I played the part of a broken heart upon a shelf
I played that part so lonely and so well
Thought that love belonged to someone else, not me and you
Yeah, I know that you’ve been shattered
You been bruised
And we both know what it feels like when you lose
But I’d bet my life on a roll of the dice for you
If that’s what it takes, that’s what I’ll do
Tonight’s the night, I’m gonna prove it to you
Do I have to break down, baby just to break through
If that’s what it takes, that’s what I’ll do
If that’s what it takes…
I bet you counted all the tears up that you’ve cried
I bet you swore you’d never let love back inside
Because it hurt you way too bad to say good-bye
Now, there’ll be times when I might put us to the test
And it’s hard for broken hearts to just forget
But I’m driving blind, I’d lay it all on the line for you
If that’s what it takes, that’s what I’ll do
Tonight’s the night, I’m gonna prove it to you
Do I have to break down, baby just to break through
If that’s what it takes, that’s what I’ll do
If that’s what it takes…
So, when you feel like jumping
Just when your heart starts pumping
When you’re standing out on that ledge
Staring over the edge
I’ll be there to talk to you down
I’ll be there before you hit the ground
If that’s what it takes, that’s what I’ll do
Tonight’s the night, I’m gonna prove it to you
Do I have to break down, baby just to break through
If that’s what it takes, that’s what I’d do
If we take the time to do it right, I know we’ll put through
If it took all my life, I’d prove it to you
If that’s what it takes, that’s what I’d do
If that’s what it takes, I’d do anything baby
I’d do anything you want me to baby if it’s me and you
It’s alright, alright, alright, alright
Oh baby
Unwavering Commitment in the Face of Heartbreak
“If That’s What It Takes” by Bon Jovi is an emotional ballad that delves into the vulnerability and resilience that come with loving after heartbreak. The lyrics portray two people carrying scars from past relationships, hesitant to trust again but willing to risk it all for the promise of new love. The narrator’s determination shines through lines like “I’d bet my life on a roll of the dice for you,” emphasizing a readiness to do whatever it takes to break down emotional barriers and prove their devotion. The song’s message is clear: true love sometimes demands us to confront our fears and make bold sacrifices, offering hope that with trust and effort, healing is possible.
Song Credits
Artist: Bon Jovi
Songwriters: Jon Bon Jovi, Richie Sambora
Release Year: 1995
Label: Mercury Records