the Mountain Goats Wiki

tabbed by Rosa

E5  022xxx
G5  355xxx or 320xxx (yes I know these alternates are technically major chords)
F#5 244xxx
C5  x355xx or x320xx 
C#5 x466xx           (the C#5 might actually just be another F#5 in the original but the bass
                      emphasizes the C# so I think this sounds better; do what thou wilt)

E5

      E5                            G5
Stick bright reflective tape to the collar of your shirt
F#5                        C5
Mind your business and you won't get hurt
   E5                                G5
Be true to the things you said you'd be true to
C#5                C5
Always keep your objective in view

Bm C Am Em x2

Keep two working contacts among your effects
See the tall poppies with their tender fragile necks
Solomon in all his glory not arrayed like these
Bending in the wind like pilgrims on their knees

          D                   C
Those who came to learn these lessons
        D    C         Em
Left no trace of their presence

Always have a flashlight, just in case
Show the world your true face
Burn such fuel as you need to burn
Learn to wait your turn

Bm C Am Em x2

Count the heads in the bunks before you turn in for the night
Lace your boots up tight
Secure the rope to the pole
Keep a sense of wonder when you finally reach your goal

          D                   C
Those who came to learn these lessons
        D    C         Em
Left no trace of their presence
D C                Em
   Leave nothing behind
D      C                            Em
Keep a positive thought in your mind
D          C                   G       C
And if you can't find anything nice to say
D Em       G  D
     Drift away

Bm C Am Em

Retain a sense of grace when it's time to cut the cord
Crack through the crust, fall to your knees, and praise the Lord
Listen for the voices calling out from down below
Steady as you go

What will they say back home about you
Who always kept your objective in view
Whose effects included contacts that finally got found
Inside the Arctic Circle, scattered on the ground

          D                   C
Those who came to learn these lessons
        D    C         Em
Left no trace of their presence (yeah)

B Am F Em x2