Alfie (Bacharach- David) From the 1966 Michael Caine Film
This is as I hear the song as recorded in 1966 by Cilla Black and Burt Bacharach
There is not much difference in the arrangement between the Cilla and the Dionne
Version apart from their individual styles and abilities. Cilla, despite being
challenged by the song, does a better version in my opinion as her vulnerability
suits the film better, Dionne is too polished and comfortable.
Verse 1
[Bbmaj9] [Cm7/F]
What is it all about, Alfie?
[Bbmaj9] [Gm7] [Dm7] [G7]
Is it just for the moment we live?
[Cm9] [Cm7/F] [Dm7] [Gm7]
What is it all about when you sort it out, Alfie?
[Cm7] [Edim] add [A]
Or, are we meant to take more than we give,
[Cm7] [Cm7/F]
or are we meant to be kind?
[F9] F9aug5
And if,
Verse 2
[Bbmaj9] [Cm7/F]
only fools are kind, Alfie,
[Bbmaj9] [Gm7] [Dm7] [G7]
Then I guess it is wise to be cruel.
[Cm9] [Cm7/F] [Dm7] [Gm7]
And if life belongs only to the strong, Alfie,
[Cm7] [Edim] add [A]
what will you lend on an old golden rule?
Bridge
[Am7] [Em7] [Fm6] [Gm7] [Am7] [Gm9] [C13] (=[Bbmaj7]/C)
As sure as I believe there is a heaven above, Alfie,
[Am7] [Em7] [Fm6]
I know there is something much more,
[Gm7] [Cm7] [Cm7/F] [F9] F9aug5
something even non-believers can believe in.
End
[Bbmaj9] [Cm7/F]
I believe in love, Alfie.
Em7dim5 [Eb9] [Dm7] [Gm7]
Without true love we just exist, Alfie.
Em7dim5 [Eb9] [Dm7] [Gm7] [C7] [C9] Arpeggio
Until you find the love you have missed you are nothing, Alfie.
[Cm7] [Edim]
When you walk let your heart lead the way
[Cm7] [Edim] Bb7dim9 [Cm6] [Bbmaj7]
and you'll find love any day, Alfie, Alfie.
