The One That Got Away

by The Civil Wars

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

Lyrics

I nev er meant to get us in this deep.

I (Bb)nev er meant for this to mean a thing.

Oh, I (G7)wish you were the one,

(F6)wish you were the one that got a way.

I got caught up by the chase,

and (Bb)you got high on ev ’ry lit tle game.

I (Gm)wish you were the one,

(F6)wish you were the one that got a way.

(Gm)Oh, if I (F)could go back in time, when you on (Asus)ly held me in my mind, just (F)a long ing, gone (E7sus)with out (Asus)a trace.

Oh, I wish (F)I’d (Dm)nev er

(F6)e ver seen (Asus)your face.

I (F5)wish (G5)you were the one,

(E5)wish (F5)you were the one (E5)that got a way.

I miss the way you want ed me

when I was stay ing just out of your reach,

(Gm)beg ging for the slight est touch.

(Bb6)Ooh, you could n’t (Em7)get e nough.

Mmm.

(Dm)Got a way from (Dm)me,

(Dm)got a (Dm)way from (Dm)me

(Dm)’fore an (Dm)y bod y (Dm)has to (Dm)bleed.

Oh,

if I (F)could go back in time, when you on (Asus)ly held me in my (Bb)mind, just (F)a long ing, gone (E7sus)with out (Asus)a trace.

(Gm)Oh, I wish (F)I’d (Dm)nev er e ver (F6)seen your (Asus)face.

I (F5)wish (G5)you were the one,

I (E5)wish (F5)you were the one, (E5)oh, I (F5)wish (G5)you were the one,

I (E5)wish (F5)you were the one (E5)that (CN.C.)got a way.

The One That Got Away by The Civil Wars — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “The One That Got Away” by The Civil Wars 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 G at 72 BPM, a comfortable easy-level arrangement perfect for first-time learners.

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 One That Got Away" 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 One That Got Away"?
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.