I Am A Rock
Paul Simon


Note: Play at capo 5 with these chords to match recording; I play at capo 4

Intro: G  G-G/C-G (3x - fast hammer on/off) G

           G        C               G
A winter's day in a deep and dark December
Am  D   C G
  I am alone
Am             Bm     Am               Bm
Gazing from my window to the streets below
     Am             C                D
On a freshly fallen silent shroud of snow
D7      G    C       D G
I am a rock, I am an island

           G        C                 G
I've built walls, a fortress deep and mighty
     Am   D   C   G
That none may penetrate
  Am               Bm          Am                Bm
I have no need for friendship, friendship causes pain
     Am           C           D
It's laughter and loving I disdain
D7      G    C       D G     Em
I am a rock, I am an island


Don't talk of love, well I've heard the word before
     Am  D          C   G
It's sleeping in my memory
  Am                Bm         Am                 Bm
I won't disturb the slumber of feelings that have died
     Am             C                D
If I never loved, I never would have cried
D7      G    C       D G
I am a rock, I am an island


I have my books and my poetry to protect me
     Am   D         C G
I am shielded in my armor
Am           Bm    Am             Bm
Hiding in my room, safe within my womb
  Am               C              D
I touch no one and no one touches me
D7      G    C       D G
I am a rock, I am an island

      C      D      G            Am     D     G
And a rock feels no pain, and an island never cries