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If You Only Knew

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Original
Lyrics & ChordsClick chords to see diagrams
This is the acoustic guitar only; electric is basically power (fifth) chords
A note on the verse riff: The first Am is actually Asus2 with some hammer
ons to Am on the open B string, then a hammer on to Asus4. Listen to the song and
[Verse]
AmIf you only knew
AmI'm hanging by a thread
FThe web I Cspin for yoFuC  
AmIf you only knew
AmI'd sacrifice my beating
FHeart befoCre I lose yoFuC  
[Pre-Chorus]
Dsus2I still hold onto the letters
GYou returned
GI swear I've lived and learned
[Chorus]
CIt's 4:0Em3 and I can't sleep
AmWithout you next to me GI
GToss and turn like the Csea
CIf I drown toEmnight, bring me
EmBack to Amlife
AmBreathe your breath in me
The Gonly thing that I still
Fbelieve Cin Gis Amyou, if Fyou ConGly Amknew
Solo rhythm is the same as the verse. Listen to the song for strum patterns. Enjoy!
All chords in this song (6)

The story behind the song

"If You Only Knew" is a deeply personal song, written about the profound love and connection the songwriter felt for his then-fiancée when she was pregnant with their child. It captures the essence of missing someone you love, yet holding onto the belief in that person as the anchor in your life. This track, from Shinedown's 2008 album The Sound of Madness, marks a significant shift for the band, as the songwriter had previously stated he would "never do a love song." It plays like a heartfelt confession, a testament to how love can change one's perspective.

AI-written from these sources:If You Only Knew (song) — Wikipedia ↗Shinedown — Wikipedia ↗MusicBrainz ↗

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About If You Only Knew Chords by Shinedown

Learn how to play If You Only Knew by Shinedown with free guitar chords, lyrics, and interactive chord diagrams. Search for “If You Only Knew chords”, “If You Only Knew guitar chords”, or “Shinedown If You Only Knew chords” and you will find this page — transpose to any key, tap chords for diagrams, and use auto-scroll while you play. Perfect for beginners looking for easy If You Only Knew chords and for experienced players who want accurate If You Only Knew lyrics and chords in one place. Common chords in this song include A, Am, Asus2, B, Asus4, F.

FAQ — If You Only Knew by Shinedown

How do I play "If You Only Knew" by Shinedown on guitar?

Open the free chords for "If You Only Knew" by Shinedown on Free Chord Book. Tap any chord to see its diagram, use transpose to change the key, and turn on auto-scroll to play hands-free.

Are the chords for "If You Only Knew" by Shinedown free?

Yes. The chords for "If You Only Knew" by Shinedown are 100% free on Free Chord Book — no sign-up required.

Can I transpose "If You Only Knew" to a different key?

Yes. Use the transpose buttons on the song page to shift "If You Only Knew" up or down by half-steps so it matches your vocal range or capo position.

Can I see chord diagrams for "If You Only Knew"?

Yes. Tap any chord in "If You Only Knew" to instantly see an interactive guitar chord diagram with alternate fingerings.

Is "If You Only Knew" easy to play on guitar?

Many players learn "If You Only Knew" by Shinedown with our free chords. Use transpose and chord diagrams to simplify tricky shapes, and browse related songs by Shinedown below.

What key is "If You Only Knew" in?

The chords for "If You Only Knew" show the original chord names (including A, Am, Asus2, B, Asus4, F). Use transpose to move the song into any key that fits your voice or capo.