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If You Could Read My Mind

· by Gordon Lightfoot

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Lyrics

If you could (G)read my mind, love, what a tale my thoughts could tell.

Just like an (G)old per time mo vie, ’bout a ghost from a wish ing well.

In a cas tle (G)dark

or a (C)for tress strong, with (D)chains up on my (Em)feet.

You (C)know that ghost is (G)me.

And (C)I will nev er (G)be set free as (A7sus4)long as I’m a (D)ghost that you can’t (G)see.

If I could (G)read your mind, love, what a tale your thoughts could tell.

Just like a (G)old per time nov el, the kind ghost the a drug stores sell.

Then you reached the (G)part

where the (C)heart aches come, the (D)he ro would be (Em)me.

But (C)he ros of ten (G)fail,

and (C)you won’t read that (G)book a gain be (A7sus4)cause the end ing’s (D)just too hard to (G)take.

I’d walk a way

like a (C)mov ie star who gets (D)burned in a three way (Em)script.

(C)En ter num ber (G)two:

a (C)mov ie queen to (G)play the scene of (A7sus4)bring ing all the (D)good things out of (Em)me.

But for (C)now, love, let’s be (G)real;

I (C)nev er thought I could (G)feel this way and I’ve (A7sus4)got to say that I (D)just don’t get it.

I don’t know where (G)we went wrong, but the (A7sus4)feel in’s gone and I (D)just can’t get it back.

(Em)feet.

But (C)sto ries al ways (G)end,

and (C)if you read be (G)tween the lines, you’d (A7sus4)know that I’m just (D)tryin’ to un der (Em)stand

the (C)feel in’s that you (G)lack.

I (C)nev er thought I could (G)feel this way and I’ve (A7sus4)got to say that I (D)just don’t get it.

I don’t know where (G)we went wrong, but the (A7sus4)feel in’s gone and I (D)just can’t get it back!

If You Could Read My Mind by Gordon Lightfoot — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “If You Could Read My Mind” by Gordon Lightfoot 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 115 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 You Could Read My Mind" 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 You Could Read My Mind"?: 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 You Could Read My Mind" use?: Just 10 chords: A, A7, Bsus4, C, D, Dm6, E, Em, +2 more. Take it one section at a time.
What other Gordon Lightfoot songs work for kids?: Try "SUNDOWN", "CAREFREE HIGHWAY", "Song For A Winter's Night". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.