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For Once In My Life

· by Michael McDonald

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Lyrics

For (E)once in my life, I have (C#m)some one who needs me, some one I’ve need ed so (F#m7)long.

For (F#m)once, un a fraid, I can (F#m7)go where life leads me; some how I know I’ll be (E6)strong.

For (E)once, I can touch what my (E)heart used to dream of,

long be fore I knew,

oh,

some one warm like (C#m)you

would make my dreams come (Amaj7)true.

(D#)Oh, (C#m7)yeah (F#m7)yeah.

(Fmaj7)For (E)once in my life, I won’t (C#m)let sor row hurt me, not like it’s hurt me be (F#m7)fore.

For (F#m)once, I have some thing I (F#m7)know won’t de sert me; I’m not a lone an y (Bm7)more.

For (E)once, I can say, “This is (E)mine, you can’t take it.” (Amaj7)Long as I know I have (F#7)love, I can make it.

For (E)once in my (C#m)life, I’ve got (F#m7)some one (F#m7)who needs me.

(E6)(Some one (D6)who (G13)needs (Cmaj9)me.) Oh, yeah.

Oh, yeah.

one who needs me.)

(For once in my (Gm)life.)

(E)Oh, (Dm7)yeah, (Gm7)yeah.

(Gbmaj7)For (F)once in my (F)life,

I won’t let sor row (F#dim7)hurt me, not like it’s hurt me be (Gm7)fore.

For (Gm)once, I have some thing I (Gm7)know won’t de sert me; I’m not a lone an y (Cm7)more.

For (F)once, I can say, “This is mine, you can’t take it.” Long as I know I have (G7)love, I can make it.

For (F)once in my (Dm)life, I’ve got (Gm7)some one (Gm7)who needs me.

(F6)(Some one (Eb6)who (Ab13)needs (Dbmaj9)me.) For (C)once in my (Dbmaj9)life.

one who needs me.)

(F6)(Some one (Eb6)who (Ab13)needs (Dbmaj9)me.) For (C)once in my (Dbmaj9)(Some one who needs me.)

(F6)(Some one (Eb6)who (Ab13)needs (Dbmaj9)me.)

For Once In My Life by Michael McDonald — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “For Once In My Life” by Michael McDonald 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 E at 104 BPM, a medium-difficulty arrangement — try slowing the tempo down using the BPM control.

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 "For Once In My Life" 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 "For Once In My Life"?: 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 "For Once In My Life" use?: Just 51 chords: A6, Abdom, Am, Am7, Amaj7, B7, Bb6, Bbmaj7, +43 more. Take it one section at a time.
What other Michael McDonald songs work for kids?: Try "REFLECTIONS", "I BELIEVE", "REDEMPTION SONG". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.