Not A Common Man

by Duncan Sheik

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Lyrics

Look at (Gsus2)his t’ry, o pen (Dsus2)the books.

There are stat ues with (Bbsus2)great looks.

There are gods, there are (Dsus2)kings; I’m pret ty sure I’m the (Bbsus2)same thing.

Be yond bound ’ries, be yond (Dsus2)rules; I’ve been (Fsus2)taught in the best (Bbsus2)schools.

There is lit tle I won’t (Dsus2)do.

Is the same thing true of (Bbsus2)you?

I am need ing

so much more;

ev ’ry (Gm)pleas ure

is a bore.

I am some thing

oth er than

a com mon man;

I’m not a com mon man.

I do sus (C)pect

I’m one of (Gm13)few.

I can show you some thing (G5)new.

All the con (C)straints,

they are long (Gm13)gone.

I’ll con fess no in ter est in (G5)right and wrong.

I am need ing

so much more;

ev ’ry (Gm)pleas ure

is a bore.

I am some thing

oth er than

a com mon man;

I’m not a com mon man.

I am greed y,

you’re a whore.

What’s the dif f’rence?

Who’s keep ing score?

There’s no (C)rea son

to be fair;

it does n’t mat ter

if you’re not there.

Are you los ing

too much (Ebsus2)blood?

Let it flow;

let it flood.

Just keep (C)breath ing

if you (Ebsus2)can,

and you will see I’m not a com mon man.

I am (C)need ing

so much more;

ev ’ry (Eb5)pleas ure

is a bore.

I am (C)some thing

oth er than

a com mon (Eb5)man;

I’m not a com mon man.

I am (C)need ing

so much more;

ev ’ry (Eb5)pleas ure

is a bore.

I am (C)some thing

oth er than

a com mon (Eb5)man;

I’m not a com mon man.

Not A Common Man by Duncan Sheik — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “Not A Common Man” by Duncan Sheik 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 G at 92 BPM, a slightly more challenging arrangement — practice each phrase slowly first.

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 "Not A Common Man" 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 "Not A Common Man"?
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 "Not A Common Man" use?
Just 15 chords: Am9, Bbmaj7, Bbmaj9, Bbsus2, C, Cpow, Dsus2, Ebpow, +7 more. Take it one section at a time.
What other Duncan Sheik songs work for kids?
Try "BARELY BREATHING", "TOUCH ME", "DON'T DO SADNESS/BLUE WIND". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.