I've watched John play this song a lot; this is a pretty close estimation of how he does it.
-miranda
Riff for between verses:
!
-2--2-223203--3-3-33x-x-0-
-3--3-333300--0-0-002-3-2-
-2--2-222200--0-0-002-2-2-
----------00--0-0-002-2-2-
----------02--2-2-220-0-0-
----------03--3-3-33------
G to A Riff:
-3-3-3-0
-0-0-0-2
-0-0-0-2
-0-0-0-2
-2-0-2-0
-3-2-3--
The main chord progression for verses is D, Bm, G, A
Strum D twice, then strum rapidly with all strings muted
Strum Bm twice, strum muted like above
Strum G twice, then play the G to A riff
Strum A once more, then strum muted again
This strumming pattern is used everywhere except where specifically noted.
Watch a performance video on youtube to help get your strum timing perfect.
D Bm G A
you roared into the driveway of our southwestern ranch-style house
D Bm G A
on a new kawasaki, chrome yellow and black
D Bm G
fresh out of the showroom.
A
our house faced west,
D Bm G A
so the big orange sun, positioned at your back,
(Start strumming chords regularly)
G A
lit up your magnificent silhouette.
D
how much better?
G
how much better can my life get?
(Go back to two strums per chord, with muting afterwards)
D A
900 cubic centimeters of raw whining power.
D G
no outstanding warrants for my arrest.
D A
whoa-whoa. whoa whoa.
the pirate's life for me.
Between-verses riff x 3
D Bm G A (standard pattern with muting) x2
D Bm G A
i hopped on back of the bike, wrapped my arms around you.
D Bm G A
and i sank my face into your hair.
D Bm G A
and then i inhaled as deeply as i possibly could.
D Bm G A
you were as sweet and delicious as the warm desert air.
(Start strumming chords regularly)
G A
and you pointed your headlamp toward the horizon,
D G
we were the one thing in the galaxy god didn't have his eyes on.
(Go back to two strums per chord, with muting afterwards)
D A
900 cc's of raw whining power,
D G
no outstanding warrants for my arrest.
D
hi diddle dee dee.
A
god damn!
the pirate's life for me!
Between verses riff x2
Main chord progression once more