What Does It Take To Groove

Key: E minor | Tempo: Mid-groove Funk (98 BPM)
Style: Soul-funk fusion, à la Prince meets Bruno Mars with a Timewave twist

[Intro]

Em7 A7 D9 B7
(What does it take… what does it take… yeah...)

[Verse 1]

Em7 A7
I’ve seen the movers, I’ve watched the shakers
D9 B7
Heard the bassline preaching truth to the fakers
Em7 A7
I’ve felt the beat beneath neon skies
D9 B7
But still I ask with wonder in my eyes—

[Chorus]

Gmaj7 F#m7
What does it take to groove, to feel alive
Bm7 E7
Is it rhythm in your feet or soul in your drive
Gmaj7 F#m7
Is it something born or something you find
Bm7 Em7
Or just a heartbeat in perfect time

[Tag]

A7 D9
Oh tell me, tell me true—
B7 Em7
What does it take... to groove with you

[Verse 2]

Em7 A7
Is it the sway in a midnight breeze,
D9 B7
Or the funk you catch on a minor key
Em7 A7
Is it whispered low in a vinyl crackle,
D9 B7
Or a lightning jolt from a soul unshackled

[Bridge] (spoken, Marvin Gaye style)

Cmaj7 B7
Is it love? Is it pain? Is it joy that sets you free?
Em7 A7
Or just the courage to let go — and be

[Final Chorus]

Gmaj7 F#m7
What does it take to groove, to rise and shine
Bm7 E7
Is it one true note or a crooked line
Gmaj7 F#m7
Do we groove alone, or do we groove in kind
Bm7 Em7
Maybe the answer’s in rhythm... and rhyme

[Outro]

A7 D9
So tell me—tell me, don't move—
B7 Em7
'Cause I'm still askin’...
A7 D9 B7 Em7
What does it take to groooove...

©Copyright 2025. Gold Shield Publishing Inc
Writer: Songsmith