Once Upon Another Time

by Sara Bareilles

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Lyrics

Mm.

Mm.

Mm.

Mm.

Once up on

an oth er time,

some bod yโ€™s hands

who felt like mine

turned the key

and took a drive,

was free.

High way curved,

the sun sank low.

Buck ley on

the ra di o.

The cig a rette

was burn ing slow.

So breathe.

Just yel low lines

and tire marks,

and sun kissed skin

and han dle bars.

And where I stood

was where I was

to be.

No en e mies

to call my own.

No porch light on

to pull me home.

And where I was

is beau ti ful

be cause

I was

free.

Mm.

(D5)Once up on

an oth er time

be fore I knew which life was mine,

be fore I left the child be hind

me,

I (D5)saw my self in sum mer nights,

and (Bm)stars lit up like can dle light.

I (G)make my wish but (A7sus4)most ly I

be (Bm)lieved

in (D)yel low lines

and (Bm)tire marks,

(Em)sun kissed skin and (A)han dle bars.

And (D)where I stood was (Bm)where I was

to (Em)be.

(D)Once up on an (Bm)oth er time,

de (Em)cid ed noth ing (A)good in dy ing.

So (D)I would just, Iโ€™d (Bm)keep on driv ing be (Em)cause

I (E)was

free.

Mm.

Mm.

Mm.

Once Upon Another Time by Sara Bareilles โ€” Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows โ€œOnce Upon Another Timeโ€ by Sara Bareilles in our color-coded kid songbook view โ€” 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 60 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 โ€” 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 "Once Upon Another Time" good for a child learning piano?
Yes โ€” 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 "Once Upon Another Time"?
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 โ€” 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 โ€” tap "Download Sheet Music" above for a free printable PDF with the same color-coded notes that appear on screen.
How many chords does "Once Upon Another Time" use?
Just 9 chords: A, A7, Bm, D, Dpow, Edim7, Em, G, +1 more. Take it one section at a time.
What other Sara Bareilles songs work for kids?
Try "Vegas", "Hold My Heart", "1000 TIMES". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.