I Can Barely Say

by The Fray

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Lyrics

I said I told you ev ’ry thing,

but I left some thing out

un der neath the stair well: me.

that I’m been un der lock and key,

but you can prob ’ly tell;

a pow der keg in a pris on from cell.

I wan na re turn,

but all you will do is turn

to leave.

If I can find my way home,

will you take hold of me?

’Cause I’ve been gone so long, I can bare ly say; all I know is, (Em7)now I want to stay.

Has it been too long since I went a way?

’Cause I’m try’n’ to (Em7)find the words, that I can bare ly say.

Well, I I used to be the sun,

but wait ing si lent ly,

but they bare ly no ticed me.

But I’ve been talk ing in my sleep;

if an y bod y sees,

a they’ll der turn, in they’ll run on from cell.

I wan na re turn,

but all you will do is turn

to leave.

If I can find my way home,

will you take hold of me?

’Cause I’ve been gone so long, I can bare ly say; all I know is, (Em7)now I want to stay.

Has it been too long since I went a way?

’Cause I’m try’n’ to (Em7)find the words, that I can bare ly say.

can bare ly say.

I want ed to run;

I want ed to love and be loved in re turn.

But will I ev er get back?

Do I know too much to re turn?

(F6/9)I’ve been gone so long, I can bare ly say; all I know is, now I want to stay.

Has it been too (G5)long

since I went a way?

’Cause I’m try’n’ to find the words, but I can bare ly say.

I Can Barely Say by The Fray — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “I Can Barely Say” by The Fray 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 76 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 "I Can Barely Say" 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 "I Can Barely Say"?
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 "I Can Barely Say" use?
Just 12 chords: Am, B7, C, Cm, Csus2, D, Ebmaj7, Em, +4 more. Take it one section at a time.
What other The Fray songs work for kids?
Try "HAPPINESS", "HEARTBEAT", "FALL AWAY". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.