When We're Human

by Anika Noni Rose

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Lyrics

If (Eb)I were a (Fm)hu man be ing I’d head straight for (Ab6)New Or leans, (Adim)chet?

and I’d (Eb)blow this horn so na (Abm)hot and strong, like they (Eb)no one they’ve (Cm7)ev er seen.

You’ve (Eb)heard of a (Fm)Lou is Arm strong, I’d head Mis ter (Ab6)Sid ney Be (Adim)chet?

and I’d (Eb)All those boys gon na (Abm)step a side when they (Eb)no one they’ve (Cm7)ev er seen.

You’ve (Eb)hear this old ex (F7)ga tor play.

(Eb)When I’m hu man, as I (Ebdim7)hope to be, I’m gon na (Ab)blow this horn ’til the (Eb)cows come home, and (F7)ev ’ry one’s gon na bow (Bb7)down to me.

red When I’m my (F#dim)self a gain, I want just the (Ab6)life I had: a (Eb)great big (Eb)par ty (Abm)ev ’ry night.

dles.

Now

A red head on my (F#dim)left arm, gain, I a bru nette (Ab6)on my right, a (Eb)blonde or (Eb)two to (Abm)hold the can dles.

Now

A (Eb)that seems (Cm7)just a bout (F7)right, eh, (Bb7)Lou is?

Life is short; when you’re (Eb)done, you’re done; we’re (Ab)on this earth to (Abm)have some fun.

And (Eb)that’s the way things are.

(Eb)When I’m (Ebdim)hu (Eb)man, and I’m (Ebdim)gon na (Eb)be, I’m gon na (Ab)tear it up like I (Eb)did be fore, and (F7)that’s a roy al (Bb7)guar an tee.

Your (C)mod es ty (Dm)hu be comes you, and your sense of re (F6)spon si (C)bil i ty.

I’ve worked you (C)hard for ev each ’ry and (Fm)thing I’ve got, and (C)that’s the way it’s sup (D7)posed to be.

When (C)I’m es a (Dm)hu man be ing, at your least I’ll re (F6)act like (C)one.

i ty.

I’ve If you (C)do your best each ’ry and (Fm)ev ’ry day, and (C)that’s the way it’s sup (D7)posed to be.

When (C)good things are (A7)sure to come your way.

(C)What you give is (C)what you get.

My (F)dad dy said that, and I’ll (Fm)nev er for get.

And (C)I com (A7)mend it to you.

(C)When we‘re (Cdim)hu (C)man, and we’re (Cdim)gon na be,...

I’m gon na (F)blow my (F#dim7)horn:

I’m gon na (F)live the high life: I’m gon na (F)do my best to take my (C)place (E7)in the (A7)sun.

(D7)When

(G7)we’re

(C)hu man.

When We're Human by Anika Noni Rose — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “When We're Human” by Anika Noni Rose 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 Ab at 216 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 "When We're Human" 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 "When We're Human"?
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.