If You Could Read My Mind

by Johnny Cash

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Lyrics

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

Just like an old per time mov ie ’bout a ghost from a wish in’ well.

In a cas tle dark,

or a for tress strong with (E)chains ro a round my feet.

You (D)know that ghost is (A)me.

And (D)I will nev er be (Amaj7)be set free as (Bm7)long as there’s a (E)ghost that you can’t see.

If I could read your mind, love, what a tale your thoughts would tell.

Just like a old per time nov el, ’bout the kind that a drug stores sell.

When you reach the part

where the heart aches come, the (E)he ro up would be me.

But (D)he roes of ten (A)fail,

and (D)you won’t read that be (Amaj7)book a gain be (Bm7)cause the end ing’s (E)just too hard to take.

I’d walk a way

like a mov ie star who gets (E)burned in a three way script.

(D)En ter num ber two:

a (D)mov ie queen to (Amaj7)play the scene of (Bm7)bring in’ all the (E)good things out in me.

But for (D)now, love,

let’s be (A)real.

I (D)nev er thought I could (Amaj7)act this way and I’ve (Bm7)got to say that I (E)just don’t get it.

I don’t know where (Amaj7)we went wrong, but the (Bm7)feel ing’s gone and I (E)just can’t get it back.

(E)try in’ to un der stand

the (D)feel ings

that you (A)lack.

I (D)nev er thought I could (Amaj7)feel this way, and I’ve (Bm7)got to say that I (E)just don’t get it.

I don’t know where (Amaj7)we went wrong, but the (Bm7)feel ing’s gone and I (E)just can’t get it back.

If You Could Read My Mind by Johnny Cash — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “If You Could Read My Mind” by Johnny Cash 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 120 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 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 8 chords: A, A7, Amaj7, Bm7, D, E, F#m, Gmaj9. Take it one section at a time.
What other Johnny Cash songs work for kids?
Try "GOD'S GONNA CUT YOU DOWN", "HELP ME", "WHEN HE REACHED DOWN HIS HAND FOR ME". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.