What It Takes – Aerosmith

Ooh, yeah

There goes my old girlfriend

There’s another diamond ring

And 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 thinking 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

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 thinking you lost everything that was

Good in your life to the toss of the dice

Tell me what it takes to let you go

Aw, 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 loving didn’t mean that much

Tell me you aren’t dying when you’re crying for me

Tell me what it takes to let you go (Ooh)

Tell me how the pain’s supposed to go (Oh yeah)

Tell me how it is that you can sleep in the night

Without thinking you lost everything that was

Good in your life to the toss of the dice

Tell me who’s to blame for thinking twice

No, no, no, no, ’cause I don’t wanna burn in paradise

Ooh

Let go, let go, let go

Let it go, let it go, let it go, let it go, let it go

Let it go, let it go, let it go

Let it go, let it go, let it go, let it go, let it go

I don’t wanna burn, I don’t wanna burn

Let it go, let it go, let it go, let it go, let it go

Yeah

Heartbreak and Letting Go: A Deep Dive Into “What It Takes”

Aerosmith’s “What It Takes” is a powerful exploration of heartbreak, loss, and the difficult process of moving on after love has ended. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a relationship that once burned bright but has since grown cold. Steven Tyler’s raw vocal delivery captures the pain of betrayal and unresolved longing, as he questions how his former lover can so easily sleep at night after leaving everything behind. The recurring plea—”Tell me what it takes to let you go”—emphasizes the struggle of accepting the end and searching for closure. The song blends vulnerability with Aerosmith’s signature rock swagger, resonating with anyone who has wrestled with letting go of the past.

Song Credits

• Artist: Aerosmith
• Songwriters: Steven Tyler, Joe Perry, Desmond Child
• Release Year: 1989
• Label: Geffen Records