I Know Things Now (Film Version)

by Stephen Sondheim

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Lyrics

Moth er said, “Straight a head!” Not to de lay Or be mis led.

I should have heed ed her ad vice...

But he seemed so nice.

And he showed me things, Man y beau ti ful things, That I had n’t thought to ex plore.

They were off my path, So I nev er had dared, I had been so care ful I nev er had cared.

And he made me feel ex cit ed— Well, ex cit ed and scared.

When he said, “Come in!” With that sick en ing grin, How could I know what was in store?

Once his teeth were bared, Though, I real ly got scared— Well, ex cit ed and scared.

But he drew me close And he swal lowed me down, Down a dark, slim y path Where lie se crets that I nev er want to know.

And when ev ’ry thing fa mil iar Seemed to dis ap pear for ev er, At the end of the path Was Gran ny once a gain.

So we lay in the dark Till you came and set us free, And you brought us to the light, And we’re back at the start.

And I know things now, Man y val ua ble things, That I had n’t known be fore:

Do not put your faith In a cape and a hood, They will not pro tect you The way that they should.

And take ex tra care with stran gers— E ven flow ers have their dan gers.

And though scar y is ex cit ing, Nice is dif f’rent than good.

Now I know: Don’t be scared.

Gran ny is right, Just be pre pared.

Is n’t it nice to know a lot?

And a lit tle bit not...

I Know Things Now (Film Version) by Stephen Sondheim — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “I Know Things Now (Film Version) by Stephen Sondheim 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 C at 112 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 Know Things Now (Film Version)" 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 Know Things Now (Film Version)"?
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.
What other Stephen Sondheim songs work for kids?
Try "LOSING MY MIND", "Agony (Film Version)", "Any Moment - Part I". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.