[Intro]
A
[Verse 1]
A
For all my clock-in, clock-out, nightshift, dog-tired people working overtime
D
For all my sun-up, sun-down
D
Take-the-tractor-'nother-round
A
Prayin' that the grain grows high
E
When it rains, we make it pour on a bar stool, on a back porch
D E
When it's gone, we gonna get a little more
[Chorus]
N.C. D
What doesn't kill you makes your drinks stronger
A
And stronger drinks make you feel like you're feeling alright
D
The hard stuff'll make you buzz longer
A
A longer buzz'll keep you lit like a neon light
E
Oh, when life knocks you down
E
Knock 'em back and pour 'em taller
G
What doesn't kill you
D N.C. A
What doesn't kill you makes your drinks stronger
[Verse 2]
A
She was a 12 out of 10
A
She could break a neck walking in
A
My ride-or-die, until the end, my little country queen
D
But when she left, she left a scar
D
And sent me straight into the bar
E
So you can take it from me
[Chorus]
N.C. D
What doesn't kill you makes your drinks stronger
A
And stronger drinks make you feel like you're feeling alright
D
The hard stuff'll make you buzz longer
A
A longer buzz'll keep you lit like a neon light
E
Oh, when life knocks you down
E
Knock 'em back and pour 'em taller
G
What doesn't kill you
D A
What doesn't kill you makes your drinks stronger
[Guitar Solo]
D A D E
[Bridge]
A G
Sometimes, the cure for the blues is a bar crowd
A G D
Sometimes, the only way through is to throw down
D
And that's the ice-cold truth
E
Just drink a mile in my boots
E
I'm the living proof
[Chorus]
N.C. D
What doesn't kill you makes your drinks stronger
A
And stronger drinks make you feel like you're feeling alright
D
The hard stuff'll make you buzz longer
A
A longer buzz'll keep you lit like a neon light
E
Oh, when life knocks you down
E
Knock 'em back and pour 'em taller
G
What doesn't kill you
D A
What doesn't kill you makes your drinks stronger
[Outro]
A G A
Pour 'em up strong, son
Song Structure and Chords
The Intro sets the scene with a lone A chord, inviting listeners into the narrative
with a sense of anticipation.
Verse 1 dives into the life of the everyday fighter, with the A chord painting the
struggles of hard-working individuals. The transition to D adds a layer of optimism,
hinting at the resilience in facing life's hardships. The E chord brings a resolve,
symbolizing the release and relief found in small moments amidst the struggles.
The Chorus introduces the song's thesis with no chord (N.C.) to start, emphasizing
the vocal message. The progression D-A-D-A underscores the theme of finding
strength in adversity, with the E chord offering a moment of reflection before G brings
a twist, suggesting an unconventional source of strength.
Verse 2 continues the narrative with a focus on personal loss and recovery,
maintaining the chord progression to keep the listener grounded in the song's message.
The Guitar Solo section, following the chords D-A-D-E, allows for a moment of
musical reflection, embodying the emotional journey of the song.
The Bridge shifts the narrative with A and G chords, reflecting on the communal
aspect of healing and the shared experience of overcoming obstacles.
The song concludes with a Chorus that reiterates its powerful message before
an Outro that leaves us with a parting thought on strength and resilience,
musically bookended with A and G chords.
Playing Tips
Emotional Delivery: The chords are straightforward, but the emotional weight
of the song comes from how you deliver each chord and lyric. Let the song's
narrative guide your strumming intensity and dynamics.
Chord Changes: Practice smooth transitions between A, D, E, and G, focusing
on maintaining rhythm and flow. The progression supports the song's storytelling,
so each chord should feel like a natural part of the narrative.
Expression Through Strumming: Experiment with different strumming patterns
to match the song's mood. A steady, rhythmic strumming pattern works well for
the verses, while a more dynamic approach can enhance the choruses.
Embodying the Song
To fully bring "What Doesn't Kill You" to life, understand the story you're telling.
It's more than just playing chords; it's about conveying a message of resilience,
strength, and the unexpected places we find them. Your performance should
echo the defiance and determination in the face of life's trials, using the guitar
not just as an instrument but as a voice that speaks to the indomitable spirit
within us all.
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