Live Like You Were Dying - Tim McGraw

Live Like You Were Dying chords

intro   C D Cadd9 D  x2


              G                          Cadd9			 
He said I was in my early forties with a lot of life before me 
     Em                D               Cadd9
and a moment came that stopped me on a dime 
        G                     Cadd9
I spent most of the next days looking at the x-rays
Em                D           Cadd9	    
talking ‘bout the options and talkin’ ‘bout sweet time
Em*                           Em**
I asked him when it sank in if this might really be the real end 
Em***                                       C5
How’s it hit ‘cha when you get that kind of news, man what’cha do

       G
I went skydiving
       Cadd9 	
I went rocky mountain climbing
       Em               D           Cadd9		
I went two point seven seconds on a bull named Fu Man Chu
       G                  B7                 Em      D                  Cadd9 
And I loved deeper and I spoke sweeter and I gave forgiveness id been denying 
                                            D                          G    Cadd9    G    Cadd9

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and he said some day I hope you get the chance to live like you were dying


              G                        Cadd9
He said I was finally the husband that most the time I wasn’t
       Em               D                    Cadd9
And I became a friend a friend would like to have
    G                                    Cadd9
And all of a sudden going fishin’ wasn’t such an imposition
      Em                    D              Cadd9
And I went three times that year I lost my dad
       Em*                              Em**
Well I finally read the Good Book and I took a good long hard look 
           Em***                   C5
at what id do if I could do it all again and then


       G
I went skydiving
       Cadd9
I went rocky mountain climbing
       Em              D            Cadd9
I went two point seven seconds on a bull named Fu Man Chu
      G                  B7                  Em         D             Cadd9
And I loved deeper and I spoke sweeter and I gave forgiveness id been denying 
                                            D                         Em*
and he said some day I hope you get the chance to live like you were dying
     Em**                            Em***                                  C5
Like tomorrow was a gift and you got eternity to think about what you’d do with it
               C
What could you do with it
             Cm
What could I do with it
             C
What would I do with it.



A
skydiving
       D 	
I went rocky mountain climbing
       F#m              E           D		
I went two point seven seconds on a bull named Fu Man Chu
      A                   C#7                  F#m         E               D 
And I loved deeper and I spoke sweeter and I  watched an eagle as it was flying 
                                            E                        A     D      
and he said some day I hope you get the chance to live like you were dying

                      A           D
To live like you were dying
                      A           D
To live like you were dying
                      A           D
To live like you were dying
                      A           D
To live like you were dying




How to play "Live Like You Were Dying" by Tim McGraw on guitar

Playing Style: This song is a heartfelt country ballad that uses a combination
of open chords and a capo to match the original key if needed. The song's
message is powerful, encouraging listeners to live fully.

Chords Used: G, Cadd9, Em, D, B7, C, Cm, A, D, F#m, C#7, E

- Intro Chord Progression:
  C D Cadd9 D
  This intro sets the emotional tone. Strum each chord twice before moving 
  to the next to prepare for the verse.

- Verse Chord Progression:
  The verses start with G, transitioning to Cadd9, then to Em and D, finishing 
  with Cadd9. This progression supports the narrative style of the lyrics.
  Strumming Pattern: Use a mix of down and up strums. A recommended pattern 
  could be: Down-Down-Up-Up-Down-Up.

- Chorus Chord Progression:
  The chorus brings a rise in energy. It starts with G, moves to Cadd9, then 
  Em, D, and ends on Cadd9. Pay attention to the emotional weight as the 
  lyrics discuss life-changing experiences.
  Strumming Pattern: Maintain a consistent pattern but play with more force 
  to highlight the chorus’s message.

Common Mistakes:
- Rushing through the chord transitions without giving each chord its full 
  emotional impact.
- Not varying strumming dynamics between the verse and chorus, which can 
  make the song sound monotonous.

General Tips:
- Practice the transitions between standard chords and added tone chords 
  like Cadd9 to ensure smooth playing.
- Listen to the original track to get a feel for the timing and emotion, 
  which are crucial for delivering the song’s message effectively.
- Use dynamics to enhance the storytelling aspect of the song, playing 
  softer in verses and louder in choruses.

Song Meaning:
"Live Like You Were Dying" speaks to making the most out of every moment, 
prompted by a life-altering diagnosis. It's a reflection on mortality and 
the importance of living fully, embracing life’s adventures, and cherishing 
relationships.