Aerosmith – What It Takes: Lyrics and Music Video
What It Takes by Aerosmith lyrics and music video. You can sing while listening to the song What It Takes performed by Aerosmith. Hope you like the music video and song lyrics for What It Takes.
About the Song
Aerosmith - What It Takes: Song Overview
Aerosmith's *What It Takes* (1989) is a soulful rock ballad from their multi-platinum album Pump. Known for its bluesy undertones and Steven Tyler’s raspy vocals, the track became a chart-topping hit, exploring themes of heartbreak and longing during the band’s late-1980s resurgence.
Release and Chart Performance
- Released in January 1990 as the album’s fourth single.
- Peaked at No. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 1 on the Mainstream Rock Tracks chart.
- Helped Pump achieve 7x Platinum status in the US, selling over 7 million copies.
Musical Style and Themes
The song combines:
- Blues-rock guitar riffs, harmonica solos, and Tyler’s emotionally charged delivery.
- Lyrics about a painful breakup and unresolved love, immortalized by the chorus:
“Tell me what it takes to let you go / Oh, baby, let me know / What it takes to let you go!”
Legacy and Cultural Impact
- A staple of 1990s rock ballads, amassing 150+ million streams globally.
- Featured in films like Wayne’s World 2 (1993) and TV shows like The Sopranos, reviving its nostalgic appeal.
- Performed live on major tours, including Aerosmith’s 2022 Las Vegas residency.
Songwriting Credits
Written by Steven Tyler, Joe Perry, and Desmond Child, with production by Bruce Fairbairn. The track’s raw emotion and blues influences reflect Aerosmith’s roots.
Summary
*What It Takes* epitomizes Aerosmith’s ability to merge rock grit with heartfelt balladry. Its chart success and enduring radio presence cement it as a cornerstone of their late-career revival, resonating with fans of rock, blues, and timeless storytelling.
Keywords
- Aerosmith What It Takes lyrics
- Pump album songs
- Best Aerosmith ballads
- Desmond Child collaborations
- 80s rock love songs
Aerosmith: What It Takes Lyrics
There’s another diamond ring
And a all those late night promises
I guess they don’t mean a thing
So baby, what’s the story
Did you find another man
Is it easy to sleep in the bed that we made
When you don’t look back I guess
The feelings start to fade away
I used to feel your fire
But now it’s cold inside
And you’re back on the street
Like you didn’t miss a beat, yeah
Tell me what it takes to let you go
Tell me how the pain’s supposed to go
Tell me how it is that you can sleep
In the night, without thinkin’ you lost
Everything that was good in your life
To the toss of the dice
Tell me what it takes to let you go
Yeah,
Girl, before I met you, I was F.I.N.E – fine
But your love made me a prisoner
Yeah, my heart’s been doing time
You spent me up like money
Then you hung me out to dry
It was easy to keep all your lies in disguise
‘Cause you had me in deep
With the devil in your eyes
Guitar!
Tell me that you’re happy that you’re on your own
Yeah, yeah, yeah
Tell me that it’s better when you’re all alone
Tell me that your body doesn’t miss my touch
Tell me that my lovin’ didn’t mean that much
Tell me you ain’t dying
When you’re cryin’ for me
Tell me who’s to blame for thinkin’ twice
‘Cause i don’t wanna burn in Paradise
Oh, let it go, let it go…
I don’t wanna burn…
