I Want To Know What Love Is

by Mariah Carey

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Lyrics

I got ta take a lit tle time,

a lit tle (Gm7)time to think things o ver.

I bet ter read be tween the lines

in case I (Gm7)need it when I’m (Dm)old er.

In my (Gm7)life

there’s been (C)heart ache and (Gm7)pain.

I don’t know if I can (C)face (Gm7)it a gain.

Can’t stop now; I’ve (C)trav eled so far to (Bb)change (F)this (Gm7)lone ly (Bb)life.

I want to know what love is.

I want you (Dm7)to show me.

I want to feel what love is.

I know you (Dm7)can show me.

I’m gon na take a lit tle time,

a lit tle (Gm7)time to look a round me.

I I’ve got no where left to hide;

it looks like (Gm7)love has fi n’lly (Dm)found me.

In my (Gm7)life

there’s been (C)heart ache and (Gm7)pain.

I don’t know if I can (C)face (Gm7)it a gain.

Can’t stop now; I’ve (C)trav eled so far to (Bb)change (F)this (Gm7)lone ly (Bb)life.

I want to know what love is.

I want you (Dm7)to show me.

I want to feel what love is.

I know you (Dm7)can show me.

me, show me.

I want to know.

Woh, oh, (CN.C.)oh, (E)oh.

I want to know what love is.

I want you (C#m7)to show me.

I want to feel what love is.

I know you (C#m7)can show me.

Oh, yeah.

Oh, yeah.

Oh, oh, oh, (E)oh.

I want to know what love is.

I want you (C#m7)to show me.

I want to feel what love is.

I know you (C#m7)can show me.

Oh, yeah.

Oh, yeah.

Oh, oh, oh,

I Want To Know What Love Is by Mariah Carey — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “I Want To Know What Love Is” by Mariah Carey 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 100 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 Want To Know What Love Is" 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 Want To Know What Love Is"?
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 Want To Know What Love Is" use?
Just 12 chords: A, B, Bb, C, C#m7, Csus2, Dm, Dm7, +4 more. Take it one section at a time.
What other Mariah Carey songs work for kids?
Try "THANK GOD I FOUND YOU", "ALWAYS BE MY BABY", "MY ALL". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.