C
G
Am
F
It's Worth Believin'
Gordon Lightfoot
***
About the Original
Gordon Lightfoot is known for his gentle folk style, often using simple chords and warm, steady rhythms. "It's Worth Believin'" is a reflective song with a flowing, singable melody typical of his work.
Chord Shapes and Progression
The song uses basic open chords: C, G, Am, and F. For beginners, the F chord can be tricky; use the simpler "F major 7" shape (xx3210) as a substitute if needed. The transitions are logical and mostly between adjacent chords, so practice switching especially between C–G and Am–G.
Strumming Pattern
A gentle folk strum works well: try a simple down-down-up-up-down-up (D-D-U-U-D-U) pattern. Emphasize the first down strum for rhythm. Play softly to match the song's relaxed mood.
Tips for Beginners
- Start slow, especially when changing to and from F. Practice chord changes in isolation before playing the whole song.
- During the "La la" choruses, keep the strumming light and even.
- Count in 4/4 time, and let the chords ring, especially on C and F.
- If the singing is challenging, hum along to internalize chord changes.
Summary
Focus on clean chord transitions and a steady, relaxed strum. With practice, you'll capture the easygoing, heartfelt feel of Lightfoot's original.
Intro
C C C C C
Verse 1There's a warm wind tonight and theG moon turns theC tide
When the stars take their ride she'll beAm leavin', where sheG goes
I don'tC know, she won't tell me what itF is, that makes her act likeC this
But I've got a funnyAm feelin' that it'sG me, it's worth beAm lievin', should IG ask
Verse 2Do youC like to go walking on theF sand, and listen to theC sea, or could itG be
SomeoneC kind could it be that I'm theF fool, there's somethin' wrong withC you
I've got a funnyAm feelin' that it'sG me, it's worth beAm lievin'G
ChorusLa laC la-la la laF la, la-la la laC la, la la la-laAm la-la la laG la
Verse 3There's aC breeze from the shore, and theG waves overC lap
When I've called in the cat she'll goAm walkin', and sheG cries
To herC self, in the night when I'm aF sleep, she lies awake andC weeps, could itG be
SomethingC new, some one old who has reF turned, or is it just aC game
But I've got a funnyAm feelin' that it'sG me, it's worth beAm lievin'G
ChorusLa laC la, la la la la la-laF la, la-la la laC la, la la la-laAm la-la la laG la
Verse 4There's a warm wind tonight and theG moon turns theC tide
When the stars take their ride she'll beAm leavin', where sheG goes
I don'tC know, she won't tell me what itF is, that makes her act likeC this, should IG ask
Do youC like to go walking on theF shore, and listen to theC sea, or could itG be
SomeoneC kind could it be that I'm theF fool, there's somethin' wrong withC you
I've got a funnyAm feelin' that it'sG me, it's worth beAm lievin'G
OutroLa laC la, la laG la, la laC la, la laG la, la laC la