Sam Mendes’ 2019 war epic, 1917, is a cinematic feat that immerses the audience in the horror of World War I. The film’s haunting and expansive score is from composer, Thomas Newman. The music conveys the emotional weight of the Lance Corporal Schofield (George MacKay) — with themes of sacrifice, loss, and the enduring human spirit.

“Come Back to Us” is the final motif in 1917, as Schofield has just spoken with Lieutenant (Joseph) Blake played by Game of Thrones actor, Richard Madden. The acting by Madden is incredible —  as Lieutenant Blake simultaneously mourns and steels himself after learning of his brother’s death. If you’ve ever heard the expression “stiff upper lip” — this scene embodies it.

LCpl Schofield returns to the base of tree (in a parallel scene to the opening) where the character reveals his family with a tiny pocket book of personal photos. One of the photos is a woman, accompanied by a note reading “Come back to us.” 

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How to play Come Back to Me | fingerstyle guitar

The guitar tab for this piece is beautifully written across a single page. I arranged the theme into one short passage that I repeat twice. I hope you enjoy this! The guitar tab is available below.

**1917: Come Back to Us | fingerstyle guitar

This piece is tuned one whole step down: D G C F A D. However, you can just as easily play it in standard tuning, and it will sound great.