That's The Way I've Always Heard It Should Be

by Carly Simon

🎹 Loading song
Preparing player…
1
—
Play in Full ModesMore Songs for Kids

Lyrics

My fa ther sits at night with (Gmaj7)no lights on,

his cig a rette glows in the (Gmaj7)dark;

the liv ing room is still; I walk by no re (Am)mark.

I tip toe past the mas ter (Gmaj7)bed room where

my moth er reads her mag a (Gmaj7)zines;

I hear her call “sweet dreams” but I for get how to (Am)dream.

But you say it’s time we (Em7)moved in to geth er,

and raised a fam ’ly of our own, you and me.

Well, that’s the way I al ways (Em7)heard it should be.

You want to (A)mar ry me,

we’ll (D)mar ry.

My friends from col lege, they’re all (Gmaj7)mar ried now;

they have their hous es and their (Gmaj7)lawns.

They have their si lent noons, tear ful nights, an gry (Am)dawns.

Their chil dren hate them for the (Gmaj7)things they’re not;

they hate them selves for what they (Gmaj7)are;

and yet they drink, they laugh, just close the wounds, hide the (Am)scar.

But you say it’s time we (Em7)moved in to geth er,

and raised a fam ’ly of our own, you and me.

Well, that’s the way I al ways (Em7)heard it should be.

You want to (A)mar ry me,

we’ll (D)mar ry.

(D)mar

ry.

That's The Way I've Always Heard It Should Be by Carly Simon — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “That's The Way I've Always Heard It Should Be” by Carly Simon 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 B at 80 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 "That's The Way I've Always Heard It Should Be" 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 "That's The Way I've Always Heard It Should Be"?
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 "That's The Way I've Always Heard It Should Be" use?
Just 12 chords: A, Abmaj7, Am, Bm, Cmaj9, D, Dm7, Dm9, +4 more. Take it one section at a time.
What other Carly Simon songs work for kids?
Try "HAVEN'T GOT TIME FOR THE PAIN", "LET THE RIVER RUN", "SHOULDER TO SHOULDER". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.