San Francisco

· by Vanessa Carlton

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Lyrics

I,

is I ing know what you did,

He like a the boy of sum mer gives his first kiss.

Love

is danc ing on my fin ger.

He got to the heart of the mat ter and lin gered.

(C)Now,

I’m walk ing with the liv ing.

I al ways liked (Asus)Stein (Am)beck (Asus2)and (Am)those

(Gsus)old (G)men (Gsus2)whis (G)tling.

We’re (Fsus2)back,

we’re back in San Fran cis (A5)co.

We’re (Fsus2)back,

and you (G5)tell me I am home.

(C)Talk ing in the (G6)Mis (G)sion

(G)o ver (Asus)cof (Am)fee; (Asus2)this (Am)is my u (Gsus)to (G)pia.

(C)Man,

(C)I’ll be your la dy.

(G)As the (Asus)o (Am)cean (Asus2)ris (Am)es,

the (Gsus)sun (G)is (Gsus2)fad (G)ing.

We’re (Fsus2)back,

we’re back in San Fran cis (A5)co.

We’re (Fsus2)back,

we’re back in San Fran cis (A5)co.

We’re back,

we’re back in San Fran...

And (F)now,

I feel the ev er (C6)af (C)ter

(C)o ver (Dsus)red (Dm)wine (Dsus2)on (Dm)the eve of (Csus)sum (C)mer.

The (F)buzz,

the buzz of the cit y

(C)as we (Dsus)set (Dm)tle (Dsus2)in (Dm)its

(Csus)maj (C)es (Csus2)ty...

(C)I,

I know what (G)you did,

like a (Am)boy of sum mer gives his (Gsus)first (G)kiss.

We’re (F5)back,

we’re back in San Fran cis (A5)co.

We’re (F5)back,

and you (G5)tell me I am home.

You tell me I am (Fsus2)(Ah.) home...

You tell me I am (Fsus2)(Ah.) home...

(Am)You tell me I am (Fsus2)home, (Ah.)

(G5)back in San Fran cis co.

And I know what (F)you did

in San Fran cis co.

(C)I know what (F)you did

in San Fran cis co,

(C)San Fran cis co.

San Francisco by Vanessa Carlton — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “San Francisco” by Vanessa Carlton 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 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 "San Francisco" 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 "San Francisco"?: 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 "San Francisco" use?: Just 20 chords: Am, Apow, Asus2, Asus4, C, C6, Csus2, Csus4, +12 more. Take it one section at a time.
What other Vanessa Carlton songs work for kids?: Try "ANNIE", "WHO'S TO SAY", "CAROUSEL". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.