Rock

Just Breathe Chords

Pearl Jam Beginner Key of C 5 Chords 4 min read Updated Jul 2026

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Key

C

Difficulty

Beginner

Capo

None

Chords

C · G · Am · F · Em

Just Breathe Chords – Guitar

A poignant acoustic ballad by Pearl Jam about love, life, and mortality. Beginner difficulty in the key of C.

Folk Strum (4/4 Time)

↓↓↑↑↓↑

123456

Tip: Use a capo on the 4th fret to match the original recording’s key of E, but these chords are written for open position in C.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Verse 1

C G Am

Yes, I understand that every life must end, uh-huh

F C G

As we sit alone, I know someday we must go

C G Am

Uh-huh I’m a lucky man to count on both hands the ones I love

F C G C

Some folks just have one, yeah, and others, they got none

Chorus

[F]Stay with [C]me
[G]Let’s just [Am]breathe
[F]Practiced are my [C]sins
[G]Never gonna let me [C]win, uh-[G]huh
[F]Under everything, [C]just another human [G]being
[Am]Uh-huh, uh-[F]huh
[C]I don’t wanna hurt, there’s so [G]much in this world to make me [C]believe
[/verse]

Verse 2

C G Am

That I don’t wanna hurt, there’s so much in this world to make me believe

F C G

That I don’t wanna hurt, there’s so much in this world to make me believe

C G Am

That I don’t wanna hurt, there’s so much in this world to make me believe

F C G

That I don’t wanna hurt, there’s so much in this world to make me believe

Chorus

[F]Stay with [C]me
[G]Let’s just [Am]breathe
[F]Practiced are my [C]sins
[G]Never gonna let me [C]win, uh-[G]huh
[F]Under everything, [C]just another human [G]being
[Am]Uh-huh, uh-[F]huh
[C]I don’t wanna hurt, there’s so [G]much in this world to make me [C]believe
[/verse]

Bridge

F C

Did I say that I need you?

G Am

Did I say that I want you?

F C

Oh, if I didn’t I’m a fool, you see

G C

No one knows this more than me

F C

As I come clean

Verse 3

C G Am

I wonder everyday, as I look upon your face

F C G

Everything you gave and nothing you would take

C G

Nothing you would take, everything you gave

Am F

Nothing you would take, everything you gave

C

Hold me ’til I die

G C

Meet you on the other side

Chorus

[F]Stay with [C]me
[G]Let’s just [Am]breathe
[F]Practiced are my [C]sins
[G]Never gonna let me [C]win, uh-[G]huh
[F]Under everything, [C]just another human [G]being
[Am]Uh-huh, uh-[F]huh
[C]I don’t wanna hurt, there’s so [G]much in this world to make me [C]believe
[/verse]

Practice tip: The song’s emotion comes from the steady, gentle strum and vocal delivery, so practice the chord changes slowly until they are silent and automatic.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "Just Breathe"?

You need 5 beginner-friendly chords: C, G, Am, F and Em.

Is "Just Breathe" easy to play on guitar?

It is rated beginner and uses only 5 chords in the key of C, making it a good choice for players at that level.

What key is "Just Breathe" in?

It is in the key of C.

Who wrote "Just Breathe"?

It was written by Eddie Vedder, and released in 2009.

Ctap to play

Gtap to play

Amtap to play

Ftap to play

Emtap to play

Key

C

Difficulty

Beginner

Tuning

G-C-E-A

Chords

C · G · Am · F · Em

Just Breathe Chords – Ukulele

A poignant acoustic ballad by Pearl Jam about love, life, and mortality. Beginner difficulty in the key of C.

Folk Strum (4/4 Time)

↓↓↑↑↓↑

123456

Tip: Use a capo on the 4th fret to match the original recording’s key of E, but these chords are written for open position in C.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Verse 1

C G Am

Yes, I understand that every life must end, uh-huh

F C G

As we sit alone, I know someday we must go

C G Am

Uh-huh I’m a lucky man to count on both hands the ones I love

F C G C

Some folks just have one, yeah, and others, they got none

Chorus

[F]Stay with [C]me
[G]Let’s just [Am]breathe
[F]Practiced are my [C]sins
[G]Never gonna let me [C]win, uh-[G]huh
[F]Under everything, [C]just another human [G]being
[Am]Uh-huh, uh-[F]huh
[C]I don’t wanna hurt, there’s so [G]much in this world to make me [C]believe
[/verse]

Verse 2

C G Am

That I don’t wanna hurt, there’s so much in this world to make me believe

F C G

That I don’t wanna hurt, there’s so much in this world to make me believe

C G Am

That I don’t wanna hurt, there’s so much in this world to make me believe

F C G

That I don’t wanna hurt, there’s so much in this world to make me believe

Chorus

[F]Stay with [C]me
[G]Let’s just [Am]breathe
[F]Practiced are my [C]sins
[G]Never gonna let me [C]win, uh-[G]huh
[F]Under everything, [C]just another human [G]being
[Am]Uh-huh, uh-[F]huh
[C]I don’t wanna hurt, there’s so [G]much in this world to make me [C]believe
[/verse]

Bridge

F C

Did I say that I need you?

G Am

Did I say that I want you?

F C

Oh, if I didn’t I’m a fool, you see

G C

No one knows this more than me

F C

As I come clean

Verse 3

C G Am

I wonder everyday, as I look upon your face

F C G

Everything you gave and nothing you would take

C G

Nothing you would take, everything you gave

Am F

Nothing you would take, everything you gave

C

Hold me ’til I die

G C

Meet you on the other side

Chorus

[F]Stay with [C]me
[G]Let’s just [Am]breathe
[F]Practiced are my [C]sins
[G]Never gonna let me [C]win, uh-[G]huh
[F]Under everything, [C]just another human [G]being
[Am]Uh-huh, uh-[F]huh
[C]I don’t wanna hurt, there’s so [G]much in this world to make me [C]believe
[/verse]

Practice tip: The song’s emotion comes from the steady, gentle strum and vocal delivery, so practice the chord changes slowly until they are silent and automatic.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "Just Breathe"?

You need 5 beginner-friendly chords: C, G, Am, F and Em.

Is "Just Breathe" easy to play on guitar?

It is rated beginner and uses only 5 chords in the key of C, making it a good choice for players at that level.

What key is "Just Breathe" in?

It is in the key of C.

Who wrote "Just Breathe"?

It was written by Eddie Vedder, and released in 2009.

Ctap to play

Gtap to play

Amtap to play

Ftap to play

Emtap to play

Key

C

Difficulty

Beginner

Left Hand

Root notes

Chords

C · G · Am · F · Em

Just Breathe Chords – Piano

A poignant acoustic ballad by Pearl Jam about love, life, and mortality. Beginner difficulty in the key of C.

Folk Strum (4/4 Time)

↓↓↑↑↓↑

123456

Tip: Use a capo on the 4th fret to match the original recording’s key of E, but these chords are written for open position in C.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Verse 1

C G Am

Yes, I understand that every life must end, uh-huh

F C G

As we sit alone, I know someday we must go

C G Am

Uh-huh I’m a lucky man to count on both hands the ones I love

F C G C

Some folks just have one, yeah, and others, they got none

Chorus

[F]Stay with [C]me
[G]Let’s just [Am]breathe
[F]Practiced are my [C]sins
[G]Never gonna let me [C]win, uh-[G]huh
[F]Under everything, [C]just another human [G]being
[Am]Uh-huh, uh-[F]huh
[C]I don’t wanna hurt, there’s so [G]much in this world to make me [C]believe
[/verse]

Verse 2

C G Am

That I don’t wanna hurt, there’s so much in this world to make me believe

F C G

That I don’t wanna hurt, there’s so much in this world to make me believe

C G Am

That I don’t wanna hurt, there’s so much in this world to make me believe

F C G

That I don’t wanna hurt, there’s so much in this world to make me believe

Chorus

[F]Stay with [C]me
[G]Let’s just [Am]breathe
[F]Practiced are my [C]sins
[G]Never gonna let me [C]win, uh-[G]huh
[F]Under everything, [C]just another human [G]being
[Am]Uh-huh, uh-[F]huh
[C]I don’t wanna hurt, there’s so [G]much in this world to make me [C]believe
[/verse]

Bridge

F C

Did I say that I need you?

G Am

Did I say that I want you?

F C

Oh, if I didn’t I’m a fool, you see

G C

No one knows this more than me

F C

As I come clean

Verse 3

C G Am

I wonder everyday, as I look upon your face

F C G

Everything you gave and nothing you would take

C G

Nothing you would take, everything you gave

Am F

Nothing you would take, everything you gave

C

Hold me ’til I die

G C

Meet you on the other side

Chorus

[F]Stay with [C]me
[G]Let’s just [Am]breathe
[F]Practiced are my [C]sins
[G]Never gonna let me [C]win, uh-[G]huh
[F]Under everything, [C]just another human [G]being
[Am]Uh-huh, uh-[F]huh
[C]I don’t wanna hurt, there’s so [G]much in this world to make me [C]believe
[/verse]

Practice tip: The song’s emotion comes from the steady, gentle strum and vocal delivery, so practice the chord changes slowly until they are silent and automatic.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "Just Breathe"?

You need 5 beginner-friendly chords: C, G, Am, F and Em.

Is "Just Breathe" easy to play on guitar?

It is rated beginner and uses only 5 chords in the key of C, making it a good choice for players at that level.

What key is "Just Breathe" in?

It is in the key of C.

Who wrote "Just Breathe"?

It was written by Eddie Vedder, and released in 2009.

Ctap to play

Gtap to play

Amtap to play

Ftap to play

Emtap to play

Key

C

Difficulty

Beginner

Tuning

gDGBD (Open G)

Chords

C · G · Am · F · Em

Just Breathe Chords – Banjo

A poignant acoustic ballad by Pearl Jam about love, life, and mortality. Beginner difficulty in the key of C.

Folk Strum (4/4 Time)

↓↓↑↑↓↑

123456

Tip: Use a capo on the 4th fret to match the original recording’s key of E, but these chords are written for open position in C.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Verse 1

C G Am

Yes, I understand that every life must end, uh-huh

F C G

As we sit alone, I know someday we must go

C G Am

Uh-huh I’m a lucky man to count on both hands the ones I love

F C G C

Some folks just have one, yeah, and others, they got none

Chorus

[F]Stay with [C]me
[G]Let’s just [Am]breathe
[F]Practiced are my [C]sins
[G]Never gonna let me [C]win, uh-[G]huh
[F]Under everything, [C]just another human [G]being
[Am]Uh-huh, uh-[F]huh
[C]I don’t wanna hurt, there’s so [G]much in this world to make me [C]believe
[/verse]

Verse 2

C G Am

That I don’t wanna hurt, there’s so much in this world to make me believe

F C G

That I don’t wanna hurt, there’s so much in this world to make me believe

C G Am

That I don’t wanna hurt, there’s so much in this world to make me believe

F C G

That I don’t wanna hurt, there’s so much in this world to make me believe

Chorus

[F]Stay with [C]me
[G]Let’s just [Am]breathe
[F]Practiced are my [C]sins
[G]Never gonna let me [C]win, uh-[G]huh
[F]Under everything, [C]just another human [G]being
[Am]Uh-huh, uh-[F]huh
[C]I don’t wanna hurt, there’s so [G]much in this world to make me [C]believe
[/verse]

Bridge

F C

Did I say that I need you?

G Am

Did I say that I want you?

F C

Oh, if I didn’t I’m a fool, you see

G C

No one knows this more than me

F C

As I come clean

Verse 3

C G Am

I wonder everyday, as I look upon your face

F C G

Everything you gave and nothing you would take

C G

Nothing you would take, everything you gave

Am F

Nothing you would take, everything you gave

C

Hold me ’til I die

G C

Meet you on the other side

Chorus

[F]Stay with [C]me
[G]Let’s just [Am]breathe
[F]Practiced are my [C]sins
[G]Never gonna let me [C]win, uh-[G]huh
[F]Under everything, [C]just another human [G]being
[Am]Uh-huh, uh-[F]huh
[C]I don’t wanna hurt, there’s so [G]much in this world to make me [C]believe
[/verse]

Practice tip: The song’s emotion comes from the steady, gentle strum and vocal delivery, so practice the chord changes slowly until they are silent and automatic.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "Just Breathe"?

You need 5 beginner-friendly chords: C, G, Am, F and Em.

Is "Just Breathe" easy to play on guitar?

It is rated beginner and uses only 5 chords in the key of C, making it a good choice for players at that level.

What key is "Just Breathe" in?

It is in the key of C.

Who wrote "Just Breathe"?

It was written by Eddie Vedder, and released in 2009.

Ctap to play

Gtap to play

Amtap to play

Ftap to play

Emtap to play

Key

C

Difficulty

Beginner

Tuning

G-D-A-E

Chords

C · G · Am · F · Em

Just Breathe Chords – Mandolin

A poignant acoustic ballad by Pearl Jam about love, life, and mortality. Beginner difficulty in the key of C.

Folk Strum (4/4 Time)

↓↓↑↑↓↑

123456

Tip: Use a capo on the 4th fret to match the original recording’s key of E, but these chords are written for open position in C.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Verse 1

C G Am

Yes, I understand that every life must end, uh-huh

F C G

As we sit alone, I know someday we must go

C G Am

Uh-huh I’m a lucky man to count on both hands the ones I love

F C G C

Some folks just have one, yeah, and others, they got none

Chorus

[F]Stay with [C]me
[G]Let’s just [Am]breathe
[F]Practiced are my [C]sins
[G]Never gonna let me [C]win, uh-[G]huh
[F]Under everything, [C]just another human [G]being
[Am]Uh-huh, uh-[F]huh
[C]I don’t wanna hurt, there’s so [G]much in this world to make me [C]believe
[/verse]

Verse 2

C G Am

That I don’t wanna hurt, there’s so much in this world to make me believe

F C G

That I don’t wanna hurt, there’s so much in this world to make me believe

C G Am

That I don’t wanna hurt, there’s so much in this world to make me believe

F C G

That I don’t wanna hurt, there’s so much in this world to make me believe

Chorus

[F]Stay with [C]me
[G]Let’s just [Am]breathe
[F]Practiced are my [C]sins
[G]Never gonna let me [C]win, uh-[G]huh
[F]Under everything, [C]just another human [G]being
[Am]Uh-huh, uh-[F]huh
[C]I don’t wanna hurt, there’s so [G]much in this world to make me [C]believe
[/verse]

Bridge

F C

Did I say that I need you?

G Am

Did I say that I want you?

F C

Oh, if I didn’t I’m a fool, you see

G C

No one knows this more than me

F C

As I come clean

Verse 3

C G Am

I wonder everyday, as I look upon your face

F C G

Everything you gave and nothing you would take

C G

Nothing you would take, everything you gave

Am F

Nothing you would take, everything you gave

C

Hold me ’til I die

G C

Meet you on the other side

Chorus

[F]Stay with [C]me
[G]Let’s just [Am]breathe
[F]Practiced are my [C]sins
[G]Never gonna let me [C]win, uh-[G]huh
[F]Under everything, [C]just another human [G]being
[Am]Uh-huh, uh-[F]huh
[C]I don’t wanna hurt, there’s so [G]much in this world to make me [C]believe
[/verse]

Practice tip: The song’s emotion comes from the steady, gentle strum and vocal delivery, so practice the chord changes slowly until they are silent and automatic.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "Just Breathe"?

You need 5 beginner-friendly chords: C, G, Am, F and Em.

Is "Just Breathe" easy to play on guitar?

It is rated beginner and uses only 5 chords in the key of C, making it a good choice for players at that level.

What key is "Just Breathe" in?

It is in the key of C.

Who wrote "Just Breathe"?

It was written by Eddie Vedder, and released in 2009.

Ctap to play

Gtap to play

Amtap to play

Ftap to play

Emtap to play

Key

C

Difficulty

Beginner

Harp Key

C Diatonic

Chords

C · G · Am · F · Em

Just Breathe Chords – Harmonica

A poignant acoustic ballad by Pearl Jam about love, life, and mortality. Beginner difficulty in the key of C.

Folk Strum (4/4 Time)

↓↓↑↑↓↑

123456

Tip: Use a capo on the 4th fret to match the original recording’s key of E, but these chords are written for open position in C.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Verse 1

C G Am

Yes, I understand that every life must end, uh-huh

F C G

As we sit alone, I know someday we must go

C G Am

Uh-huh I’m a lucky man to count on both hands the ones I love

F C G C

Some folks just have one, yeah, and others, they got none

Chorus

[F]Stay with [C]me
[G]Let’s just [Am]breathe
[F]Practiced are my [C]sins
[G]Never gonna let me [C]win, uh-[G]huh
[F]Under everything, [C]just another human [G]being
[Am]Uh-huh, uh-[F]huh
[C]I don’t wanna hurt, there’s so [G]much in this world to make me [C]believe
[/verse]

Verse 2

C G Am

That I don’t wanna hurt, there’s so much in this world to make me believe

F C G

That I don’t wanna hurt, there’s so much in this world to make me believe

C G Am

That I don’t wanna hurt, there’s so much in this world to make me believe

F C G

That I don’t wanna hurt, there’s so much in this world to make me believe

Chorus

[F]Stay with [C]me
[G]Let’s just [Am]breathe
[F]Practiced are my [C]sins
[G]Never gonna let me [C]win, uh-[G]huh
[F]Under everything, [C]just another human [G]being
[Am]Uh-huh, uh-[F]huh
[C]I don’t wanna hurt, there’s so [G]much in this world to make me [C]believe
[/verse]

Bridge

F C

Did I say that I need you?

G Am

Did I say that I want you?

F C

Oh, if I didn’t I’m a fool, you see

G C

No one knows this more than me

F C

As I come clean

Verse 3

C G Am

I wonder everyday, as I look upon your face

F C G

Everything you gave and nothing you would take

C G

Nothing you would take, everything you gave

Am F

Nothing you would take, everything you gave

C

Hold me ’til I die

G C

Meet you on the other side

Chorus

[F]Stay with [C]me
[G]Let’s just [Am]breathe
[F]Practiced are my [C]sins
[G]Never gonna let me [C]win, uh-[G]huh
[F]Under everything, [C]just another human [G]being
[Am]Uh-huh, uh-[F]huh
[C]I don’t wanna hurt, there’s so [G]much in this world to make me [C]believe
[/verse]

Practice tip: The song’s emotion comes from the steady, gentle strum and vocal delivery, so practice the chord changes slowly until they are silent and automatic.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "Just Breathe"?

You need 5 beginner-friendly chords: C, G, Am, F and Em.

Is "Just Breathe" easy to play on guitar?

It is rated beginner and uses only 5 chords in the key of C, making it a good choice for players at that level.

What key is "Just Breathe" in?

It is in the key of C.

Who wrote "Just Breathe"?

It was written by Eddie Vedder, and released in 2009.