Just Once (Feat. James Ingram)

by Quincy Jones

🎹 Loading song
Preparing player…
1
—
Play in Full ModesMore Songs for Kids

Lyrics

I did my (F)best, but I (Em7)guess my best was n’t (Am7)good e nough, ’cause (G)here we are back where we were be (Am7)fore.

Seems (Dm)noth ing ev er (Gsus)chang es, (G)we’re (Am)back to be ing strang ers, and it (C)won d’ring if we ought to stay or (F)head on out the (G)door.

Just (G)once, can’t we (C7)fig ure out what we’ve been do ing (Fmaj7)wrong?

(G)Why we nev er last for ver y (Am7)long?

What are we (Dm7)do ing wrong?

Just (G)once, can’t we (C7)find a way to fi n’lly make it (Fmaj7)right?

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

If (Dm7)we could just get to it, I (F)know we could break through it.

I gave my (F)all, but I (Em7)think my all may have (Am7)been too much, ’cause (G)Lord knows, we’re not get ting an y (Am7)where.

It (Dm)seems we’re al ways (Gsus)blow in’ (G)what (Am)ev er we’ve got go in’, and it (C)seems at times with all we’ve got, we (F)have n’t got a (G)prayer.

Just (G)once, can’t we (C7)fig ure out what we’ve been do ing (Fmaj7)wrong?

(G)Why the good times nev er last for (Am7)long?

Where are we (Dm7)go ing wrong?

Just (G)once, can’t we (C7)find a way to fi n’lly make it (Fmaj7)right?

To (G)make the mag ic last for more than (Em7)just one (Am)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

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

(B)Why

can’t we get our (G#m)selves in hand

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

Take the best and (B)make it bet ter, (A7)find a way to stay to geth er.

Just (A)once, can’t we (D7)find a way to fi n’lly make it (Gmaj7)right?

To (A)make the mag ic last for more than (F#m7)just one (Bm)night?

I (Em7)know we could break through it if (G)we could just get to it just (D)once.

Just Once (Feat. James Ingram) by Quincy Jones — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “Just Once (Feat. James Ingram)” by Quincy Jones 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 80 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 "Just Once (Feat. James Ingram)" 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 (Feat. James Ingram)"?
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 Quincy Jones songs work for kids?
Try "THE SECRET GARDEN", "Soul Bossa Nova". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.