Can't Be Loved chords

by Elle King

Song Key: E Major

Key Signature: 4 sharps (F#, C#, G#, D#)

Time Signature: 4/4 (♩)

Tempo: 58 bpm (Slow bluesy feel)

Vocal Range: B3 - B4


Guitar Tuning: E A D G B e

Skill Level: Intermediate

Chords: E, A, B, C#m

Extras: Easier chords for beginners

Chord Chart Legend
E Major E Major Barre Chord A Major Barre Chord B Major Barre Chord C#m
E Major - LH E Major Barre Chord - LH A Major Barre Chord - LH B Major Barre Chord - LH C#m - LH

Can't Be Loved

Song Key is highlighted - Transpose to any other key 
C#m                A
1. Quit try-ing to love me
          E                    B
   I done told you I'm not the one
         C#m                    A
   Ba-by please quit try-ing to love me
              E                       B
   You should know you were just some fun
          C#m
   Can un-lock my heart 
             A
   Don't you e-ven start 
      E                B
   To try to get in my head
   
             A             B
Chorus: It's dark and it's black
                E            A   
        And I can ne-ver get back
               E             B 
        To the way I used to love
           A                   B
        My heart it just ain't right
            E             A
        But I try with my might
            E                    B
        But I... I just can't be loved
        
        C#m                       A
2. Baby please let's make this is easy
             E                     B
   Ain't too hard to for-get about me
                  C#m
   And af-ter I'm gone
                      A   
   It'll be just that ea-sy
                    E
   To get your-self some-one
                          B     
   A lit-tle bet-ter than me... Yeah   
   
             A             B
Chorus: It's dark and it's black
                E            A   
        And I can ne-ver get back
               E             B 
        To the way I used to love
           A                   B
        My heart it just ain't right
            E             A
        But I try with my might
            E                    B
        But I... I just can't be loved
           A                   B
        My heart it just ain't right
            E             A
        But I try with my might... Yeah
            E               B
        But I just can't be loved
                      C#m
        Just can't be loved
                      A
        Just can't be loved
                   E        B   C#m    A    E
        Can't be | loved -    |     -    |  𝄑  |

Notes:

The style of playing intergrates barre chords and dampening strings which is commonly used in Bluesy songs. She finishes the song with an open E chord.

The C#m utilizes the 'Am shape' starting with a barre on the 4th fret. You can also play this with the 'Em shape' starting with a barre on the 9th fret.

Beginners: C Major and D Major are both easy keys to play in.

  • Chords in C Major: C, F, G, Am (Capo on 4 if playing with Elle).
  • Chords in D Major: D, G, A, Bm (Capo on 2 if playing with Elle).

Bits 'n' Bobs:

Composer: Elle King - American singer, musician, songwriter, and actress.

Album: There's no official studio recording on streaming platforms or albums, but it was a staple in Elle King's early live sets ~ 2012.

Video: Live solo performance at eTown Hall - a multi-purpose building in downtown Boulder featuring a world-class live music venue.

Genres: Elle is known for her blend of genres, particularly country, rock, and blues. Her music often carries a raw and energetic vibe, along with powerful vocals.

Style: Elle's style of singing, especially songs like this, is reminiscent of Janis Joplin... raw, gutsy and unique. Perhaps Elle will cover some of her songs in the near future. 💗

Songs by Elle King on this site:
Back to 2000s Songs Back To Top
Contact Me

A seasoned performer joyfully playing the guitar