If You Want To Sing Out - Cat Stevens | Song Tabs

If You Want To Sing Out Cat Stevens

The original version by Cat Stevens is well-known for its uplifting feel and straightforward acoustic arrangement, making it accessible and enjoyable for guitarists of all skill levels. The song's folk style and tempo encourage creative expression, which is perfect for beginners.

Chords & Progression
The primary chords used are C, G, F, Am, Dm, Em, with occasional Cadd9 and Fmaj7 in the intro and outro. All these are open chords, which are beginner-friendly. Practice switching between C, G, and F, as these transitions occur frequently.

Strumming Pattern
A simple down-down-up-up-down-up (D-D-U-U-D-U) pattern works well, matching the song’s bouncy rhythm. Beginners can start with downstrokes only to get comfortable with chord changes, then add upstrokes for a fuller sound.

Chord Transitions & Tips

Moving from C to G: Shift your ring finger from the A string (3rd fret, C) to the E string (3rd fret, G), keeping your finger movement minimal.
F chord can be played as Fmaj7 (easier for beginners) or as a full barre F if you’re comfortable.
Cadd9 and Fmaj7 are used for color in the intro/outro; play these slowly to get the finger placement right.
Em and Am are simple; use them as a chance to relax your hand between trickier chords.

Practice
Play slowly at first, focusing on clean chord sounds and smooth transitions. As you gain confidence, increase your tempo and experiment with dynamics to capture the song’s uplifting spirit.

Cadd9

Fmaj7

Intro

C C^add9 Fmaj⁷ C C^add9 Fmaj⁷

Verse 1

Well if youC want to singG out singF out

And if youC want to beG free beAm free

'Cause there's aDm millionAm things toG be

YouC know that thereG areC C C G C C G C

Verse 2

And if youC want to liveG high liveF high

And if youC want to liveG low liveAm low

'Cause there's aDm millionAm ways toG go

YouC know that thereG areC C C G G G

Chorus

C You can do what youF want

G The opportunity'sC on

C And if you can find a newF way

G You can do it toC day

C You can make it allAm true

G And you can make it unC do,Am youEm see?

A hahAm hah. It's eaEm sy. A hahAm hah. You onEm ly

Need toG knowC C C G C C G C

Verse 3

Well if youC want to sayG yes sayF yes

And if youC want to sayG no sayAm no

'Cause there's aDm millionAm ways toG go

YouC know that thereG areC C C G C C G C

Verse 4

And if youC want to beG me beF me

And if youC want to beG you beAm you

'Cause there's aDm millionAm things toG do