I Need To Know

by Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers

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Lyrics

Well, the (D)talk on the street says you (D)might go for so lo.

A good friend of mine den it’s saw you leav in’ by your (Dsus)back door.

I need to (E)know.

(I need to know.) I need to (D)know.

(I need to know.) If you (C)think you’re gon na leave, then you (D)bet ter say so.

I need to (E)know.

(I need to know.) I need to (D)know.

(I need to know.) ’Cause I (C)don’t know how long

(Dsus)I can hold (D)on.

If you’re (C)mak in’ me wait,

if you’re (Dsus)lead in’ (D)me on,

I need to (E)know.

(I need to know.)

I need to (E)know.

(I need to know.)

(D)Who would a thought that you’d (D)might fall for his line.

A All of a sud den it’s saw me leav in’ on the (Dsus)out side.

I need to (E)know.

(I need to know.) I need to (D)know.

(I need to know.) If you (C)think you’re gon na leave, then you (D)bet ter say so.

I need to (E)know.

(I need to know.) I need to (D)know.

(I need to know.) ’Cause I (C)don’t know how long

(Dsus)I can hold (D)on.

If you’re (C)mak in’ me wait,

if you’re (Dsus)lead in’ (D)me on,

I need to (E)know.

(I need to know.)

I need to (E)know.

(I need to know.)

I need to (E)know.

I need to (E)know.

I need to (E)know.

I Need To Know by Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “I Need To Know” by Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers 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 E at 120 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 Need To Know" 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 Need To Know"?
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 Need To Know" use?
Just 7 chords: A7, B7, C, D, Dsus4, E, E7. Take it one section at a time.
What other Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers songs work for kids?
Try "HERE COMES MY GIRL", "DON'T DO ME LIKE THAT", "REFUGEE". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.