When You Say Nothing at All was written by Paul Overstreet and Don Schlitz in the mid-1980s. The story behind its creation is that after a long songwriting session, they decided to take a break. During this break, Schlitz started playing a melody on his guitar, and Overstreet noticed that even without words, the music conveyed a powerful message. Inspired by this idea, they crafted a song that speaks to the power of communication and connection b ... See more [+] eyond words. Initially recorded by Keith Whitley in 1988, the song also became famous with Alison Krausss version in 1995, and later with Ronan Keatings rendition.
Key: D
D2
A4
G5
A
D2
A4
G5
A
e -------0---------- -------------------- -------0---------- -------------------- B -----3----------3- -------3--------2-3- -----3----------3- -------3--------2-3-
D
A
G5
A
D
A
G5
A
It's amazing how you can speak right to my heart,
D
A
G5
A
D
A
G5
A
without saying a word you can light up the dark.
G5
A
Try as I may I could never explain
D
A
G5
A
what I hear when you don't say a thing.
D
A
G5
A
The smile on your face lets me know that you need me.
D
A
G5
A
There's a truth in your eyes saying you'll never leave me.
D
A
G5
A
G/B
A/C#
The touch of your hand says you'll catch me if ever I fall.
G
A
You say it best, when you say nothing at [Instrumental] all.
D
A
G5
A
D
A
G5
A
D
A
G5
A
D
A
G5
A
All day long I can hear people talking out loud,
D
A
G
A
D
A
G5
A
but when you hold me near, you drown out the crowd.
G5
A
Old Mister Webster could never define
D
A
G5
A
what's been said between your heart and mine.
D
A
G5
A
The smile on your face lets me know that you need me.
D
A
G5
A
There's a truth in your eyes saying you'll never leave me.
D
A
G5
A
G/B
A/C#
The touch of your hand says you'll catch me if ever I fall.
G
A
You say it best, when you say nothing at [Instrumental] all.
D
A
G5
A
D
A
G5
A
D
A
G5
A
G
D
A
G5
A
The smile on your face lets me know that you need me.
D
A
G5
A
There's a truth in your eyes saying you'll never leave me.
D
A
G5
A
G/B
A/C#
The touch of your hand says you'll catch me if ever I fall.
G
A
You say it best, when you say nothing at [Instrumental] all.