If I Only Had A Heart

· by Harold Arlen

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Lyrics

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

Just be (Abmaj7)cause I’m pre sum in’ that I (Bb7)could be kind and hu man if I (Eb)on ly had a heart.

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

I’d be (Abmaj7)friends with the spar rows and the (Bb7)boy that shoots the ar rows if I (Eb)on ly had a heart.

I’d be

Pic ture (Adim)me

a bal co (C)ny

a (Bb)bove a voice sings (Eb6)low:

(Where (Dm7)art Ro (G7)me o?)

I hear a (Eb6)beat,

how sweet!

Just to (Eb)re gis ter e mo tion, jea lou sy, de vo tion and real ly feel the part.

I could (Abmaj7)stay young and chip per and I’d (Bb7)lock it with a zip per if I (Eb)on ly had a heart.

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

This page shows “If I Only Had A Heart” 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 Ab at 165 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 "If I Only Had A Heart" 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 Heart"?: 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 Harold Arlen songs work for kids?: Try "OVER THE RAINBOW", "Over The Rainbow", "A Sleepin' Bee". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.