Can't We Be Friends?

by Frank Sinatra

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Lyrics

I took each word she said as (Eb7)gos pel truth,

the way a sil ly lit tle (D#)child

(G#)would.

I can’t ex cuse it on the (D#7)grounds of youth,

I was no (A9)babe

in the (C#m6)wild, (F#m)wild (C#m)wood.

She did n’t (C#m)mean it,

I should ’ve (C#m6)seen it, but (A7)now

it’s too (Db6)late.

I thought I’d found the (Ab7)girl of my (Ab13)dreams,

now it (A7)seems

(Db6)this is how the (Db)sto ry

(Ebm7)ends.

(Eb)She’s gon na turn me (Gb)down (Ab)and say,

“Can’t (B9)we be (Db6)friends?”

I thought for once it (Ab7)could n’t go (Ab13)wrong.

Not for (A7)long,

(Db6)I can see the (Db)way this

(Ebm7)ends.

(Eb)She’s gon na turn me (Gb)down (Ab)and say,

“Can’t (B9)we be (Db6)friends?”

(Gb6)Why should I (Gb9)care,

(Ab7)though she

gave (Ab7)me the (Db6)air?

Why (Db6)should I (B13)cry,

heave a sigh,

and won der (Bb13)why,

and won der (Bb13)why?

I thought I’d found a (Ebm7)gal I could (Ab13)trust.

What a (Em7)bust,

(Db6)this is how the (Db)sto ry

(Ebm7)ends.

(Eb)She’s gon na turn me (Ab13)down and say,

(B9)“Can’t we (E13)be

(Ebm11)just

(Db6)friends?”

Can't We Be Friends? by Frank Sinatra — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “Can't We Be Friends?” by Frank Sinatra 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 73 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 "Can't We Be Friends?" 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 "Can't We Be Friends?"?
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 "Can't We Be Friends?" use?
Just 37 chords: A7, A9, Ab7, Abdom, Abm7, Adom, B, B9, +29 more. Take it one section at a time.
What other Frank Sinatra songs work for kids?
Try "THE CONTINENTAL", "LOST IN THE STARS", "Smoke Gets In Your Eyes". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.