How Soon Is Now

by The Smiths

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Lyrics

I am the (F)son

and the heir

of a shy ness that is (Bb5)crim i nal ly vul (F)gar.

I am the son and heir

of noth ing in par ti cu lar.

(Db)You shut your mouth, how can (Cm)you say

I (Eb)go a bout things the wrong way?

I am hu man and I (Db)need to be loved,

(C7sus)just like (Eb5)ev ’ry bod y else does.

I am the (F)son

and the heir

of a shy ness that is (Bb5)crim i nal ly vul (F)gar.

I am the son and heir

of noth ing in par ti cu lar.

(Db)You shut your mouth, how can (Cm)you say

I (Eb)go a bout things the wrong way?

I am hu man and I (Db)need to be loved,

(C7sus)just like (Eb5)ev ’ry bod y else does.

I am the

There’s a club (Db)if you’d like to go.

(Cm)You could meet (C5)some bod y who real ly loves (F)you.

So you (Bbm9)go and you stand on your (Dbmaj7)own,

and you leave on your own, (Cm)and you (C5)go home and you (Cm)cry and you want to die.

How Soon Is Now by The Smiths — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “How Soon Is Now” by The Smiths 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 Bb at 94 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 "How Soon Is Now" 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 "How Soon Is Now"?
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 "How Soon Is Now" use?
Just 14 chords: Ab, Abpow, Bbm, Bbm9, Bbpow, Bbsus2, C7, Cm, +6 more. Take it one section at a time.
What other The Smiths songs work for kids?
Try "BIGMOUTH STRIKES AGAIN", "THERE IS A LIGHT THAT NEVER GOES OUT", "HEAVEN KNOWS I'M MISERABLE NOW". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.