If I Only Had A Brain

by Harold Arlen

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Lyrics

I could (F)wile a way the hours tle, when con (Gm)fer rin’ with the flow ers, con (F)sult in’ with the rain.

And my (Gm)head I’d be scratch in’ while my (C7)thoughts were bu sy hatch in’, if I (F)on ly had a brain.

I’d un rav el ev ’ry rid dle for (Gm)an y in di vid dle in (F)trou ble or in pain.

With the (Gm)thoughts I’d be think in’, I could (C7)be an oth er Lin coln, if I (F)on ly had a brain.

Oh, Pic ture (Bb)I

could tell you (Am)why

(D7)the (Gm)o cean’s (Cm)near the (Fmaj7)shore.

I could (Em)think of things I (A7)nev er thunk be (Dm)fore,

and then I’d (G)sit

and think some (C7)more.

I would (F)not be just a nuff in’, my (Gm)head all full of stuff in’, my (F)heart all full of pain.

And per (Gm)haps I’d de serve you and be (C7)e ven wor thy erv you, if I (F)on ly had a brain.

When a (F)man’s an emp ty ket sy, when he (Gm)should be on his met tle, and (F)yet I’m torn a part.

Just be (Gm)cause I’m pre sum in’ that I (C7)could be kind a hu man, if I (F)on ly had a heart.

I’d be ten der, I’d be gen tle and (Gm)aw ful sen ti men tal re (F)gard ing love and art.

I’d be (Gm)friends with the spar rows and the (C7)boy that shoots the ar rows, if I (F)on ly had a heart.

Oh, Pic ture (Bb)me

a bal co (Am)ny.

(D7)A (Gm)bove a (Cm)voice sings (Fmaj7)low,

“Where fore (Em)art the thou, I (A7)Ro er me be (Dm)o.”

I hear a (G)beat.

and How some (C7)sweet!

Just to (F)reg is ter e mo tion, who’s (Gm)jeal ous y, de vo tion, and (F)real ly feel the part.

I would (Gm)stay young and chip per and I’d (C7)lock it with a zip per, if I (F)on ly had a heart.

Life is

If I Only Had A Brain by Harold Arlen — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “If I Only Had A Brain” by Harold Arlen 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 112 BPM, a slightly more challenging arrangement — practice each phrase slowly first.

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 Only Had A Brain" 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 Only Had A Brain"?
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.