This Is What It Takes

by Shawn Mendes
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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 — Beginner Piano Tutorial

Learn "This Is What It Takes" on piano — perfect for absolute beginners. Large color-coded notes show you exactly which keys to press. No music reading required. Key of C, 81 BPM.

Tip: Start at 50% speed to get comfortable with the fingering, then work your way up to full tempo.

Try other practice modes:

Falling NotesLead SheetBar SheetSimple Sheet

About “This Is What It Takes”

What key is "This Is What It Takes" by Shawn Mendes played in?
This Is What It Takes is arranged in the key of C on Super Simple Piano. You can transpose to any other key live in the player.
What's the tempo (BPM) of "This Is What It Takes"?
The arrangement plays at 81 BPM. Use the speed control (10-200%) to practice slower or play faster.
Is "This Is What It Takes" easy to play on piano?
Yes — this is one of our beginner-friendly arrangements with simplified chords and color-coded notes.
Can I download sheet music for "This Is What It Takes"?
Yes — registered users can download PDF sheet music, plus MIDI and MusicXML files for use in other notation software.
Who composed "This Is What It Takes"?
"This Is What It Takes" was originally performed by Shawn Mendes. The Super Simple Piano arrangement is simplified for beginner-to-intermediate players.
What chords are used in "This Is What It Takes"?
This arrangement uses 9 chords: Am, Am7, C, Dm7, Em7, F, F6, G, +1 more.
What other songs by Shawn Mendes can I play here?
Try "I DON'T EVEN KNOW YOUR NAME", "LOST IN JAPAN", "FALLIN' ALL IN YOU". All are in our player with color-coded notes; pick the one matching your level.

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