Just Once

by Quincy Jones featuring James Ingram

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Lyrics

I did my (Fmaj7)best,

but I (Em7)guess my best was n’t good e nough ’cause (Dm7)here we are, back (G)where we were be fore.

Seems (Dm7)noth ing ev er chang es,

we’re (Am)back to be ing stran go gers, and it (Dm7)won d’ring if we ought to stay or (F)head on out the door.

Just (G)once

can’t we (Gm7)fig ure out what we keep do in’ (Fmaj7)wrong?

(Dm7)Why we nev er last for ver y long?

(Am)What are we do in’ wrong?

Just (G)once

can’t we (Gm7)find a way to fi n’lly make it (Fmaj7)right?

To (Dm7)make the mag ic last for more than (Em7)just one night?

If (Dm7)we could just get to it,

I (F)know we could break through it.

I gave my (Fmaj7)all,

but I (Em7)think my all may have been too much ’cause (Dm7)Lord knows we’re not (G)get ting an y where.

It (Dm7)seems we’re al ways blow in’

what (Am)ev er we’ve got stran go in’, and it (Dm7)seems at times with all we’ve got we (F)have n’t got a prayer.

Just (G)once

can’t we (Gm7)fig ure out what we keep do in’ (Fmaj7)wrong?

(Dm7)Why the good times nev er last for long?

(Am)Where are we go in’ wrong?

Just (G)once

can’t we (Gm7)find a way to fi n’lly make it (Fmaj7)right?

To (Dm7)make the mag ic last for more than (Em7)just one night?

I (Dm7)know we could break through it

if (F)know we could break through it.

(F)we could just get to it.

Just (Ab)once

I want to (Fm7)un der stand

(Bbm7)why it al ways (Db)comes back to good (Ab)bye.

(B)Why

can’t we get our (G#m7)selves in hand

(C#m7)and ad mit to (B)one an oth er (E)we’re no good with out each oth er,

take the best and make it bet ter,

(Em7)find a way to stay to geth (A)er?

Just (A)once

can’t we (Am7)find a way to fi n’lly make it (Gmaj7)right?

Oh,

(D)to (Em7)make the mag ic last for more than (F#m7)just one night?

I (Em7)know we could break through it

if (G)we could just get to it just (D)once.

Whoa,

we can (Gm)get to it

just (D)once.

Just Once by Quincy Jones featuring James Ingram — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “Just Once” by Quincy Jones featuring James Ingram 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 C at 52 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 "Just Once" 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 "Just Once"?
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 "Just Once" use?
Just 33 chords: A, Ab, Am, Am7, Am9, B, Bbm7, Bm, +25 more. Take it one section at a time.