This song, originally a rocksteady track by The Paragons and popularized by Blondie, features a laid-back, reggae-inspired groove. The Blondie version is known for its relaxed, syncopated rhythm and catchy melody, both of which should guide your playing style.
Chords & Progression
The song uses only a handful of beginner-friendly chords: A, D, E, and briefly Bm. Practice switching between A-D-E, as these are the core transitions throughout the song. The Bm appears in the intro and instrumental — if barre chords are challenging, you can use a simplified Bm (Bm7 or partial barre) as a substitute.
Strumming & Rhythm
Aim for a relaxed, offbeat strumming pattern to capture the reggae feel. Try a pattern like:
Down – (pause) Down-Up – (pause) Up-Down-Up
Emphasize the “up” strums, especially after the main beats, to mimic the syncopation. Practice slowly, focusing on keeping your hand moving even during pauses.
Tips for Beginners
- Practice chord transitions slowly, especially between A and D, as these are frequent.
- Mute strings lightly with your palm on the “pauses” for a choppy, reggae effect.
- Keep the strumming hand loose; don’t tense up.
- If Bm is too difficult, use Bm7 (x20202) as an easier alternative.
With steady practice on the rhythm and chord changes, you'll capture the easygoing vibe of this song.
IntroA A D E
A A Bm E
A A D E
A A Bm E
A A D E
A A D E
Verse 1TheA tide is high but I'mD holdin'E on
A I'm gonna be yourD numberE one
A I'm not the kinda girlD who gives upE just likeA that, ohD no-oh-oh-E oh
Verse 2It'sA not the things you do that tease andD hurt, meE bad
A But it's the way you do the things youD do, toE me
A I'm not the kinda girlD who gives upE just likeA that, ohD no-oh-oh-E oh
ChorusTheA tide is high but I'mD holdin'E on
A I'm gonna be yourD numberE one
D Nuuuum-berE one,D nuuuum-berE one
Verse 3A Ev'ry girl wants you toD be, herE man
A But I'll wait my dear till it'sD my-yE turn
A I'm not the kinda girlD who gives upE just likeA that, ohD no-oh-oh-E oh
ChorusTheA tide is high but I'mD holdin'E on
A I'm gonna be yourD numberE one
D Nuuuum-berE one,D nuuuum-berE one
InstrumentalA A D E
A A Bm E
A A D E
A A D E
Verse 4A Ev'ry girl wants you toD be, herE man
A But I'll wait my dear till it'sD my-yE turn
A I'm not the kinda girlD who gives upE just likeA that, ohD no-oh-oh-E oh
ChorusTheA tide is high but I'mD holdin'E on
A I'm gonna be yourD numberE one
D Nuuuum-berE one,D nuuuum-berE one,D nuuuum-berE one
OutroTheA tide is high but I'mD holdin'E on
A I'm gonna be yourD numberE one
TheA tide is high but I'mD holdin'E on
A I'm gonna be yourD numberE one
TheA tide is high, I'mD holdin'E on
A I'm gonna be yourD numberE one
TheA tide is high, I'mD holdin'E on
A I'm-gonna-be-your-number-one-yourD numberE one
EndingA A D E
A A D E
A A D E
A A D E
A