What It Takes
View chords used in this chart
Intro: Play Am, C, G with each followed by the riff below
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e|-------3---
B|---0h1-----
G|-----------
D|-----------
A|-----------
E|-----------
Then, after Am, C, and G; play Am again followed by this riff:
e|-----------
B|-------1---
G|---0h2-----
D|-----------
A|-----------
E|-----------
Am
I learn what I know
C
But I was born this way
G
More of a number
Am
And less of a name
Am
I talk a little too quiet
C
And not enough they say
G
I only tell my secrets
Am
When it’s time to pray
Am C
You wouldn’t see the war just lookin’ from the outside
Am G
I’ve got red dirt blood here runnin on the inside
C G
Sink or swim, live or die
Am
A saving grace and a blue sky
C G
All alone, and unafraid
Am
It’s never just another day
Am
And you don’t back down or walk away
G
But I know, I do, I am
C
What it takes
What it takes
Am
Wash away my footprints
C
With the undertow
G Am
While I’ll walk the wire, of the great unknown
Am
I got two parts too
C
My storied soul
G Am
One stands with my brothers, one waits for me back at home
C G
Sink or swim, live or die
Am
A saving grace and a blue sky
C G
All alone, and unafraid
Am
It’s never just another day
Am
And you don’t back down or walk away
G
But I know, I do, I am
C
What it takes
Am C
You wouldn’t see the war just lookin’ from the outside
Am G
I’ve got red dirt blood here runnin on the inside
C G
Sink or swim, live or die
Am
A saving grace and a blue sky
C G
All alone, and unafraid
Am
It’s never just another day
Am
And you don’t back down or walk away
G
But I know, I do, I am
C
What it takes
Oh what it takes
What it takes
How to play What It Takes
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 Am. 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.