If You Know What I Mean

by Neil Diamond

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Lyrics

When the night re (A)turns just like a (D)friend,

when the eve ning (A7)comes to set me free,

when the qui et (A7)hours that wait be (Bm)yond (Dmaj7)the (G)day (D)make peace ful (Em7)sounds in me.

Took a drag from my (A)last cig a rette,

took a drink from a (A7)glass of old (D)wine.

I closed my (A7)eyes, and I could (Bm)make (Dmaj7)it (G)real (D)and

feel it (Em7)one more time.

Can you (Bm)hear it babe?

Can you (A)hear it babe?

It From an (Em)oth er time,

it from an (D)oth er place,

do (D)you re (A)mem ber it babe?

And the ra di o played like a car ni val (Em7)tune as we lay in our bed in the oth er (D)room, when we gave it a way for the sake of a (G)dream in a pen ny ar (G)cade,

if you know what I (D)mean.

Here’s to the (A)songs we used to (D)sing,

and here’s to the (A7)times we used to know.

It’s hard to (A7)hold them in our (Bm)arms (Dmaj7)a (G)gain (D)but

hard to (Em7)let them go.

Do you (D)mean.

If you know what I (D)mean.

If you know what I (D)mean.

If you know what I (D)mean.

If You Know What I Mean by Neil Diamond — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “If You Know What I Mean” by Neil Diamond 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 D at 100 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 Know What I Mean" 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 Know What I Mean"?
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 Know What I Mean" use?
Just 10 chords: A, A6, A7, Bm, D, Dmaj7, Em, Em7, +2 more. Take it one section at a time.
What other Neil Diamond songs work for kids?
Try "ALONE AGAIN NATURALLY", "I AM...I SAID", "HELLO AGAIN". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.