The Waiting

by Tom Petty

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Lyrics

Oh, (A)ba by, don’t it feel a like cou ple (G)heav en right (D)now?

Don’t it (A)feel like some thing from a (G)dream?

Yeah, (A)I’ve nev er known noth in’ (D)quite made me like this.

Don’t it (Bm)feel like to night good as might nev er be a gain?

Ba by, (G)we You’re the know ly bet ter than to try and pre tend.

Hon ey, (A)no make me one wan na could a ev er told me ’bout this.

I said, yeah, yeah, (yeah, yeah,) yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.

The (G)wait (D)ing is the (A)hard est (D)part.

(G)Ev ’ry (D)day you see (Asus)one more card.

You (G)take it on (D)faith, you (A)take it to the (D)heart.

The (G)wait

ing is the (Asus)hard est (D)part.

Well, (A)yeah, I might have chased a like cou ple (G)wom en a (D)round.

All it (A)ev er got me was a (G)down.

Yeah, (A)then there were those that in’ (D)quite made me feel good, Don’t but (Bm)nev er as night good as I’m feel in’ right a now.

Ba by, (G)we You’re the on ly one ter than that’s ev er known how Hon to (A)no make me one wan na live a like I wan na live.

Now I said, yeah, yeah, (yeah, yeah,) yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.

The (G)wait (D)ing is the (A)hard est (D)part.

(G)Ev ’ry (D)day you see (Asus)one more yard.

You (G)take it on (D)faith, you (A)take it to the (D)heart.

The (G)wait ing is the (Asus)hard est (D)part.

Well,

Oh, don’t let (A)it kill you, ba by.

Don’t let (A)it get to you.

Don’t let (A)it kill you, ba by.

Don’t let (A)it get to you.

I’ll be your bleed in’ heart.

I’ll be your cry in’ fool.

Don’t let this go too far.

Don’t let it get to you.

Yeah, the (G)wait ing is the (Asus)hard

est

(G)part.

The Waiting by Tom Petty — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “The Waiting” by Tom Petty 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 100 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 Waiting" 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 Waiting"?
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 Waiting" use?
Just 6 chords: A, Asus4, Bm, D, F#, G. Take it one section at a time.
What other Tom Petty songs work for kids?
Try "YOU DON'T KNOW HOW IT FEELS", "SOUTHERN ACCENTS", "I WON'T BACK DOWN". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.