Is "I Don't Want To Be" 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 Don't Want To Be"?

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 Don't Want To Be" use?

Just 10 chords: Ab, Bb, Bbpow, C9, Cm, Cpow, Eb, F, +2 more. Take it one section at a time.

What other Gavin DeGraw songs work for kids?

Try "NOT OVER YOU". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.

Super Simple Piano

I Don't Want To Be

· by Gavin DeGraw

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Lyrics

I don’t need to be an y thing oth er than a pris on guard’s (Bb5)son.

I don’t need to be an y thing oth er than a spe cial ist’s (Bb5)son.

I don’t have to be i an y one oth er than the birth of two (Bb5)souls in one.

Am Part of where I’m go ing no ticed?

I is know ing where I’m com ing from.

I don’t (Eb)want to be an y thing (Bb)oth er than what I’ve been (Cm)try’n’ to be (Bb)late ly.

All I (Eb)have to do is think of me, and I have peace of mind.

I’m tired of (Eb)look ing ’round rooms, won d’ring (Bb)what I’ve got to do, or (Cm)who I’m sup (Bb)posed to be.

I don’t (Eb)want to be an y thing (Bb)oth er than (Cm)me.

I’m sur round ed by li y ars oth er ev ’ry where on I (Bb5)turn.

I’m sur round ed by im pos ters oth er ev ’ry where cial I (Bb5)turn.

I’m sur round ed by i den ti ty cri sis than the ev ’ry where (Bb5)I in turn.

Am I the on ly one who no ticed?

I can’t be the on ly one who’s learned.

I don’t (Eb)want to be an y thing (Bb)oth er than what I’ve been (Cm)try’n’ to be (Bb)late ly.

All I (Eb)have to do is think of me, and I have peace of mind.

I’m tired of (Eb)look ing ’round rooms, won d’ring (Bb)what I’ve got to do, or (Cm)who I’m sup (Bb)posed to be.

I don’t (Eb)want to be an y thing (Bb)oth er than (Cm)me.

(Bb)oth er than (Cm)me.

Can I have ev ’ry one’s at ten tion, please?

I came from the moun tain,

the crust of cre a tion.

My whole sit u a tion (Bb)made from (Eb)clay to stone, and (F)now I’m tell ing ev ’ry bod (Cm)y.

(Bb)oth er than (Cm)me.

I don’t want to be,

I (Eb)don’t want to be, I don’t (Cm)want to (Bb)be an y (Ab)thing, an y thing (Eb)oth er than me.

I don’t want to be,

I (Eb)don’t want to be, I don’t (Cm)want to (Bb)be an y (Ab)thing, an y thing (Eb)oth er than me.

I Don't Want To Be by Gavin DeGraw — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “I Don't Want To Be” by Gavin DeGraw 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 Ab at 76 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 "I Don't Want To Be" 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 Don't Want To Be"?: 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 Don't Want To Be" use?: Just 10 chords: Ab, Bb, Bbpow, C9, Cm, Cpow, Eb, F, +2 more. Take it one section at a time.
What other Gavin DeGraw songs work for kids?: Try "NOT OVER YOU". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.