The Heart Of The Matter

by Don Henley

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

Lyrics

I got the call to day; I (A)did n’t want to hear

but I (G)knew that it would come.

An old, true friend of ours was (A)talk in’ on the phone, she said you (G)found some one.

And I (Asus)thought of all the bad luck and the strug gles we went through, and how (G)I lost me

and you lost you.

What are these voic es out side love’s o pen door, make us (G)throw off our con tent ment and (Asus)beg for some thing (A)more?

I’m learn ing to live with out you now,

but I (G)miss you some times.

The more I know,

the (Bm7)less I un der stand; all the (G)things I thought I knew, I’m (Asus)learn ing a (A)gain.

I’ve been try in’ to get down

to the heart of the mat ter but my (D)will gets weak

and my thoughts seem to scat ter But I think it’s a (D)bout for give ness,

for give ness, (G)e ven if, e ven if (Asus)you don’t love me an y more.

Ah, these I got the call to day; I (A)did n’t want to hear

but I (G)knew that it would come.

An old, true friend of ours was (A)talk in’ on the phone, she said you (G)found some one.

And I (Asus)thought of all the bad luck and the strug gles we went through, and how (G)I lost me

and you lost you.

What are these voic es out side love’s o pen door, make us (G)throw off our con tent ment and (Asus)beg for some thing (A)more?

I’m learn ing to live with out you now,

but I (G)miss you some times.

The more I know,

the (Bm7)less I un der stand; all the (G)things I thought I knew, I’m (Asus)learn ing a (A)gain.

I’ve been try in’ to get down

to the heart of the mat ter but my (D)will gets weak

and my thoughts seem to scat ter But I think it’s a (D)bout for give ness,

for give ness, (G)e ven if, e ven if (Asus)you don’t love me an y more.

Ah, these (Asus)you don’t love me an y more.

There are (C)peo ple in your life

who’ve come and gone,

they (Am7)let you down, you know they’ve (G)hurt your pride.

You bet ter put it all be hind you;

’cause life goes on.

You keep (Asus)car ry in’ that an ger; it ’ll eat you up in side, ba by.

(Asus)you don’t (A)love me.

I’ve been try in’ to get down

to the heart of the mat ter be cause the (D)flesh will for get weak

and the ash es will scat ter.

So, I’m think in’ a (A)bout for give ness,

for give ness, (G)e ven if, e ven if (Asus)you don’t (A)love me.

I’ve been try in’ For give ness,

to the heart of for give ness, be cause the (D)flesh will for give ness,

and the ash es for give ness, So, I’m think in’ a (A)bout for give ness,

for give ness, (G)e ven if, e ven if (Asus)you don’t (A)love me.

The Heart Of The Matter by Don Henley — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “The Heart Of The Matter” by Don Henley 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 D at 90 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 "The Heart Of The Matter" 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 "The Heart Of The Matter"?
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 "The Heart Of The Matter" use?
Just 9 chords: A, A7, Am7, Asus4, Bm7, C, D, Em7, +1 more. Take it one section at a time.
What other Don Henley songs work for kids?
Try "THE END OF THE INNOCENCE", "THE BOYS OF SUMMER", "The End Of The Innocence". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.