This Is The Time

by Billy Joel

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Lyrics

We walked on the (Eb6/9)beach be side that (Fsus2)old ho tel.

They’re tear in’ it (Eb6/9)down now, but it’s (Fsus2)just as well.

I have n’t shown you (Eb6/9)ev ’ry thing a (Fsus2)man can do,

so stay with me, (Eb6/9)ba by; I’ve got (Fsus2)plans for you.

This is the time

to re mem ber, ’cause it will not last for ev er.

These are the days

to hold on to, ’cause we won’t al though we’ll want to.

This is the time,

but time is gon na (G7sus)change.

You’ve giv en me the (Gb)best of you,

but now I need the (Bb)rest (F)of you.

We walked on the (Eb6/9)beach be side that (Fsus2)old ho tel.

They’re tear in’ it (Eb6/9)down now, but it’s (Fsus2)just as well.

I have n’t shown you (Eb6/9)ev ’ry thing a (Fsus2)man can do,

so stay with me, (Eb6/9)ba by; I’ve got (Fsus2)plans for you.

This is the time

to re mem ber, ’cause it will not last for ev er.

These are the days

to hold on to, ’cause we won’t al though we’ll want to.

This is the time,

but time is gon na (G7sus)change.

I know we’ve got to (Gb)move some how,

but I don’t want to (Bb)lose (F)you now.

Some times it’s so (Fmaj7)eas y to let a (Bb)day

slip on (C)by

with out e ven (Fmaj7)see ing each oth er at (Bb)all.

But this is the (Fmaj7)time you’ll turn back to and (Gm7)so

will (E)I,

and those will be (Fmaj7)days you can nev er re (Bbsus2)call.

al though we’ll want to.

This is the time,

but time is gon na (G7sus)change.

You’ve giv en me the (Gb)best of you,

but now I need the (Bb)rest (F)of you.

This Is The Time by Billy Joel — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “This Is The Time” by Billy Joel 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 Bb at 132 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 "This Is The Time" 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 Is The Time"?
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 Is The Time" use?
Just 17 chords: A7, Bb, Bbmaj7, Bbsus2, C, Dm, Dm7, Eb, +9 more. Take it one section at a time.
What other Billy Joel songs work for kids?
Try "SCENES FROM AN ITALIAN RESTAURANT", "EVERYBODY HAS A DREAM", "CAPTAIN JACK". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.