The Way It Is

· by Bruce Hornsby

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Lyrics

(Em7)Stand in’ in line, mark in’ time, ty to (D)wait in’ for the (C)wel fare lit dime (D)more, ’cause ’cause you they can’t buy a (C)job.

I The (Am7)man in the silk suit (Em7)hur ries by.

As he (D)catch es the poor old (C)la dies’ eyes,

just for fun think he a bout says, it be fore you “Get a job.” rules?” He said: Son,

That’s just the way it is.

Some things will (C)nev er change.

That’s just the (C)way it is.

Ah, but (C)don’t you be lieve them.

Said, (Em7)“Hey, lit tle boy, you can’t go ty to (D)give those where the (C)oth ers lit go (D)more, ’cause but it don’t look like they (C)do.”

’Cause said, (Am7)“Hey, old the man, an (Em7)how can you stand to (D)think it sees at that (C)way?

Did you

real ly line think on a bout the it be fore you made the bar.

rules?” He said: Son,

That’s just the way it is.

Some things will (C)nev er change.

That’s just the (C)way it is.

Ah, but (C)don’t you be lieve them.

Said,

Well, they

The Way It Is by Bruce Hornsby — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “The Way It Is” by Bruce Hornsby 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 120 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 Way 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 "The Way 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 "The Way It Is" use?: Just 6 chords: Am7, C, D, Em7, Fmaj7, G. Take it one section at a time.
What other Bruce Hornsby songs work for kids?: Try "Mandolin Rain", "MANDOLIN RAIN", "LOOK OUT ANY WINDOW". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.