What It Is Chords
by Dire Straits
What It Is by Dire Straits is a moderately challenging guitar song played in the key of F#m with a capo on the 2st fret. It uses the chords F#m, D, A and E. Use the transpose and diagram tools on this page to change the key, see each shape, or simplify the chords.
Intro:
F#m D A F#m D A (x2)
F#m D A F#m D E (x2)
Verso 1:
F#m
The drinking dens are spilling out
A
There's staggering in the square
D
There's lads and lasses falling about
A E
And a crackling in the air
F#m
Down around the dungeon doors
A
The shelters and the queues
D
Everybody's looking for
A E F#m D E
Somebody's arms to fall into
F#m D A
And it's what it is
F#m D E
It's what it is now
Verso 2:
F#m
There's frost on the graves and the monuments
A
But the taverns are warm in town
D
People curse the government
A E
And shovel hot food down
F#m
The lights are out in city hall
A
The castle and the keep
D
The moon shines down upon it all
A E F#m D E
The legless and asleep
Pré-Refrão
D
And it's cold on the tollgate
A
With the wagons creeping through
D
Cold on the tollgate
A E
God knows what I could do with you
F#m D A
And it's what it is
F#m D E
It's what it is now
Verso 3:
F#m
The garrison sleeps in the citadel
A
With the ghosts and the ancient stones
D
High up on the parapet
A E
A Scottish piper stands alone
F#m
And high on the wind
A
The highland drums begin to roll
D
And something from the past just comes
A E F#m D E
And stares into my soul
Pré-Refrão
D
And it's cold on the tollgate
A
With the wagons creeping through
D
Cold on the tollgate
A E
God knows what I could do with you
F#m D A
And it's what it is
F#m D E
It's what it is now
F#m D A
What it is
F#m D E
It's what it is now
Instrumental
F#m A D A E E
F#m A D A E E
F#m D E F#m D E
F#m D E F#m D E
Verso 4:
F#m
There's a chink of light, there's a burning wick
A
There's a lantern in the tower
D
Wee willie winkie with a candlestick
A E
Still writing songs in the wee wee hours
F#m
On Charlotte Street
A
I take A walking stick from my hotel
D
The ghost of Dirty Dick
A E F#m D E
Is still in search of little nell
F#m A D A
And it's what it is
F#m A D E
It's what it is now
F#m A D E
What it is
F#m A D E
It's what it is now
Outro
F#m D E F#m D E
F#m D E F#m D E
(To Fade)