Got To Be Real

by Mary J. Blige

Loading song
Fetching song
1
—
Play in Full ModesMore Songs for Kids
Lyrics

What you think,

(F6)what you feel,

(F6)what you know

to (F6)be real.

What (F6)you think,

I think I love you, ba by.

feel,

I feel I need you, ba by.

know

to (F6)be real.

(Cm7)Ooh,

your love’s for (C)real.

You know that (Dm7)your (Bb)love is (Dm7)my (Bb)love; (F)my (Ebmaj7)love is (F)your (Ebmaj7)love.

(Cm7)Our love is here to (D)stay.

What you think,

I think I love you, ba by.

feel,

I feel I need you, ba by.

know

to (F6)be real.

It’s (D7#5)got to be real.

To (F6)be real.

It’s got to be (F6)real.

To be real.

Got To Be Real by Mary J. Blige — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “Got To Be Real” by Mary J. Blige 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 Eb at 100 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 "Got To Be Real" 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 "Got To Be Real"?
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 "Got To Be Real" use?
Just 12 chords: Bb, C, Cm7, D7, Daug, Dm7, Ebmaj7, Ebmaj9, +4 more. Take it one section at a time.
What other Mary J. Blige songs work for kids?
Try "MY LIFE '06", "BE WITHOUT YOU", "FAMILY AFFAIR". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.