Skip to song content

Shawn James - That’s Life Ukulele Chords

ChordsG, B, C, A, Em, D
Strumming↓↑-↓↑-↓↑-↓↑

Before you play, tune your ukulele and use the tools below to set up your view and flow. Using the Transpose tool, switch to F,C keys to play this song with easier chords.

  • Ukulele G chord diagram Fingering: 0-2-3-2Ukulele G chord diagram
  • Ukulele B chord diagram Fingering: 4-3-2-2 Barre at fret 2.Ukulele B chord diagram
  • Ukulele C chord diagram Fingering: 0-0-0-3Ukulele C chord diagram
  • Ukulele A chord diagram Fingering: 2-1-0-0Ukulele A chord diagram
  • Ukulele Em chord diagram Fingering: 0-4-3-2Ukulele Em chord diagram
  • Ukulele D chord diagram Fingering: 2-2-2-0Ukulele D chord diagram


[G] [B] [C] [A] [G] [B] [Em] [A] [D]
That’s [G]life, that’s what [B]all the people say
You’re [Em]riding high in April, [A]shot down in May
But I [G]know I’m gonna [B]change that [Em]tune
When I’m [A]back on top, back on top in [D]June


That’s [G]life, and as [B]funny as it may seem
[Em]Some people get their kicks [A]stomping on a dream
But [G]I don’t let it [B]get me [Em]down
‘Cause this [A]fine old world, it keeps me spinning [D]around


I’ve been a [G]puppet, a pauper, a pirate, a poet, a pawn and a king
I’ve been [C]up and down and over and out and I know one thing
Each [A]time I find myself flat on my face
I just [D]pick myself up and get back in the race


That’s [G]life, oh, that’s life and [B]I can’t deny it
Many [Em]times I thought of cutting out but my [A]heart won’t buy it
And if [G]I didn’t think it [B]was worth one single [Em]try
Well, I’d [A]hop upon a big bird and then I’d [D]fly


I’ve been a [G]puppet, a pauper, a pirate, a poet, a pawn and a king
I’ve been [C]up and down and over and out and I know one thing
Each [A]time I find myself flat on my face
I just [D]pick myself up and get back in the race


That’s [G]life, oh, and I [B]can’t deny it
Many [Em]times I thought of cutting out but my [A]heart won’t buy it
And if [G]there’s nothing shaking [B]come this here [Em]July
Well, I’m gonna [A]roll myself up in a little ball and [D]die


That’s [G]life, and as [B]funny as it may seem
[Em]Some people get their kicks [A]stomping on a dream
But [G]I don’t let it [B]get me [Em]down
‘Cause this [A]fine old world, it keeps me spinning [G]around

Report Error
AlbumThe Madrid Sessions
Year2018
KeyG

How to play That’s Life on Ukulele (Step-by-step)

Shawn James - That’s Life on ukulele requires 6 chords and 9 core chord transitions. You can find the full step-by-step guide below. Before you start, tune your instrument. The song uses the ↓↑-↓↑-↓↑-↓↑ pattern; practice it muted first, or simplify to downstrokes while you learn the changes.

That’s Life uses these transitions most often: G → B (12), B → Em (11), and Em → A (11). These transitions may feel a little challenging at first, but with steady practice you can play this song quickly.When you are ready, begin with G - B chord transition.

1. G → B chord transition

To move from G to B;

  1. Lift your index finger from C string fret 2 and place it on E string fret 2.
  2. Slide your middle finger from A string fret 2 to C string fret 3.
  3. Lift your ring finger from E string fret 3 and place it on G string fret 4.
G to B

2. B → C chord transition

To move from B to C;

  1. While playing B, first lift your index finger and middle finger.
  2. Lift your ring finger from G string fret 4 and place it on A string fret 3.
B to C

3. C → A chord transition

To move from C to A;

  1. While playing C, lift your ring finger from A string fret 3.
  2. Place index finger on C string fret 1.
  3. Place middle finger on G string fret 2.
C to A

4. A → G chord transition

To move from A to G;

  1. Slide your index finger on C string from fret 1 to fret 2.
  2. Slide your middle finger from G string fret 2 to A string fret 2.
  3. Place ring finger on E string fret 3.
A to G

5. B → Em chord transition

To move from B to Em;

  1. Lift your index finger from E string fret 2 and place it on A string fret 2.
  2. Slide your middle finger from C string fret 3 to E string fret 3.
  3. Lift your ring finger from G string fret 4 and place it on C string fret 4.

6. Em → A chord transition

To move from Em to A;

  1. While playing Em, lift your ring finger from C string fret 4.
  2. Lift your index finger from A string fret 2 and place it on C string fret 1.
  3. Slide your middle finger from E string fret 3 to G string fret 2.

7. A → D chord transition

To move from A to D;

  1. Lift your index finger from C string fret 1 and place it on G string fret 2.
  2. Slide your middle finger from G string fret 2 to C string fret 2.
  3. Place ring finger on E string fret 2.

8. D → G chord transition

To move from D to G;

  1. Lift your index finger from G string fret 2 and place it on C string fret 2.
  2. Slide your middle finger from C string fret 2 to A string fret 2.
  3. Slide your ring finger on E string from fret 2 to fret 3.

9. G → C chord transition

To move from G to C;

  1. While playing G, first lift your index finger and middle finger.
  2. Lift your ring finger from E string fret 3 and place it on A string fret 3.

A short, data-driven summary of the chord flow in That’s Life.

  • That’s Life includes 61 chord transitions, 9 of them unique.
  • These transitions represent 0.02% of all chord transitions in Ukulelearn.
  • That’s Life contains 3 of the top 10 transitions across Ukulelearn.
  • These transition patterns show how That’s Life connects to the rest of Ukulelearn. Mastering them helps you move to similar songs faster.
    After G, the most likely next chords across Ukulelearn are C (25%), D (24%), and Am (13%).
    • G → C: 25%
    • G → B: 1%
    After A, the most likely next chords across Ukulelearn are D (29%), G (13%), and E (12%).
    • A → D: 29%
    • A → G: 13%