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
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.
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