Minute By Minute

by The Doobie Brothers

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Lyrics

Hey, don’t wor just to I’ve been lied to.

I’ve been there man y times be fore.

Girl, don’t you (F13sus)wor ry; of I know where I (F13)stand.

I don’t need this (Am)love; ed, like I don’t need your (Dm7)hand.

I know I (Gb7)could (F13sus)turn,

think ing you’d be (F13)gone,

that I must be pre (Am)pared

an y time to car ry (Dm7)on,

but (Fmaj9)(min ute by min ute by (Dm7)min ute by min ute) I keep hold ing on.

(I’ll be hold ing on,

(Bm11)I’ll (Bb9)be hold (Am7)ing (Fmaj9)on.) ute by min ute by min ute by min ute) I keep hold ing on.

You would stay just to watch me, dar ling,

wilt a way of y lies from you.

Can’t stop the (F13sus)hab ry; of liv ing on the (F13)run.

Take it all for (Am)love; ed, like you’re the on ly (Dm7)one.

Liv ing on (Gb7)my (F13sus)own,

some how that sounds (F13)nice.

that You think I’m your (Am)fool;

well, y you may just be (Dm7)right,

’cause (Fmaj9)(min ute by min ute by (Dm7)min ute by min ute) I keep hold ing on.

(I’ll be hold ing on,

(Bm11)I’ll (Bb9)be hold (Am7)ing (Fmaj9)on.) ute by min ute by min ute by min ute) I keep hold ing on.

(Bm11)I (Bb9)keep hold (Am7)ing (Dm7)on.

Call my name and I’ll be gone.

You reach out and I won’t be there.

(Am7)Just my luck, you’ll re al ize

you should spend your life

with some one.

You could spend your life with (F#m7)some

(D)one.

(Cmaj9)(Min ute by min ute by (Am7)min ute by min ute) I’ll be hold ing on.

(Cmaj9)(Min ute by min ute by (Am7)min ute by min ute) I’ll be hold ing on.

Minute By Minute by The Doobie Brothers — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “Minute By Minute” by The Doobie Brothers 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 99 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 "Minute By Minute" 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 "Minute By Minute"?
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 "Minute By Minute" use?
Just 27 chords: Am, Am7, Bb9, Bm7, Bmin, C, C#dim7, Cmaj7, +19 more. Take it one section at a time.
What other The Doobie Brothers songs work for kids?
Try "WHAT A FOOL BELIEVES", "BLACK WATER", "YOU BELONG TO ME". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.