Real Love

by Michael McDonald

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Lyrics

(Dm7)Dar (C)lin’, I know I’m just an oth er (Bbmaj9)head (Bb6)on your pil low.

If (B)on ly (A7)just to (Dm7)night, girl,

let me hear you (Bbmaj9)lie just a lit tle.

(B)Tell me (A7)I’m the (Dm7)on ly man

that you ev er (Bbmaj9)real ly loved.

Hon ey, take (Bb)me

back in my mem o ry, place when it was all ver ry right,

so ver y (F6/9)nice,

so ver y nice.

(F6/9)Here, dar lin’,

stands an oth er (Bbmaj7)ban dit want ing you.

In (F#dim7)and out (Gm7)your life,

they (Bbmaj7)come and they (Bb)go.

Your days and nights like a (F6/9)wheel that turns, grind in’ down a se cret part of you,

deep (F#dim7)in side (Gm7)your heart,

that no bod y (Bb)knows.

When you (F#dim7)say (Gm7)com fort me

to an (C#dim7)y (Dm7)one who ap proach es,

(Gm7)chalk in’ up the hurt,

(Gm7)you live (C#dim7)and (Dm7)you learn.

(Dm7)Well, we’ve (Cm7)both lived long e nough to know, that we’d trade it (Bbmaj9)all right now for (B)just one (A7)min ute of real (C)love,

(Bbmaj9)real (Bb6)love.

(Dm7)Real (C)love, I need to be lieve in (Bbmaj9)real love,

(B)real love, (A7)ba by, (Dm7)real (C)love,

real love, dar lin’, (Bbmaj9)real love.

When you (F#dim7)say (Gm7)com (B)just one (A7)min ute of (Ab13)real (Gm7)love,

(Dm7)real (C)love,

(Bbmaj9)real love,

(Dm7)real (C)love,

(Bbmaj9)real love.

(Dm7)real (C)love,

(Bbmaj9)real love.

(Dm7)real (C)love.

Real Love by Michael McDonald — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “Real Love” by Michael McDonald 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 120 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 "Real Love" 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 "Real Love"?
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 "Real Love" use?
Just 16 chords: A7, Abdom, Bb, Bb6, Bbmaj7, Bbmaj9, Bm7, C, +8 more. Take it one section at a time.
What other Michael McDonald songs work for kids?
Try "REFLECTIONS", "I BELIEVE", "FOR ONCE IN MY LIFE". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.