Better Than I Used To Be

by Tim McGraw

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Lyrics

I know how to (F)hold a grudge,

I can send a bridge (C)up in smoke,

’n’ I can’t (Dm)count the peo ple I’ve (Dm)let down, the (Bb)hearts I’ve broke.

You ain’t got ta (F)dig too deep if you wan na find some (C)dirt on me.

But I’m (Dm7)learn in’ who you’ve been ain’t who you’ve (Bb)got ta be.

It’s (F)gon na be an (Gm7)up hill climb.

Oh, hon ey, (F)I won’t lie.

I ain’t no (F)an gel.

I (Bb)still got a few more danc es with the (F)dev il.

I’m (Bb)clean in’ up my act lit tle by (Dm)lit tle.

I’m (C)get tin’ there.

I can (Bb)fi n’ly stand the man in the mir ror I see.

I ain’t as (F)good as I’m (Bb)gon na get, but I’m (C7sus)bet ter than I used to (F)be.

I’ve pinned a lot of de mons (F)to the ground.

Got a few old hab its left.

But there’s still (Dm)one or two I (C)might need you to help me get.

(C7sus)Stand in’ in the (F)rain so long has left me with a (C)lit tle rust.

But put some (Dm)faith in me and some (C)day you’ll see there’s a (Gm7)dia mond un der (F)all this (Bb)dust.

I (Bb)ain’t no (Bb)be.

I ain’t no (F)an gel.

I still got a few more danc es with the (Dm)dev il.

But I’m (Gm7)clean in’ up my act lit (C#dim)tle by (Dm)lit tle.

I’m (C)get tin’ there.

I can (Bb)fi n’ly stand the man in the mir ror I see.

I ain’t as (F)good as I’m (Bb)gon na get, but I’m (C7sus)bet ter than I used

to be.

Better Than I Used To Be by Tim McGraw — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “Better Than I Used To Be” by Tim McGraw 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 Bb at 140 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 "Better Than I Used To Be" 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 "Better Than I Used To Be"?
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 "Better Than I Used To Be" use?
Just 10 chords: Bb, C, C#dim, C7, Dm, Dm7, Dped, F, +2 more. Take it one section at a time.
What other Tim McGraw songs work for kids?
Try "HIGHWAY DON'T CARE", "SUSPICIONS", "LIVE LIKE YOU WERE DYING". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.