Joyce The Librarian - Lyrics And Chords Guide

Here’s a helpful post for playing “Joyce the Librarian” on guitar or ukulele, including lyrics, chords, and a few tips.

Cadd9 – G – D – Em (chorus)
So go on, take it home, take it slow
Joyce the Librarian already knows
The best stories aren’t the ones you keep—
They’re the ones you return so someone else can weep.

And yet, the song resists becoming pure melancholy. The final verse reveals Joyce’s secret: she’s writing a novel in the break room, one page per lunch break, about a “lady who loans out hope.” The last chord—a ringing Am7 left to fade—feels like a library door swinging shut but not locked. joyce the librarian - lyrics and chords

Verse 2 (G - Em - C - D) I approached her desk, with a nervous grin Said "excuse me, Joyce, I think I've found a gem within" She shushed me, of course, but then she smiled Left a note in the book, that made my heart go wild

The Setup: Joyce is forty, lives with her mum, wears sandals and glasses, and attends evening classes . Here’s a helpful post for playing “Joyce the

The Twist: In an effort to impress him, Joyce prepares to make a move, but is horrified when George finally approaches her—only to borrow a copy of The Further Joy of Sex . Chords & Musical Guide

Report: "Joyce the Librarian - Lyrics and Chords" The final verse reveals Joyce’s secret: she’s writing

Want the Full Lyric Sheet & Strumming Pattern?

A complete printable lyrics + chords PDF (including the bridge and outro fingerpicking pattern) is available via Maren Coates’ Bandcamp page—pay-what-you-want, with all proceeds going to the Every Library Foundation.

Intro: G C G D