This Is What It Takes

by Shawn Mendes

🎹 Loading song
Preparing player…
1
—
Play in Full ModesMore Songs for Kids

Lyrics

I (C)watch your troub led eyes I’m as you rest,

and I (Gsus)fall in love with ev ’ry breath.

that’s a crime.

And you (C)Won der if those eyes are real ly shut,

and am (F)I the one you’re (Gsus)dream ing of.

’Cause un der neath

the dark ness

there’s a (C)light that’s try ing so hard to be seen.

And I know this,

’cause I’ve no ticed

a (C)lit tle bit (Em7)shin ing through the seams.

And if (C)this is (Dm7)what it takes,

then (G)let me be the (C)one to (Dm7)bear the (Am)pain.

Oh, if (C)this is (Dm7)what it takes,

I’ll break (C)down these (Dm7)walls that are (C)in our way,

if (G)this is what it takes.

You (C)keep on tell ing me I’m wast ing time,

but to (Gsus)call it wast ing time, oh, breath.

that’s a crime.

And you (C)think it’s cra zy, what I’m tryin’ to do.

and Well (F)ba by, I’m a (Gsus)fool for you.

’Cause un der neath

the dark ness

there’s a (C)light that’s try ing so hard to be seen.

And I know this,

’cause I’ve no ticed

a (C)lit tle bit (Em7)shin ing through the seams.

And if (C)this is (Dm7)what it takes,

then (G)let me be the (C)one to (Dm7)bear the (Am)pain.

Oh, if (C)this is (Dm7)what it takes,

I’ll break (C)down these (Dm7)walls that are (C)in our way,

if (G)this is what it takes.

You

’Cause if you (F)don’t un der stand yet,

then I’ll nev (Gsus)er let you for get

that (Am)you don’t have to do this on your (C)own.

I’ll be your (F6/9)shoul der to lean on,

I’ll be your (Gsus)right when you feel wrong.

So (Am)come on, take my hand, we’re mov in’ on.

And if this is (Dm7)what it takes,

then (G)let me be the (C)one to (Dm7)bear the (Am)pain.

Ooh, and if (C)this is (Dm7)what it takes,

I’ll break (C)down these (Dm7)walls,

these (C)walls that are in our way,

if (G)this is what it takes.

This Is What It Takes by Shawn Mendes — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “This Is What It Takes” by Shawn Mendes in our color-coded kid songbook view — every note is colored by pitch (red C, orange D, yellow E, green F, blue G, purple A, pink B) and the lyrics sit directly under each note, so children can sing along while they play. The song is in the key of C at 81 BPM, a comfortable easy-level arrangement perfect for first-time learners.

Tips for parents & teachers

  • Start at 50% tempo using the BPM control. Speed up only when your child can play through without stopping.
  • Turn on the metronome from the top bar to build steady rhythm.
  • Use the segmented OFF / C / 1 button to toggle note labels on the staff and keys — kids learn note names faster with letters showing.
  • Tap a measure number on the timeline to jump to a specific section for repeat practice.

Frequently asked questions

Is "This Is What It Takes" good for a child learning piano?
Yes — this color-coded arrangement is designed for ages 4-12. Each note is colored by pitch so kids match colors to keys, no music reading required. Lyrics sit under every note for sing-along play.
What age can start with "This Is What It Takes"?
Children as young as 4 can follow the color-coded notes. By age 6-7 most kids can play through the song themselves with light guidance. Parent help is recommended for the first few sessions.
Do we need a piano teacher to use this?
No — the color-coded format is designed to be self-explanatory. Parents with no music background can supervise. Teachers can also use it as an introductory lesson tool.
Can we print the sheet music?
Yes — tap "Download Sheet Music" above for a free printable PDF with the same color-coded notes that appear on screen.