There are plenty of sad songs about love. There are plenty of clever songs about everyday jobs. But only The Weakerthans—and their brilliant frontman John K. Samson—could write a song that is simultaneously a heart-wrenching character study, a love letter to public libraries, and a masterclass in quiet, jangly indie rock.
C G Joyce the librarian, I know the names Am F Of the books you read, the periodical games C G The way you push your glasses up sometimes Dm G And alphabetize the overdues in your mind This is where the song gets devastating. The chords change slightly—moving to Em and F with more feeling. Note: The "ooh ooh" part is just humming the melody over the same chords. joyce the librarian - lyrics and chords
Em F And I would line them up in single file C G And I would try to make each one smile Em F And I would take the long way home each night C G To pass the library's blue and yellow light The song doesn't have a big finish. It just fades out, like a sigh. There are plenty of sad songs about love