Should've Known Better

· by Richard Marx

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Lyrics

An oth er sleep less night I (Cm7)can’t (Bb)ex plain.

Some bod y said they heard me (Eb)call (Bb)your name.

(Bb)The ra di o won’t let you (Bb)leave (Ab)my mind.

(Bb)I know it’s o ver, but I (Bb)don’t (Ab)know driv why.

me in sane.

I should ’ve known bet ter

than to fall in love with (Bb)you.

Now (Fm11)love is just a fad ed mem o ry.

Should ’ve known bet ter.

Now I’m a pris ’ner to this (Bb)pain.

And (Gm7)my (Fm9)heart (Bb)still (Fm7)aches (Ab)for (Cm7)you.

Ooh.

I There was no risk that I (Cm7)would (Bb)n’t take,

and not a prom ise that I (Eb)did (Bb)n’t make.

(Bb)The All I asked was that you (Bb)just (Ab)hold on.

(Bb)And now I’m won der ing what (Bb)I (Ab)did driv wrong.

me in sane.

I should ’ve known bet ter

than to fall in love with (Bb)you.

Now (Fm11)love is just a fad ed mem o ry.

Should ’ve known bet ter.

Now I’m a pris ’ner to this (Bb)pain.

And (Gm7)my (Fm9)heart (Bb)still (Fm7)aches (Ab)for (Cm7)you.

Ooh.

(Fm7)aches (Ab)for you.

I gave you all of my (Ab)bod y and soul,

(Ab)nev er be liev ing we (Ab)might lose con trol.

(Ab)I took my hands off the (Ab)wheel.

(Fm7)aches (Ab)for (Ebsus)you.

I should ’ve known bet ter

than to fall in love with (Bb)you.

Now (Fm11)love is just a fad ed mem o ry.

Should ’ve known bet ter.

Now I’m a pris ’ner to this (Bb)pain.

And (Gm7)my (Fm9)heart (Bb)still (Fm7)aches (Ab)for (Ebsus)you.

I should ’ve known bet ter

than to fall in love with (Bb)you.

Now (Fm11)love is just a fad ed mem o ry.

Should ’ve known bet ter.

Now I’m a pris ’ner to this (Bb)pain.

And (Gm7)my (Fm9)heart (Bb)still (Fm7)aches (Ab)for (Cm7)you.

Should've Known Better by Richard Marx — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “Should've Known Better” by Richard Marx 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 F 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 "Should've Known Better" 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 "Should've Known Better"?: 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 "Should've Known Better" use?: Just 15 chords: Ab, Abmaj, Abmaj7, Bb, Bb6, Bbsus4, Cm7, Csus2, +7 more. Take it one section at a time.
What other Richard Marx songs work for kids?: Try "HOLD ON TO THE NIGHTS", "ENDLESS SUMMER NIGHTS", "HAZARD". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.