If You Gotta Go, Go Now (or Else You Gotta Stay All Night)
View chords used in this chart
From 'The Bootleg Series Vol. 1-3) 1991.
G C/G
Listen to me, baby,
G C/G
There's something you must see.
G C/G
I want to be with you, gal,
G/D D7(/F#)
If you want to be with me.
G C/G G
But if you got to go,
C/G G C/G G
It's all right.
C G
But if you got to go, go now,
G/D D7(/F#) G
Or else you gotta stay all night.
G C/G
It ain't that I'm questionin' you.
G C/G
To take part in any quiz.
G C/G
It's just that I ain't got no watch
G/D D7(/F#)
An' you keep askin' me what time it is.
G C/G G
But if you got to go,
C/G G C/G G
It's all right.
C G
But if you got to go, go now,
G/D D7(/F#) G
Or else you gotta stay all night.
G C/G
I am just a poor boy, baby,
G C/G
Lookin' to connect.
G C/G
But I certainly don't want you thinkin'
G/D D7(/F#)
That I ain't got any respect.
G C/G G
But if you got to go,
C/G G C/G G
It's all right.
C G
But if you got to go, go now,
G/D D7(/F#) G
Or else you gotta stay all night.
G C/G
You know I'd have nightmares
G C/G
And a guilty conscience, too,
G C/G
If I kept you from anything
G/D D7(/F#)
That you really wanted to do.
G C/G G
But if you got to go,
C/G G C/G G
It's all right.
C G
But if you got to go, go now,
G/D D7(/F#) G
Or else you gotta stay all night.
G C/G
It ain't that I'm wantin'
G C/G
Anything you never gave before.
G C/G
It's just that I'll be sleepin' soon,
G/D D7(/F#)
It'll be too dark for you to find the door.
G C/G G
But if you got to go,
C/G G C/G G
It's all right.
C G
But if you got to go, go now,
G/D D7(/F#) G
Or else you gotta stay all night.
Enjoy!
How to play If You Gotta Go, Go Now (or Else You Gotta Stay All Night)
Use the controls above to change the key and text size. Follow the highlighted chords while listening, then practice each section slowly before playing at the original tempo.
What is the starting chord?
The first identified chord is G. You can transpose without leaving the page.
Can I play it on guitar or keyboard?
Yes. The chord progression works on acoustic guitar, electric guitar and keyboard. Adapt the voicings to your instrument and level.