[Intro]
C G G/B C G G/B C G D
[Verse]
G
If it were up to me
C G
I know it ain't but if it was
C G
The land of the free wouldn't cost so much
D
And the bank wouldn't own it all
[Verse]
G
I'd run things differently
C G
I know I can't but if I could
C G
I'd stand where lady liberty stood
D
Before I'd let her fall
C
I'd build a better life
G
And a bigger wall
[Chorus]
C G
If it were up to me the churches would stay open
Em D
If it were up to me our borders would stay closed
C G
And the helping then would go to those still working
D
Their fingers to the bone
C G D
Can't help but wonder how much better it would be
G
If it were up to me
[Verse]
C G
The games they play with all of us
C G
As our history turns to dust
D
Would all be over
G
Hang the Constitution back up
C G
And fight for those who fought for us
C G D
I'd make "In God We Trust" more just than words on the dollar
[Chorus]
C G
If it were up to me the churches would stay open
Em D
If it were up to me our borders would stay closed
C G
And the helping then would go to those still working
D
Their fingers to the bone
C G D
Can't help but wonder how much better it would be
G
If it were up to me
[Break]
G/B C G C G D
[Bridge]
G
If it were up to me there'd be
C G
A bolder line 'tween good and evil
C G
Wrong and right and we the people
D
Would always get to speak
C
Whenever we dang well please
[Chorus]
C G
If it were up to me the churches would stay open
Em D
If it were up to me our borders would stay closed
C G
And the helping then would go to those still working
D
Their fingers to the bone
C G D
Can't help but wonder how much better it would be
C D G D
I can't help but wonder how much it would be
N.C. G
If it were up to me
[Outro]
G/B C G G/B C G D
"Up To Me" by Aaron Lewis carries a narrative full of personal convictions and
what-ifs, expressed through thoughtful lyrics and a compelling chord progression.
This Guitar Tutorial will help you navigate the chords and structure of the
song, which revolves around C, G, G/B, Em, and D. It's a piece that opens room
for reflection on societal and personal ideals.
Starting with the Intro, the song establishes its melodic theme:
C G G/B C G G/B C G D
This sequence sets the tone, a prelude to the contemplative nature of the
verses to come. It's important to smoothly transition between these chords,
keeping the rhythm steady to draw listeners into the song's introspective mood.
As we enter the Verse, the narrative unfolds with a straightforward progression
that alternates mainly between G, C, and D, articulating the song's reflective
lyrics:
G
If it were up to me
C G
I know it ain't but if it was
This verse structure is a call to ponder on "what-ifs," with the chord
transitions mirroring the shifts in the narrative's direction.
The Chorus introduces Em into the mix, broadening the emotional scope of the
song:
C G
If it were up to me the churches would stay open
Here, the lyrics are supported by a full chord progression, enhancing the
chorus's impact. This part of the song serves as a critical reflection of the
narrator's ideals, with the chords amplifying the sentiment behind each line.
The song also includes a Break and a Bridge, which maintain the established
chord patterns while further exploring the themes introduced in the verses and
choruses:
G
If it were up to me there'd be
These sections reinforce the song's message, with the chord transitions
providing a musical foundation that supports the lyrical content.
Throughout "Up To Me," the interplay between the guitar's chords and the lyrics
creates a dialogue that's both personal and universal. The song challenges
listeners to reflect on their own if-it-were-up-to-me scenarios, making it a
powerful piece to both play and hear.
When playing "Up To Me," focus on conveying the song's emotional depth through
the dynamics of your strumming and the expressiveness of each chord. This song
is not just about the notes and chords but the stories and messages they carry.
Let your guitar be the voice that brings those stories to life, creating a
meaningful musical experience that resonates with the ideals reflected in the
song.
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