verse 1 I got some blood under my nails I got some mud on my face My voice is shot I’m going grey These muscles all ache Don’t cry for me I’m the life of the party I’m smiling most of the time I may be gritting my teeth can’t get back where we started These days I’m doing just fine God bless this mess this mess is mine Won’t pound my chest or criticize I must confess I’ve lived I’ve died God bless this mess this mess is mine God bless this mess this mess is mine <i>Instrumental</i> part (2x) e|10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-7-7-7-7-7------------7-7------------| B|------------8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8--8-8-10-----10-8---------| G|------------| D|------------| A|------------| E|------------| verse 2 I knew every buried body paid for each headstone I may have led the prayers in public but I cried alone Found God through sin but this ain’t my confession I’ll wait on judgement day It’s lose or win got no need for protection Stand up or out of my way God bless this mess this mess is mine Won’t pound my chest or criticize I must confess I’ve lived I’ve died God bless this mess this mess is mine God bless this mess this mess is mine <i>Instrumental</i> part (2x) e|10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-7-7-7-7-7------------7-7------------| B|------------8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8--8-8-10-----10-8---------| G|------------| (2x) D|------------| A|------------| E|------------| Bridge The howling doomsday dogs are snapping at your feet ’Round here the sky is cracked but won’t admit defeat Down here there they got your back and stood at your side This treasure chest of rags still keeps this dream alive God bless this mess this mess is mine - Won’t pound my chest or criticize I must confess I’ve lived I’ve died God bless this mess this mess is mine God bless this mess this mess is mine Outro (4x) e|10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-7-7-7-7-7------------7-7------------| B|------------8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8--8-8-10-----10-8---------| G|------------| D|------------| A|------------| E|------------| e|10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-7-7-7-7-7------------7-8------------| B|------------8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8--8-10------------| G|------------| D|------------| A|------------| E|------------|