“To Be with You” is a song by the American rock band Mr. Big. It was released in 1991 as a single from their second album, “Lean into It.”
The song became a massive hit and remains one of Mr. Big’s most recognizable and popular tracks.
Ukulele Tutorial Video
Strumming Pattern
The strumming pattern for “To Be with You” is relatively simple and follows a basic down-up pattern that complements the song’s acoustic and melodic style. Here’s a suggested strumming pattern that you can use:
D D U U D U
In this pattern:
- “D” stands for a downward strum.
- “U” stands for an upward strum.
The pattern consists of two downward strums followed by two upward strums, then another downward strum, and finally an upward strum.
Feel free to adjust the strumming pattern to your comfort and the tempo of your performance.
Official Music Video
Song Facts
- Acoustic Departure: “To Be with You” marked a departure from Mr. Big’s usual hard rock sound. The song’s acoustic-driven arrangement and ballad style showcased a different side of the band’s musical capabilities.
- Unplanned Hit: The song was almost not included on the album “Lean into It.” It was initially just a last-minute addition, but it ended up becoming the band’s biggest hit.
- Number One Success: The song reached the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States in 1992, making it Mr. Big’s only chart-topping single.
- Global Chart Performance: “To Be with You” was not only a hit in the United States but also achieved success internationally, reaching high chart positions in countries like Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom.
- Songwriting Collaboration: The song was written by Eric Martin, the band’s lead vocalist, and David Grahame, a songwriter and musician. The heartfelt lyrics and relatable theme contributed to the song’s widespread appeal.
- Unplugged Version: Mr. Big recorded an acoustic version of “To Be with You” for the MTV Unplugged series in 1993. This version further showcased the band’s acoustic prowess and helped solidify the song’s reputation as a classic ballad.
- Wedding and Event Favorite: Due to its romantic and emotional lyrics, “To Be with You” has become a popular choice for weddings, proms, and other special occasions. It continues to be a beloved song for romantic moments.
- Music Video: The music video for the song features the band performing in a park while couples dance and enjoy themselves around them. The video’s simplicity complements the song’s heartfelt message.
- Cover Versions: “To Be with You” has been covered by various artists and bands over the years, further illustrating its enduring popularity.
- Legacy: The song remains one of the defining hits of the early ’90s and has left a lasting impact on popular culture. It continues to be celebrated as a classic rock ballad and a nostalgic reminder of that era.
Text Version of Chords
C#m | E | Asus2 | D | B |
|---|---|---|---|---|
G | C | Em |
[Verse 1]
C#m E
Hold on little girl
Asus2 E
Show me what he's done to you
C#m E
Stand up little girl
Asus2 E
A broken heart can't be that
bad When
[Pre-Chorus]
Asus2 E
it's through, it's through
Asus2 E
Fate will twist the both of you
D
So come on baby come on over
B
Let me be the one to show you
[Chorus]
E Asus2
I'm the one who wants to
B E
be with you
E Asus2
Deep inside I hope you
B E
feel it too
E Asus2
Waited on a line of
B E
greens and blues
E Asus2
Just to be the next to
B E
be with you
[Verse 2]
C#m E
Build up your confidence so
Asus2 E
you can be on top for once
C#m E
wake up who cares about
Asus2 E
Little boys that talk too much
[Pre-Chorus]
Asus2 E
I seen it all go down
Asus2 E
Your game of love was all
rained out
D
So come on baby come on over
B
Let me be the one to hold (you)
[Chorus]
E Asus2
I'm the one who wants to
B E
be with you
E Asus2
Deep inside I hope you
B E
feel it too
E Asus2
Waited on a line of
B C#m
greens and blues
E Asus2
Just to be the next to
B E
be with you
[Bridge]
Asus2
Why be alone when we can
C#m
be together baby
G
You can make my life worthwhile
G
I can make you start to
[Solo]
E Asus2
smile
B E E Asus2 B E E Asus2
B C#m E Asus2
B E
When
[Pre-Chorus]
Asus2 E
it's through, it's through
Asus2 E
Fate will twist the both of you
D
So come on baby come on over
B
Let me be the one to show you
[Chorus]
G C
I'm the one who wants to
D G
be with you
G C
Deep inside I hope you
D G
feel it too
G C
Waited on a line of
D Em
greens and blues
G C
Just to be the next to
D G
be with you
[Outro]
E Asus2
I'm the one who wants to
B E
be with you
E Asus2
Deep inside I hope you
B E
feel it too
E Asus2
Waited on a line of
B C#m
greens and blues
E Asus2
Just to be the next to
B E
be with you
E Asus2
just to be the next to
B E
be with you
oohUkulele Chords for “To Be with You” by Mr. Big: Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the basic ukulele chords used in “To Be with You” by Mr. Big?
- The basic ukulele chords for “To Be with You” are C, G, Am, and F.
- Is “To Be with You” by Mr. Big a popular song for ukulele players?
- Yes, it’s a well-liked song among ukulele enthusiasts due to its catchy melody and simple chord progression.
- What is the strumming pattern commonly used for “To Be with You” on the ukulele?
- A common strumming pattern for this song is down, down, up, up, down, up, which fits the 4/4 time signature.
- Who composed “To Be with You,” and when was it originally released?
- “To Be with You” was written by David Grahame and Eric Martin and was first released by Mr. Big in 1991.
- Can “To Be with You” be played in different keys on the ukulele?
- Yes, you can transpose the song to different keys on the ukulele to match your vocal range or playing preference.
- What is the tempo of “To Be with You”?
- The song is typically played at a moderate tempo, making it comfortable for ukulele players.
- Are there alternative chord progressions or variations for “To Be with You” on the ukulele?
- While the basic chords are commonly used, you can experiment with chord inversions or fingerpicking patterns to add your unique touch.
- Can “To Be with You” be played with a capo on the ukulele?
- Yes, using a capo on different frets can help you match the song’s key to your vocal range.
- What is the overall mood and style of “To Be with You” on the ukulele?
- “To Be with You” has a melodic and sentimental mood, making it suitable for intimate and acoustic ukulele performances.
- Is “To Be with You” considered a classic ballad in the music world?
- Yes, it’s regarded as a classic rock ballad that has stood the test of time.
- What is the role of the bridge section in “To Be with You,” and how does it affect the song’s dynamics on the ukulele?
- The bridge section provides a contrast to the song’s verses and choruses, building anticipation before returning to the main melody.
- Can you recommend any tutorials or resources for learning to play “To Be with You” on the ukulele?
- Many online tutorials and chord sheets are available for learning to play “To Be with You” on the ukulele. Websites and YouTube tutorials can be helpful resources.
- Is “To Be with You” suitable for beginners on the ukulele?
- Yes, the song’s straightforward chord progression and melody make it accessible for beginners to learn and play.
- What is the lyrical theme of “To Be with You,” and how does it resonate with listeners?
- The song expresses a desire for companionship and a longing to be with someone special, which resonates with many listeners.
- Are there any notable ukulele cover versions of “To Be with You” that can serve as inspiration?
- You can find ukulele cover versions of “To Be with You” on YouTube and other video-sharing platforms. These covers can offer inspiration for your own rendition.
- What emotions and sentiments does “To Be with You” evoke when played on the ukulele?
- The song often evokes feelings of love, yearning, and nostalgia, making it a favorite for romantic ukulele performances.
- Can “To Be with You” be played on different types of ukuleles, such as soprano, concert, or tenor?
- Yes, “To Be with You” can be played on various ukulele sizes with the same chord progressions and strumming patterns.
- Are there any specific techniques or embellishments that ukulele players can use to add their own style to “To Be with You”?
- Ukulele players can experiment with dynamics, tempo variations, and even vocal harmonies to personalize their performance.
- What is the historical context or significance of “To Be with You” in the music industry?
- “To Be with You” was a chart-topping hit in the early 1990s and played a significant role in the popularity of acoustic ballads during that era.
- Is “To Be with You” often performed at weddings or romantic occasions on the ukulele?
- Yes, the song’s romantic theme makes it a popular choice for weddings and other romantic events performed on the ukulele.
- Can “To Be with You” be adapted for a ukulele duet or ensemble performance?
- Absolutely, you can create beautiful duet or ensemble arrangements for “To Be with You” on the ukulele to enhance its impact.
- How does “To Be with You” showcase the ukulele’s versatility as a solo instrument for acoustic performances?
- The ukulele’s sweet and mellow tone complements the song’s sentimentality, showcasing its versatility as a solo instrument for acoustic renditions.
- What is the role of the ukulele in capturing the essence of “To Be with You”?
- The ukulele’s simplicity and charm add a distinct character to the song, enhancing its emotional impact.
- Can you provide guidance on using dynamics to convey the emotions in “To Be with You” on the ukulele?
- Varying the volume, strumming intensity, and tempo can be effective in conveying the song’s emotional nuances on the ukulele.
- Are there any well-known artists or bands that have covered “To Be with You” on the ukulele?
- While the song is not as commonly covered on the ukulele, you can find renditions by talented ukulele players on various platforms.
- What is the significance of the song’s lyrics and melody in capturing the essence of love and longing?
- The lyrics and melody of “To Be with You” beautifully capture the universal themes of love, longing, and the desire for connection.
- Can “To Be with You” be adapted for solo ukulele performances with singing, or is it often performed as an instrumental piece?
- “To Be with You” is often performed with singing, and solo ukulele arrangements can incorporate both the chords and vocals for a complete performance.
- What are some common challenges ukulele players might face when learning to play “To Be with You”?
- Some challenges may include mastering chord transitions, strumming patterns, and maintaining consistent tempo and timing.
- Is there a specific strumming pattern or technique that complements the song’s character on the ukulele?
- While there are common strumming patterns, you can also experiment with fingerpicking or arpeggio patterns to match the song’s mood.
- How can “To Be with You” be used to connect with an audience on an emotional level during a ukulele performance?
- Engaging with the song’s lyrics, expressing genuine emotion, and connecting with your audience through storytelling can help create a deep emotional connection during your ukulele performance of “To Be with You.”
