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.

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.

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 — Simple Sheet Music

2 people have learned this song

"This Is What It Takes" in simplified sheet music format — the bridge between beginner modes and real sheet music. Color-coded notes with lyrics scrolling horizontally. Perfect for learning to read music. Key of C, 81 BPM.

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

About “This Is What It Takes”

How does Simplified Piano Arrangement differ from full sheet music for "This Is What It Takes"?
Simplified Arrangement keeps the melody and chords on a simplified staff with lyrics, color-coded for easy recognition. It's a learner-bridge between Beginner mode and the classic engraved Sheet Music — same song, less visual density.
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.
Is Simple Sheet good for learning to read sheet music?
Yes! Simple Sheet bridges the gap between beginner color-coded modes and traditional notation. Notes are displayed on a simplified staff with colors, lyrics, and chords — helping you build music reading skills gradually while still enjoying "This Is What It Takes". Key of C, 81 BPM.
What's the difference between Simple Sheet and Lead Sheet?
Simple Sheet shows a more streamlined, horizontally scrolling view with color-coded notes on a staff and lyrics below — like a simplified version of real sheet music. Lead Sheet shows melody with chord symbols above and full lyrics. Simple Sheet is the next step toward reading traditional notation.