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"Nikki Oh Nikki"
The Mountain Goats
As performed at CBGB's, 7/23/99

Transcribed by Jon A.

Note: John's guitar was tuned down a whole step for this show, so it sounds like the key of C, but these are the chords he's playing.

D      -  xx0232
Dsus4  -  xx0233
Dsus2  -  xx0230
G      -  320033
G*     -  320003
Asus4  -  x02230
A      -  x02220
Bm     -  x24432

Intro:

(D        Dsus4 D Dsus2 D Dsus2
 G   G*   Asus4         A      )  x2

D
 You know that guy
                                   G                      Asus4
 Who swept your girlfriend off her feet and out of your arms
          D
 In the summer
             G                       Asus4
 Between the sixth and the seventh grade

D        Dsus4 D Dsus2 D Dsus2
G   G*   Asus4         A      

D
 You know how his name sits in your brain
        G
 Like a tumor
                 Asus4                     D
 And how his bright eyes shine in your memory
      G     Asus4
 Even now

Bm
 Let it bug you if you really want to but
G                 Asus4                  D
 Friend, let me assure you he's gonna die
                                      G                Asus4
 You can take it to the bank that he's gonna die some day
             D       G     Asus4
 He's gonna die

Bm
 Maybe a few years before you do
G                  Asus4
 Maybe a few years later,
                D
 What does it matter
        G    Asus4
 In the long run?

(D        Dsus4 D Dsus2 D Dsus2
 G   G*   Asus4         A      )  x2

D                                              G           Asus4
 You know that girl who you told your secrets to back in high school

D        Dsus4 D Dsus2 D Dsus2
G   G*   Asus4         A      

D
 The one who faithfully broadcast all of them
                G                     Asus4       D
 Throughout the generous pool of your mutual acquaintances 
 And made it sound like you were psycho
G                       Asus4
 And in need of professional help
         D               G      Asus4
 Yes, yes, yes you do remember

Well you can
Carry that grudge or you can let it go
But as sure as I'm singing this song you know
She's gonna die
She's gonna die, yes she will

Five'll get you ten, she'll meet the same undignified end
That I will, and you will
And everyone we know

It may happen 20 years down the line
Or it may happen an hour from now
What does it matter?
What does it matter in the long run?

Everyone who's done you wrong
Everyone who's done you favors
Everyone you like
Everyone you can't stand the sight of
What does it matter?
What does it matter in the long run?