Dark Necessities

by Red Hot Chili Peppers

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Lyrics

Com ing out to the light of day, we got man y moons that are deep at play, so I keep an eye on the shad ow’s smile to (F)see what it has to say.

You and I both know, well, ev ’ry thing must go a way.

Ah, what do you say?

Spin ning off, head is on my heart.

It’s like a bit of light ord and a touch of dark.

We got sneak at tack from the zo di ac, but I (Fmaj7)see your fire for spark.

Keep the breeze and flow

blow by blow, and go a way.

Ah, what do you say?

Yeah!

You don’t know my mind;

you don’t know my kind.

Dark ne ces si ties are (G)part of my de sign, and

tell the world that I’m

fall ing from the sky.

Dark ne ces si ties are (G)part of my de sign.

Stum ble down to the park ing lot; with you got no of time ord for the af ter thought.

They’re like ice ing cream for an as tro naut.

Well that’s (Fmaj7)me look ing ter weed.

Turn the cor ner and

find the world at your com mand,

Ah, play ing the hand.

Yeah!

You don’t know my mind;

you don’t know my kind.

Dark ne ces si ties are (G)part of my de sign, and

tell the world that I’m

fall ing from the sky.

Dark ne ces si ties are (G)part of my de sign.

(G)part of my de sign.

(C)Do you want this love of mine?

The (Bb)dark ness helps the soul to shine.

(Dm)Do you want it, do you want it (F)now?

(C)Do you want it all the time?

But (Bb)dark ness helps the soul to shine.

(Dm)Do you want it, do you want it (F)now?

(G)part of my de sign.

Dark Necessities by Red Hot Chili Peppers — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “Dark Necessities by Red Hot Chili Peppers 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 A at 86 BPM, a slightly more challenging arrangement — practice each phrase slowly first.

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 "Dark Necessities" 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 "Dark Necessities"?
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.