This is based on the tab from Matthew Nordhaus, I made some changes that seem to make it play better IMHO.
-- Capo 2nd Fret --
INTRO: D G A Bm G (x2)
D A Bm G
I look straight in the window, try not to look below
D A E G
Pretend I'm not up here, I try counting sheep
D A Bm G
The sheep seem to shower, off this office tower
D A E G
It's 9.8 straight down, I can't stop my knees.
CHORUS:
Bm A E G
I wish I could fly, from this building, from this wall.
Bm A E G
And if I should try, would you catch me, if I fall.
D A Bm G
My hands clench the squeegee, a seclar rosary
D A E G
Hang onto your wallet, hang onto your rings.
D A Bm G
I can't look below me, something might throw me.
D A E G
I curse at the windstorms, that October brings.
[ Tab from: https://www.guitartabs.cc/tabs/b/barenaked_ladies/when_i_fall_crd_ver_2.html ]
D A Bm G
I look in the boardroom, a modern Pharaoh's tomb.
D A E G
I'd gladly swap places, if they care to dive
D A Bm G
They're lined up at the window, peer down into limbo
D A E G
Frightened of jumping, in case they survive.
G A
I wish I could step, from this scaffold,
Bm E
Onto soft green grass and shopping malls,
G A Bm A
or bed, with my family, and my pastor and my grandfather
E G
who's dead.
(softly) D A Bm G
Look straight in the mirror, watch it come clearer
D A E G
I look like a painter, behind all the grease.
D A Bm G
But painting's creating, and I'm just erasing
D A E G
A crystal clear canvas, is my masterpiece.
CHORUS:
Bm A E G
I wish I could fly, from this building, from this wall.
Bm A E G
And if I should try, would you catch me, if I fall.
Bm A E G
I wish I could fly, from this building, from this wall.
Bm A E G
And if I should try, would you catch me, if I fall.
D A Bm G D A E G
When I fall... When I fall.... mmmmmm
