Being Alive

· by Stephen Sondheim

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Lyrics

Some one to hold you too (F)close,

(C)some one to hurt you too (Fdim)deep,

(Cmaj7)some one to sit in your (Am7)chair and ru in your (Em)sleep and make you a (Em)ware of be ing a (Dm7)live.

(C)Some one to need you too (F)much,

(C)some one to know you too (Fdim)well;

(Cmaj7)some one to pull you up (Am7)short and put you through (Fmaj7)hell and give you sup (C)port for be ing a (Dm7)live,

be ing a live.

Make me a live,

make me con (Ab)fused,

(Bb)mock me with (C)praise,

(B)let me be (Ab)used,

(Bb)var y my (G7sus)days.

But a lone

is a lone,

not a (Db)live.

(C)Some bod y hold me too (F)close,

(C)some bod y force me to (Fdim)care,

(Cmaj7)some bod y make me come (Am7)through, I’ll al ways be (Fmaj7)there as fright ened as (C)you of be ing a (Dm7)live,

be ing a live,

(CN.C.)be ing a (C)live.

Being Alive by Stephen Sondheim — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “Being Alive” by Stephen Sondheim 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 C at 80 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 "Being Alive" 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 "Being Alive"?: 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.
What other Stephen Sondheim songs work for kids?: Try "LOSING MY MIND", "Agony (Film Version)", "Any Moment - Part I". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.