Tell It Like It Is

· by Aaron Neville

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Lyrics

If you (Gm)want

some thing to (C7)play with go and find your self a (F)toy.

Ba by, my (D7)time is too ex (Gm)pen sive,

and I’m not a lit tle (F)boy.

If you are (Dm)se ri ous,

don’t play with my heart.

It makes me (Dm)fu ri ous.

But if you want me to (Bb)love you,

ba by, I (C7)will.

Girl, you know I (C7)will.

Tell it like it (Gm)is.

Don’t be a (C7)shamed.

Let your con science be your (F)guide.

But (F6)I

know deep down in (Gm)side of me;

I be lieve you (C7)love me.

For get your fool ish (F)pride.

Life is too short to have (Dm)sor row.

you may be here to day and gone to (Dm)mor row.

You might as well get what you (Bb)want,

so go on and (C7)live,

ba by, go on and (C7)live.

Tell it like it (Gm)is.

Don’t be a (C7)shamed.

Let your con science be your (F)guide.

But (F6)I

know deep down in (Gm)side of me;

I be lieve you (C7)love me.

For get your fool ish (F)pride.

Life is too short to have (Dm)sor row.

you may be here to day and gone to (Dm)mor row.

You might as well get what you (Bb)want,

so go on and (C7)live,

ba by, go on and (C7)live.

Tell it like it (F)is.

Tell It Like It Is by Aaron Neville — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “Tell It Like It Is” by Aaron Neville 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 Bb at 90 BPM, a slightly more challenging arrangement — practice each phrase slowly first.

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 "Tell It Like It Is" 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 "Tell It Like It Is"?: 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 "Tell It Like It Is" use?: Just 11 chords: Am, Bb, C7, Caug, D7, Dm, F, F6, +3 more. Take it one section at a time.
What other Aaron Neville songs work for kids?: Try "MARY, DON'T YOU WEEP", "I FALL TO PIECES". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.