All barre chords here. Start on 5th fret for D and A, 7th for E.
Bm on 2nd fret or 7th fret could also be used instead of E.
All chords inbetween words are transitions. All chords in paranthese optional
[Verse 1]
A D
I was Cleopatra, I was young and an actress
A E
When you knelt by my mattress, and asked for my hand
A D A
But I was sad you asked it, as I laid in a black dress
D (A) E
With my father in a casket, I had no plans, yeah
A D
And I left the footprints, the mud stained on the carpet
A E
And it hardened like my heart did when you left town
A D A
But I must admit it, that I would marry you in an instant
D (A) E
Damn your wife, I'd be your mistress just to have you around
[Chorus]
A D A E
But I was late for this, late for that, late for the love of my life
A D A E
And when I die alone, when I die alone, when I die I'll be on time
[Verse 2]
A D A
While the church discouraged, any lust that burned within me
D A E
Yes my flesh, it was my currency, but I held true
A D A
So I drive a taxi, and the traffic distracts me
D A E
From the strangers in my backseat, they remind me of you
[Chorus]
A D A E
But I was late for this, late for that, late for the love of my life
A D A E
And when I die alone, when I die alone, when I die I'll be on time
[Bridge]
D A D E A
And the only gifts from my Lord were a birth and a divorce
D E D A
But I've read this script and the costume fits, so I'll play my part
[Verse 3]
A D A
I was Cleopatra, I was taller than the rafters
D A E
But that's all in the past now, gone with the wind
A D A
Now a nurse in white shoes leads me back to my guestroom
D A
It's a bed and a bathroom
E
And a place for the end
A D A E
I won't be late for this, late for that, late for the love of my life
A D A E A
And when I die alone, when I die alone, when I die I'll be on time