If I Had Only Known

by Reba McEntire

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Lyrics

If I had (E)on ly (A)known

it was the (Bm7)last walk in the rain,

I’d (E7)keep you out for hours you in the (A)storm.

And I would (E)hold your (A)hand

like a (Bm7)life line to my heart; and (A)un der neath the thun der we’d (F#m)be warm.

If (A)I had on ly known

it was our last walk (E7)in the (A)rain.

If I had (E)on ly (A)known

I’d nev er (Bm7)hear your voice a gain,

I’d (E7)mem o rize each thing you ev er (A)said.

And all those (E)lone ly (A)nights,

I can (Bm7)think of them once more, and (A)keep your words a live in side (F#m)my head.

If (A)I had on ly known

I’d nev er hear your (E7)voice a (A)gain.

If I had

You were the (E)treas ure in my hand.

You were the (E)one who al ways stood be side me, so un a (A)ware how I’d (Cdim7)fool ish ly be lieved that you would (Bm7)al ways be there.

But (Asus2)then there came a day, and I turned my head,

and (Bm7)you slipped a (E)way.

If I had (E)on ly (A)known

it was my (Bm7)last night by your side,

I’d (A)pray a mir a (Bm7)cle would (E7)stop the (A)dawn.

And when you (E)smiled at (A)me,

I would (Bm7)look in to your eyes

and make (A)sure you knew my (Fdim)love for you goes (F#m7)on and on.

If I had on ly known,

if (A)I had on ly known,

oh, the (A)love I would have shown,

if (E7)I had on ly (CN.C.)known.

If I Had Only Known by Reba McEntire — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “If I Had Only Known” by Reba McEntire 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 A 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 "If I Had Only Known" 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 "If I Had Only Known"?
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 "If I Had Only Known" use?
Just 13 chords: A, Asus2, B7, Bm7, C, Cdim7, D, D#m7, +5 more. Take it one section at a time.
What other Reba McEntire songs work for kids?
Try "MY SISTER", "THE HEART IS A LONELY HUNTER", "THE GREATEST MAN I NEVER KNEW". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.