A Certain Smile

by Johnny Mathis

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Lyrics

(Cm)What do you meet

down a (Bb7)crook ed lit tle (Eb)street in (Fm6)Par is?

(G7)Ven dors who sell pret ty flow ers that tell (G)of (Cm)spring.

Once in a while

you may (Bb7)meet a cer tain (Eb)smile in (Gm)Par is,

so ex (A)cit ing ly (D)gay, that it (Fm6)seems (G7)to say, (G)“Che (Cm)rie, fall in (Fdim7)love with (C7)me.” A cer tain (Gm7)smile,

a (C9)cer tain (F)face,

can lead an (Gm)un sus pect ing (C9)heart on a (C7)mer ry (F)chase.

A fleet ing (Em7)glance

can (G)say (A7)so (Dm)man y love ly (G9)things.

(C)Sud den (C)ly you (Dm7)know why (G7)Par is (Gm7)sings.

You love a (Gm7)while,

and (C9)when love (F)goes,

you try to (Gm)hide the tears in (C9)side with a (C7)cheer ful (F)pose.

But (Eb)in (F7)the (A)hush (Bb)of night ex (D7)act ly like a (Gm7)bit ter sweet re (Bbm6)frain, (A)comes (Bbm6)that (F)cer tain (Dm)smile to (Gm7)haunt your (C9)heart a (F)gain.

A cer tain (Gm7)smile,

a (C9)cer tain (F)face,

can lead an (Gm)un sus pect ing (C9)heart on a (C7)mer ry (F)chase.

A fleet ing (Em7)glance

can (G)say (A7)so (Dm)man y love ly (G9)things.

(C)Sud den (C)ly you (Dm7)know why (G7)my heart (Gm7)sings.

You love a (Gm7)while,

and (C9)when love (F)goes,

you try to (Gm)hide the tears in (C9)side with a (C7)cheer ful (F)pose.

But (Eb)in (F7)the (A)hush (Bb)of night ex (D7)act ly like a (Gm7)bit ter sweet re (Bbm6)frain, (A)comes (Bbm6)that (F)cer tain (Dm)smile to (Gm7)haunt your (C9)heart a (F)gain.

A cer tain (F)gain.

A Certain Smile by Johnny Mathis — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “A Certain Smile” by Johnny Mathis in our color-coded kid songbook view — every note is colored by pitch (red C, orange D, yellow E, green F, blue G, purple A, pink B) and the lyrics sit directly under each note, so children can sing along while they play. The song is in the key of Ab at 120 BPM, a comfortable easy-level arrangement perfect for first-time learners.

Tips for parents & teachers

  • Start at 50% tempo using the BPM control. Speed up only when your child can play through without stopping.
  • Turn on the metronome from the top bar to build steady rhythm.
  • Use the segmented OFF / C / 1 button to toggle note labels on the staff and keys — kids learn note names faster with letters showing.
  • Tap a measure number on the timeline to jump to a specific section for repeat practice.

Frequently asked questions

Is "A Certain Smile" good for a child learning piano?
Yes — this color-coded arrangement is designed for ages 4-12. Each note is colored by pitch so kids match colors to keys, no music reading required. Lyrics sit under every note for sing-along play.
What age can start with "A Certain Smile"?
Children as young as 4 can follow the color-coded notes. By age 6-7 most kids can play through the song themselves with light guidance. Parent help is recommended for the first few sessions.
Do we need a piano teacher to use this?
No — the color-coded format is designed to be self-explanatory. Parents with no music background can supervise. Teachers can also use it as an introductory lesson tool.
Can we print the sheet music?
Yes — tap "Download Sheet Music" above for a free printable PDF with the same color-coded notes that appear on screen.
How many chords does "A Certain Smile" use?
Just 29 chords: A, A7, Aaug, Ab7, Am7, Bb, Bb7, Bbm6, +21 more. Take it one section at a time.
What other Johnny Mathis songs work for kids?
Try "THE LAST TIME I FELT LIKE THIS", "CHANCES ARE", "IT'S NOT FOR ME TO SAY". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.