You Don't Have To Die chords
Swap ↔ or rotate ↻ the device
Capo 4th fret
[Intro]
D A7 D
[Verse 1]
D
I don't sleep in an old pine box
G D
Six feet in the ground
D
You won't find my name in stone
E7 A7
Anywhere around
D D7
Just because I'm still drawing breath
G
Don’t mean I'm alive
D A7 D
'Cause you don't have to die to lose your life
[Chorus]
G C G
I'm drinkin' like there's no tomorrow
D A7 D
And I pray to God there ain't
G C G
'Cause one more day without her love
D A7
Is one more than I can take
D D7
So don't tell me just hang on
G E7
Somehow I'll survive
D A7 D
'Cause you don't have to die to lose your life
[Instrumental Break]
D A7 D
[Verse 2]
D D7
I don't need you I don't love you
G D
Were my final words
E7
Beforе I fell straight to Hell
E7
Right herе on Earth
D D7
I told myself I could live without her
G E7
I guess I was right
D E7 D A D
But you don't have to die to lose your life
[Out-Chorus]
G C G
I'm drinkin' like there's no tomorrow
D A7 D
And I pray to God there ain't
G C G
'Cause one more day without her love
D A7
Is one more than I can take
D D7
So don't tell me just hang on
G E7
Somehow I'll survive
D A7 D G
'Cause you don't have to die to lose your life
A D G D A D
Ooh, you don't have to die to lose your life
How to play "You Don't Have To Die" by Ernest on guitar
Set with a capo on the 4th fret, this song uses a series of open chords
to evoke a somber, reflective tone, well-suited to its poignant lyrics.
Chords used: D, A7, G, E7, D7, C
Playing Style:
- The intro and verses should be played with a gentle, arpeggiated style
or a soft strumming pattern, focusing on conveying the song's emotional
weight through dynamics and tempo.
- The chorus amplifies the emotional message, warranting a fuller
strumming pattern to elevate the sense of urgency and despair in the
lyrics.
Common Mistakes:
- Not fully transitioning between the chord changes, particularly with
the inclusion of D7 and E7, which can slightly alter the song's
emotional impact if not played cleanly.
- Overpowering the song during softer sections. Maintain a balance that
allows the lyrics to be clearly heard and the story to be effectively
conveyed.
Transitions:
- Focus on the transition from the verse to the chorus, which should
seamlessly increase in intensity. This shift is critical to driving the
narrative from a personal reflection to a more universal expression
of pain.
Lyrics meaning:
"You Don't Have To Die" explores the theme of living loss, where one
feels the profound impact of grief without the finality of death. It
portrays the enduring pain of emotional absence and the struggle to
cope with life after a significant personal loss.
Remember:
- Ensure the guitar is well-tuned with the capo to avoid any dissonance,
which can detract from the song's emotional delivery.
- Emphasize the lyrical content through your playing, making dynamic
adjustments to reflect the narrative's emotional ebb and flow, thereby
enhancing the listener's engagement and empathy.