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?
[ Tab from: https://www.guitartabs.cc/tabs/d/dionne_warwick/alfie_crd_ver_2.html ]
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.
