Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into a classic that still rocks the music world: "Bring Me to Life" by Evanescence. Whether you're a seasoned guitarist or just picking up the instrument, this guide will provide you with everything you need to play and sing this iconic song. We'll cover the lyrics, chords, and some tips to help you nail that powerful performance. So, grab your guitar, and let's get started!

The Story Behind the Song

Before we jump into the chords and lyrics, let's take a quick look at what makes "Bring Me to Life" so special. Released in 2003 as part of the album Fallen, this song quickly became a massive hit, catapulting Evanescence into the mainstream. The track features Amy Lee's stunning vocals and a blend of rock and gothic elements, making it instantly recognizable. Fun fact: Paul McCoy from 12 Stones provides guest vocals, adding another layer to the song's intensity. The song is about finding a spark of life and feeling awakened from a state of numbness, which resonates with many listeners. It’s a powerful anthem about overcoming inner struggles and finding strength within yourself. This song has stood the test of time, continuing to inspire and captivate audiences around the world. Its raw emotion and powerful instrumentation create a unique listening experience that keeps fans coming back for more. The impact of "Bring Me to Life" extends beyond just music, influencing fashion, film, and other forms of art. So, as you learn to play this song, remember you're not just learning notes and chords; you're connecting with a piece of cultural history that has touched countless lives. Understanding the story behind the song adds depth to your performance, allowing you to convey the emotion and meaning behind the lyrics more effectively. By immersing yourself in the context of the song, you can bring a new level of authenticity to your playing, making your performance even more captivating for your audience. So, let's honor this incredible song by mastering its chords and lyrics and sharing its powerful message with the world.

Lyrics Breakdown

Let's break down the lyrics section by section to understand the emotion and story behind the song. The opening verse sets the stage with a feeling of emptiness and being trapped in a dream-like state. Amy Lee's vocals perfectly capture this sense of longing and searching for something real. As the song progresses, the lyrics speak of recognizing a need for change and awakening from this slumber. The pre-chorus builds anticipation, leading into the powerful chorus where the plea to be brought to life is passionately declared. Paul McCoy's guest vocals add a dynamic contrast, emphasizing the internal struggle and desire for connection. The bridge offers a moment of reflection and vulnerability, questioning the possibility of salvation and seeking hope in the darkness. Overall, the lyrics of "Bring Me to Life" create a vivid and emotional journey, exploring themes of self-discovery, inner turmoil, and the search for meaning. Each verse, chorus, and bridge contributes to the overall narrative, painting a picture of someone yearning for a sense of purpose and connection. Understanding the nuances of the lyrics will help you convey the song's message with greater depth and authenticity. So, as you learn the song, take the time to truly connect with the words and allow them to resonate within you. By doing so, you can bring a new level of passion and emotion to your performance, captivating your audience and leaving a lasting impression. The lyrics are not just words on a page; they are a window into the soul, offering a glimpse into the human experience of longing, hope, and the search for meaning.

Verse 1

(Amy Lee)

How can you see into my eyes, like open doors?

Leading you down into my core

Where I've become so numb

Without a soul

My spirit's sleeping somewhere cold

Until you find it there and lead it back home

Chorus

(Amy Lee)

(Wake me up) Wake me up inside

(I can't wake up) Wake me up inside

Save me

(Call my name) And save me from the dark

(Wake me up) Bid my blood to run

(I can't wake up) Before I come undone

Save me

Save me from the nothing I've become

Verse 2

(Amy Lee)

Now that I know what I'm without

You can't just leave me

Now that I know what I'm about

You can't just leave me

Bridge

(Paul McCoy)

Tell me that I've been dreaming

Dreaming all along

Tell me that I'm not alone

In feeling far removed from who I want to be

Breakdown

(Amy Lee)

I've been living a lie

There's nothing inside

(Paul McCoy)

You gotta bring me to life

Chord Progression

Alright, let's get to the chords! "Bring Me to Life" primarily uses a combination of power chords and some standard open chords, making it accessible for beginner to intermediate players. The song is typically played in the key of Em (E minor). Here’s a breakdown of the main chords you’ll need:

• Em (E minor): 022000
• C (C major): x32010
• G (G major): 320003
• D (D major): xx0232
• Am (A minor): x02210

The chord progression generally follows this pattern:

Verse: Em - C - G - D

Chorus: Am - Em - C - G

Bridge: Em - D - C - G

These chords create the emotional and powerful sound that defines the song. The use of minor chords adds a sense of melancholy and intensity, while the major chords provide moments of release and hope. By mastering these chords, you'll be able to capture the essence of "Bring Me to Life" and deliver a compelling performance. Experiment with different strumming patterns and dynamics to add your own personal touch to the song. Don't be afraid to play around with the tempo and feel to find what works best for you. Remember, the most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the process of learning and playing this iconic song. As you become more comfortable with the chords, you can start exploring different voicings and inversions to add complexity and depth to your playing. The possibilities are endless, so let your creativity guide you and see where it takes you. So, grab your guitar and start practicing these chords, and before you know it, you'll be rocking out to "Bring Me to Life" like a pro!

Simplified Chords for Beginners

If you're just starting out, power chords can be a great way to simplify the song without losing its energy. Power chords involve playing the root note and the fifth of the chord, omitting the third, which makes them neither major nor minor. Here's how you can play "Bring Me to Life" using power chords:

• E5: 022xxx
• C5: x355xx
• G5: 355xxx
• D5: x577xx
• A5: 577xxx

Using these power chords, the progression remains the same, but the simplified shapes make it easier to play, especially for those still developing their finger strength and dexterity. The raw power and energy of the song are still conveyed effectively, allowing beginners to enjoy playing along without struggling with complex chord shapes. Power chords are a fantastic tool for simplifying many rock and metal songs, making them accessible to a wider range of players. As you become more comfortable with power chords, you can gradually introduce the full chord shapes to add more depth and complexity to your playing. Remember, the key is to start where you are and gradually progress as your skills improve. So, don't be discouraged if you can't play the full chords right away; power chords are a great way to get started and still have a blast playing "Bring Me to Life." With practice and dedication, you'll be shredding those full chords in no time, adding your own personal flair to this iconic song.

Strumming Pattern

Mastering the strumming pattern is crucial for capturing the rhythm and feel of "Bring Me to Life." The song features a combination of downstrokes and upstrokes, creating a driving and energetic rhythm that propels the song forward. A common strumming pattern that works well is:

Down, Down, Up, Down, Up

Experiment with different variations to find what feels most natural to you. Pay attention to the dynamics, emphasizing certain strums to create accents and add intensity to the performance. Listening closely to the original recording can help you internalize the rhythm and nuances of the strumming pattern. Practice slowly at first, focusing on maintaining a consistent tempo and smooth transitions between chords. As you become more comfortable, gradually increase the speed until you reach the desired tempo. Remember, the goal is to create a rhythm that is both accurate and expressive, capturing the energy and emotion of the song. Don't be afraid to experiment with different strumming techniques, such as palm muting or adding percussive elements, to add your own personal touch to the performance. The strumming pattern is the backbone of the song, providing the foundation upon which the melody and lyrics are built. By mastering the strumming pattern, you'll be able to bring "Bring Me to Life" to life and captivate your audience with your dynamic and engaging performance.

Tips for Playing the Song

1. Practice Regularly: Consistency is key. Even 15-20 minutes of practice each day can make a huge difference.
2. Start Slow: Don’t rush. Focus on accuracy first, then gradually increase the tempo.
3. Listen Carefully: Pay attention to the original recording to understand the nuances of the song.
4. Use a Metronome: This will help you maintain a steady tempo and improve your timing.
5. Record Yourself: Listening back to your playing can help you identify areas for improvement.
6. Play with Others: Jamming with friends or other musicians can make the learning process more fun and engaging.
7. Be Patient: Learning takes time. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t sound perfect right away.

Conclusion

So there you have it! Everything you need to start playing "Bring Me to Life" by Evanescence. With a bit of practice and dedication, you’ll be rocking out to this iconic song in no time. Remember to have fun and enjoy the process. Keep practicing, and you'll be amazed at how far you can come. Now go grab your guitar and bring this song to life!