Separate Lives

· by Phil Collins

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Lyrics

You (A)called me from the room

in your ho (E)tel,

(C#m7)all full of ro mance

for some one that you (E)met,

and (A6/9)tell ing me

how (A)sor ry you were

(E)leav ing so soon

and that you (A)miss me some times

when you’re a (F#m)lone in your room.

Do (Esus)I feel lone ly, too?

You have no right

to ask me how I (E)feel.

You have no right

to speak to me so (B7)kind.

I (F#m)can’t (E)go on

just (B7sus)hold ing on to ties,

(E)now that we’re (F#m7)liv ing, liv ing

sep ’rate lives.

Well, I held on

to let you go,

and if you lost your love for me,

will you nev er let it (F#m7)show?

There (F#m)was no way

to (B7)com pro mise,

And (E)so now we’re (F#m7)liv ing, liv ing sep ’rate lives.

(A)Ooh,

it’s so (E)typ i cal

love (F#m7)leads to (C#m7)i so la (A)tion.

So you (F#m7)build that wall, Build that wall,

yes, you (A)build that wall build that wall.

and you make it (C#m7)strong er.

Well, (B7sus)you have no right

to ask me how I (E)feel.

You have no right

to speak to me so (B)kind.

Some (F#m)day (E)I might

find my self (B7sus)look ing in your (E)eyes,

but for (F#m7)now we’ll go on (B7)liv ing sep ’rate (E)lives.

Yes, for (F#m7)now we’ll (C#m7)go on (Am6)liv ing (B)sep ’rate (C#m7)lives.

(E)Ah.

Ah.

(E)Ah.

Sep ’rate (E)lives.

Separate Lives by Phil Collins — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “Separate Lives” by Phil Collins 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 E at 100 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 "Separate Lives" 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 "Separate Lives"?: 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 "Separate Lives" use?: Just 18 chords: A, A6, Am6, Am9, Amaj9, B, B7, Bsus4, +10 more. Take it one section at a time.
What other Phil Collins songs work for kids?: Try "TRASHIN' THE CAMP", "TRASHIN' THE CAMP", "CAN'T STOP LOVING YOU". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.