I'm [G]running scared
[Dm]'Cause I'm [C]running scared
[G]Hey, and [Dm]I'm running scared
[C]Oh, and [G]I'm running scared
[Dm]And I'm [C]running scared

Found an error in chord or lyrics for this song?

music_note

Capo 2 Needed Musician's Pick

Playing with Capo on 2nd Fret?

Get clear, buzz-free intonation with high-quality guitar gear.

Kyser Quick-Change Capo

→

Interactive Video Masterclass

Interactive Video Masterclass 14-Day Free Access

14-Day Free Access

Want step-by-step video tutorials for Running Scared (Desert Song)?

Learn exact strumming patterns, fingerpicking techniques, and solo tabs with slow-motion multi-angle video lessons.

Start Free Lesson →

info About This Song

Song Fundamentals

Original Key Dm (D Minor)

Tempo / BPM 110 BPM

Tuning Standard (E A D G B E)

Time Signature 4/4

Difficulty Level Very Easy

Capo Position Capo Fret 5

Chord Count 3 Unique Chords

Genre Alternative

graphic_eq

Strumming Pattern ↓ - ↓ ↑ - ↑ ↓ ↑

Time Signature 4/4

auto_awesome

Running Scared (Desert Song) by The Strumbellas is played in the key of Dm with a tempo of around 110 BPM. Progresi ini menciptakan pergerakan harmoni alami: Dm (i) sebagai Tonic Minor (Pusat Nada/Gelap), diikuti C (VII) sebagai Subtonic Mayor (Tensi Menuju Minor).

school

Guitarist Playing Guide & Pedagogical Tips

Theory Guide

Guitar playing guide for Running Scared (Desert Song) by The Strumbellas: sounding in Dm (Capo Fret 5, shape Am) at 110 BPM (4/4) featuring beginner-friendly strumming ('↓ - ↓ ↑ - ↑ ↓ ↑').

check_circle Key & Tempo: Sounding in Dm (Capo on Fret 5 (played in Am shape)) at 110 BPM in 4/4 time signature.
check_circle Voicing & Fingering: 100% open cowboy chords (C, G, D, Em, Am) requiring zero barre finger pressure.
check_circle Critical Transition: Transition from Dm to C requires anchoring index or ring finger as a stable pivot.
check_circle Strumming Pattern: Master '↓ - ↓ ↑ - ↑ ↓ ↑' by starting at 79 BPM before accelerating to studio 110 BPM.

account_tree Chord Progression Analysis

Harmonic Progression

Progression Pattern (Roman Numerals)

i – VII – G

Song chords:

star Primary Chords (Song Foundation)

Dm C G

Chords that repeat most frequently throughout the verse and chorus.

more_horiz Auxiliary / Transition Chords

This song uses a minimalist 4-chord structure.

Used as harmonic transition variations in intro, bridge, or outro.

tune Why Use a Capo?

Capo & Sounding Key

Sounding Key DM Acoustic pitch of original recording

Capo Fret 5 sync_alt Raises the pitch of open strings

Fingering Shape Key AM Open chord finger positions

Placing a Capo on Fret 5 transforms fingering into Am, maintaining Dm sound without complex barre chords.

lightbulb Alternative Capo Positions for This Song:

piano Chord Family DM

Diatonic Matrix

This song is built on the key of DM. Here are the 7 diatonic chords (Chord Family) that harmonize according to music theory:

i Dm Tonic

ii° Edim Supertonic

III F Mediant

iv Gm Subdominant

v Am Dominant

VI A# Submediant

VII C Subtonic

speed Difficulty Level: Very Easy

Difficulty Determinants for This Song:

check_circle 3 chord unik digunakan

check_circle Semua bentuk chord terbuka (Open Chords), tanpa kunci palang (barre)

dna MUSICAL DNA:

KEY: DM • TEMPO: 110 BPM • PROG: i – VII – G • DIFF: 1/5 • CAPO: 5

help Easy Chord Guide & FAQ Running Scared (Desert Song)

FAQ & Tips

quiz How to play the easy chords for Running Scared (Desert Song) (The Strumbellas)?

To play the Easy Chords for Running Scared (Desert Song), toggle the Easy Chords button above the workstation canvas. This version is designed with beginner-friendly open chords (C, G, Am, F) with Capo on Fret 5 to make transitions easier without barre chords.

quiz What are the basic guitar chords and original key for Running Scared (Desert Song)?

The original recording key for Running Scared (Desert Song) by The Strumbellas is DM. You can use the Transpose (+ / -) feature anytime to adjust the pitch to match male or female vocal ranges automatically.

quiz Is audio sync and auto-scroll available for practice?

Yes, ChordGitar.in features touch-free Auto-Scroll with speed control, as well as an integrated player so your tempo and rhythm practice stays precise.

info Video playback is restricted by the content owner outside YouTube.

Open on YouTube →

Running Scared (Desert Song) - The Strumbellas

Official Audio

0:00 0:00

Listen to official audio for Running Scared (Desert Song) by The Strumbellas on streaming platforms:

play_circle YouTube Spotify

Running Scared (Desert Song) expand_less

More Songs by The Strumbellas verified

Guitar chords collection and other chords from The Strumbellas.

View All (26 Songs)

Spirits

The Strumbellas

Greatest Enemy

KEY G

The Strumbellas

Easy

Play arrow_forward

Rhinestone

The Strumbellas

Blink-182

Crawling

Linkin Park

Ciao Adios

KEY EM

Anne-Marie

Beginner

Play arrow_forward

2002

KEY E

Anne-Marie

Master the chords of this song, and you can instantly play these following songs.

1 2 3

Plain White Ts

Tetap Dalam Jiwa

Isyana Sarasvati

Cant Take My Eyes Off You

KEY C

Frankie Valli feat. Frankie Valli

Advanced

Play arrow_forward

If You Love Her

KEY C

Forest Blakk

Easy

Play arrow_forward

The Stroke

KEY G

Billy Squier

Easy

Play arrow_forward

Tonight Is The Night

KEY D

Betty Wright

Medium

KEY E

Zikra feat. Eno Viola

Beginner

• Capo 2

Play arrow_forward

Seperangkat Mahar

Zinidin Zidan

Harta Duniawi

Zinidin Zidan

Related Music News

Latest news and articles about The Strumbellas.

View all news

Personil The Strumbellas memainkan biola dan gitar bernyanyi bersama di panggung konser festival folk Toronto

Berita Musik

Satu Dekade Gemuruh Folk-Pop Kanada The Strumbellas: 10 Tahun 'Hope', 2 Piala JUNO dan 2x Platinum 'Spirits'

Peringatan 10 tahun album folk-pop 2x Platinum 'Hope' (22 April 2026 via Glassnote di Toronto) merayakan The Strumbellas.

calendar_today Apr 22, 2026 edit Editorial Team

[Intro]
[Dm] [C] [G]

[Dm]Do you [C]remember me,
[G]Back when [Dm]we were young?
[C]The night we [G]met at the boathouse
[Dm]I was hoping [C]you noticed me
[G]And I still [Dm]believe in another life
[C]We were [G]meant to be
[Dm]Like two birds [C]on a desert tree
[G]'Cause we [Dm]could all get
[C]A little high [G]if we want
[Dm]We could all [C]get a little
[G]High if we [Dm]want, come on
[C]Ah, come on!
[G]'Cause I'm [Dm]running scared
[C]Hey, and [G]I'm running scared
[Dm]Oh, and [C]I'm running scared
[G]And I'm [Dm]running scared
[C]Oh, don't [G]look back
[Dm]Don't look [C]back, hey
[G]Oh, don't [Dm]look back
[C]♪
[G]Don't look [Dm]back, hey
[C]♪
[G]'Cause I'm [Dm]borderline, mentally unstable

[Dm]Sweep it under [C]the table, yeah
[G]And these [Dm]bedroom eyes
[C]We were meant to [G]be in a different time
[Dm]Everything is [C]a warning sign
[G]'Cause we can all live [Dm]a better life if we want
[C]We can all live a better [G]life if we want, come on
[Dm]Ah, come on!
[C]'Cause I'm [G]running scared
[Dm]Hey, and [C]I'm running scared
[G]Oh, and [Dm]I'm running scared
[C]And I'm [G]running scared
[Dm]Oh, don't [C]look back
[G]Don't look [Dm]back, hey
[C]♪
[G]Oh, don't [Dm]look back
[C]Don't look [G]back, hey
[Dm]♪
[C]We could all get a [G]little high if we want
[Dm]We could all get a [C]little high if we want
[G]♪
[Dm]Yeah we can all live [C]a better life if we want
[G]We can all live a better [Dm]life if we want, come on
[C]♪
[G]'Cause we could all get [Dm]a little high if we want
[C]We could all get a [G]little high if we want
[Dm]♪
[C]'Cause I'm [G]running scared
[Dm]Hey, and [C]I'm running scared
[G]Oh, and [Dm]I'm running scared
[C]And I'm [G]running scared
[Dm]'Cause I'm [C]running scared
[G]Hey, and [Dm]I'm running scared
[C]Oh, and [G]I'm running scared
[Dm]And I'm [C]running scared