This Can't Be Real

· by Barry Manilow

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Lyrics

This can’t be real

as long as I (G7)love you.

(Dmaj7)How could this ev er be real, as long as you’re (Ab)there?

(Gmaj7)Help me to feel

the night mare’s be (C9)hind me,

that your love will (C#)find

me

an y where.

(Dmaj7)Love is what’s true,

the rest is il (G7)lu sion.

(Dmaj7)What I’ve dis cov ered with you,

no one can (Ab)steal.

The (Gmaj9)truth

is n’t what it (C#m7)seems,

the (Bm7)truth is our wild est (E9)dreams,

real was your (A7sus)kiss,

but as for (A7)this,

this can’t be (D)real.

(Gmaj7)This can’t be real,

so why do I (C7)love her?

(Gmaj7)I know that this can’t be real,

still she is (G)there.

(Cmaj7)She is n’t real

but some how she’s (F9)found me,

to haunt and sur (F#)round

me,

she’s (B)ev ’ry (D)where.

(Gmaj7)This is n’t true,

it’s on ly il (C7)lu sion,

(Gmaj7)what I’ve dis cov ered with you is just an i (G)deal.

You’re (Cmaj9)mere ly a dream, I (F#)know,

so (Em7)why do I want you so?

(A7)Is it be (D7sus)cause, on ly be (D7)cause, this can’t be (G)real,

this can’t be (G)real.

(Abmaj7)Love is what’s true,

the rest is il (Db7)lu sion,

(Abmaj7)what I’ve dis cov ered with you, no one can steal.

No one can (D7b5)steal.

The (Dbmaj7)truth is n’t what it (C7)seems,

the (Fm)truth is our wild est (Bb)dreams.

She’s (Cmaj9)mere ly a dream, I (F#m7)know,

so (Em)why do I (Em)want her (A)so?

(A7)Real was your (G)kiss, is it be (D7sus)cause, (D7)but as for (G)this, on ly be (E)cause, this can’t be (Am7)real, this can’t be (D7)real, this can’t (G)be...

this can’t be (Gmaj9)real.

This Can't Be Real by Barry Manilow — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “This Can't Be Real” by Barry Manilow 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 "This Can't Be Real" 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 "This Can't Be Real"?: 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 "This Can't Be Real" use?: Just 39 chords: A7, Ab7, Ab9, Abm9, Abmaj7, Am7, Am9, B7, +31 more. Take it one section at a time.
What other Barry Manilow songs work for kids?: Try "CAN'T SMILE WITHOUT YOU", "JUMP SHOUT BOOGIE", "BANDSTAND BOOGIE". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.