Time Machine

by Ingrid Michaelson

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Lyrics

You lit the fi re, then drank the wa ter.

You slammed that door and left me stand ing all a lone.

We wrote a sto ry; we turned the pag es.

You changed the end, like ev ’ry bod y said you would.

I should a seen it com ing; it should a sent me run ning.

That’s what I get for lov ing you.

If I had a time ma chine, and if life was a mov ie scene, I’d re wind and I’d tell me, “Run!”

We were nev er meant to be, so if I had a time ma chine, I’d go back and I’d tell me, “Run!

Run!”

I got your let ters, I got your words.

ter.

I stacked them high, and lit ’em all and let ’em burn.

Your bro ken sto ries don’t mean a thing.

es.

You made that bed; like good luck fall ing back a sleep.

I should a seen it com ing; it should a sent me run ning.

That’s what I get for lov ing you.

If I had a time ma chine, and if life was a mov ie scene, I’d re wind and I’d tell me, “Run!”

We were nev er meant to be, so if I had a time ma chine, I’d go back and I’d tell me, “Run!

Run!”

Run!”

(Am)Oh, your (C)love, it got me (G)high er,

and it (Dm)drove me up (Dm6)the (Am)wall.

But the (Am)high er (C)up you’ll go, the (G)fur ther you will (D)fall.

Oh.

Oh.

Oh.

“Run!”

If I had a time ma chine, and if life was a mov ie scene, I’d re wind and I’d tell me, “Run!”

We were nev er meant to be, so if I had a time ma chine, I’d go back and I’d tell me, “Run!”

If I had a time ma chine, and if life was a mov ie scene, I’d re wind and I’d tell me, “Run!”

We were nev er meant to be, so if I had a time ma chine, I’d go back and I’d tell me, “Run!”

“Run!

Run!”

Time Machine by Ingrid Michaelson — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “Time Machine by Ingrid Michaelson 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 A at 95 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 "Time Machine" 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 "Time Machine"?
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 "Time Machine" use?
Just 7 chords: Am, C, D, Dm, Dm6, G, Gsus2. Take it one section at a time.
What other Ingrid Michaelson songs work for kids?
Try "OVER YOU", "GIRLS CHASE BOYS", "Everybody". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.