So To Speak

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E A F#m B
E D
They're seriously saying it's prolonging me life
A C#m
if I'll only submit to the surgical knife?
B E A E
but what are the odds, on a month or a week?
A C
when the betting shop's closing its doors, so to speak.
Amaj7 B Amaj7 B
When you're tied to a pump and a breathing machine
Am7 Am Am7 Am
with their X-rays and probes and their monitor screens
Amaj7 B Amaj7 B
and they'll wake you up hungry, saying "How do you feel?"
Am7 Am Am7 D7
and then you're stuffed full of pills and a barium meal.
E D
Prolonging me life? Now that's some kind of joke
A C#m
I'd be laughing me head off and I'd probably choke
B E A E
the spirit's still willing, but the rest of me's weak
A C
now the bets are all off and the prospects look bleak.
Amaj7 B Amaj7 B
When you're laid like a piece of old meat on the slab
Am7 Am Am7 Am
and they'll cut and they'll slice, and they'll poke and they'll jab
Amaj7 B Amaj7 B
and they'll grill ye and burn ye, and they'll wish ye good health
Am7 Am Am7 D7
with their radium chemo and God knows what else?
E D
Well you can't fault the science, though the logic is weak
A C#m
is it really an eternal life we should seek?
B E A E
that ship has sailed, that ship has sailed
A B E
that ship has already sailed, so to speak.
Amaj7 B Amaj7 B
Our mission is more than a struggle for breath
Am7 Am Am7 Am
for a few extra rounds in a fight to the death
Amaj7 B Amaj7 B
when our mission is love, and compassion and grace
Am7 Am Am7 D7
it's not a test of endurance, or a marathon race.
E D
For love is the sabre, and love is the shield
A C#m
love is the only true power we wield
B E A E
an eternal love, is all you should seek
A B C Am C
That ship will be ready to sail, so to speak
F Eb
I hear what you're saying because I've heard it before
Bb Dm
but I'm afraid if I let what is past through my door
Bb F Bb
how long would you stay, a month or a week
Gm C F
when that ship has already sailed, so to speak?
Bbmaj7 C Bbmaj7 C
Should I settle for something that's safe on this Earth?
Bbm7 Bbm Bbm7 Bbm
what would it profit me, what is it worth?
Bbmaj7 C Bbmaj7 C
if I lose something precious, completely unique?
Bbm7 Bbm Bbm7 Cm7
when it's only eternity's love we should seek.
F Eb
For when that ship sails, and the course has been set
Bb Dm
and the wind's in the offing and the sails have been let
Bb F Bb
and the hatches are full, and the hull doesn't leak
Gm C F
that ship has already to sail, so to speak.
F Eb
I'm tired and fading and losing the light
Bb Dm
and I've no way to tell if it's day or it's night
Bb F Bb
follow your heart, it's the harbour you seek.
Bb Gm
And this ship is ready to sail,
Bb Gm
this ship is ready to sail,
Bb Gm C F
this ship is ready to sail, so to speak...

So To Speak chords and lyrics

Free chords for So To Speak by Sting. Scroll the interactive sheet above or read the chord names inline below.

E    A    F#m    B

So To Speak Chords by Sting

Learn how to play So To Speak by Sting with free guitar chords, lyrics, and interactive chord diagrams. Search for “So To Speak chords”, “So To Speak guitar chords”, or “Sting So To Speak 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 So To Speak chords and for experienced players who want accurate So To Speak lyrics and chords in one place. Common chords in this song include E, A, F#m, B, D, C#m.

Frequently asked questions about So To Speak

How do I play "So To Speak" by Sting on guitar?

Open the free chords for "So To Speak" by Sting 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 "So To Speak" by Sting free?

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Can I transpose "So To Speak" to a different key?

Yes. Use the transpose buttons on the song page to shift "So To Speak" up or down by half-steps so it matches your vocal range or capo position.

Can I see chord diagrams for "So To Speak"?

Yes. Tap any chord in "So To Speak" to instantly see an interactive guitar chord diagram with alternate fingerings.

Is "So To Speak" easy to play on guitar?

Many players learn "So To Speak" by Sting with our free chords. Use transpose and chord diagrams to simplify tricky shapes, and browse related songs by Sting below.

What key is "So To Speak" in?

The chords for "So To Speak" show the original chord names (including E, A, F#m, B, D, C#m). Use transpose to move the song into any key that fits your voice or capo.