Dear John

by Taylor Swift

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Lyrics

(G)Long were the nights when my days once re volved a round (C)you,

(G)count ing my foot steps, pray ing the floor won’t fall through

a gain.

And my (D)moth er ac cused me of (Em)los ing my (D)mind, but I (Csus2)swore

I was (Cmaj7)fine.

You (G)paint me a blue sky and go back and turn it to (C)rain.

Or And be I (G)lived in your chess game, but you changed the rules ev ’ry (Csus2)day.

And (D)Won d’ring which ver sion of you I might (D)get on the (Csus2)phone

un to (Cmaj7)night.

And Well, I (D)stopped pick ing up and this ig (Em)song is to (D)let you know (Csus2)fast why.

as

can.

Dear

(G)John.

I see it all now that you’re (Cmaj7)gone.

(Cmaj7)Don’t you think I was too (Em)young to be messed with?

The (G)girl in the dress cried the (C)whole

(Cmaj7)way

home.

I should ’ve (G)known.

Well, (G)may be it’s me and my blind op ti mi sm to (C)blame.

Or may be it’s (G)you and your sick need to give love and take it a (Csus2)way.

And (D)you’ll add my name to your long list of (D)trai tors who (Csus2)don’t

un der (Cmaj7)stand.

And I’ll look (D)back and re gret how I ig (Em)nored when they (D)said run as (Csus2)fast why.

as you can.

Dear

(G)John.

I see it all now that you’re (Cmaj7)gone.

(Cmaj7)Don’t you think I was too (Em)young to be messed with?

The (G)girl in the dress cried the (C)whole

(Cmaj7)way

home.

I should ’ve (G)known.

Well, home.

Dear (G)John

I see it all now; it was (Cmaj7)wrong.

(Cmaj7)Don’t you think nine teen’s too (Em)young to be played by your (G)dark, twist ed games when I (C)loved

(Cmaj7)you

so?

I should ’ve (G)known

you are an (Em)ex pert at “sor ry” and (D)keep ing lines blur ry and (C)nev er im pressed by me ac ing your tests.

All the girls that you’ve run dry have (D)tired, life less eyes ’cause you (C)burned

(Cmaj7)them

out.

But (D)I took your match es be (Em)fore fire could (D)catch me, so (C)don’t

(Cmaj7)look

now.

I’m (D)shin ing like fire works (Cmaj7)o ver your sad emp ty (G)town.

Dear

so?

You should ’ve (G)known.

Don’t you think I was too (C)young?

You should ’ve known.

Dear John by Taylor Swift — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “Dear John” by Taylor Swift 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 G at 126 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 "Dear John" 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 "Dear John"?
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 Taylor Swift songs work for kids?
Try "GETAWAY CAR", "THE LAST TIME", "ENCHANTED". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.