If I Only Had The Nerve

· by Harold Arlen

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Lyrics

(CN.C.)Yeah, it’s (Eb)sad, be lieve me, mis sy, when you’re (Bb7)born to be a sis sy with (Eb)out the vim and verve.

But I (Fm7)could show my pro wess, be a (Bb7)li on, not a mou ess if I (CN.C.)on ly had the nerve.

I’m a (Eb)- fraid there’s no de ny in’: when I’m (Bb7)just a dan de li on, a (Eb)fate I don’t de serve.

I’d be (Fm7)brave as a bliz zard.

I’d be (Bb7)gen tle as a li zard.

I’d be (CN.C.)on ly had the nerve.

I’m a (Fm)clev er as a giz zard.

If the (Bb7)Wizard is Wizard (Ab)who will (Cm)serve.

Then I’m sure to get a (Eb)brain.

A heart.

A home.

The nerve!

Oh.

We’re (Fm)off to see the Wi zard, the (Ab)won der ful Wi zard of Oz.

We (Db)hear he is a whiz of a wiz if (Eb)ev er a wiz there was.

If (Fm)ev er, oh ev er, a wiz there was, the (Ab)Wi zard of Oz is one be cause, be (Db)cause, be cause, be cause, be cause, be (Bb)cause,

be (Eb7)cause of the won der ful things he does.

We’re (Fm)off to see the Wi zard, the (Ab)won der ful Wi zard of Oz!

If I Only Had The Nerve by Harold Arlen — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “If I Only Had The Nerve” 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 The Nerve" 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 The Nerve"?: 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.