I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel To Be Free

by Nina Simone
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Lyrics

I (Bb)wish (D7)I knew how

(Bb7)it would feel

to be free.

I (Bb)wish I could (Bb)break

all the chains hold ing (F)me.

I (Bb)wish (D7)I could say

(Bb7)all the things that I (Eb)should say,

(Edim)say ’em loud,

(D7)say ’em (Gm)clear, for the whole round (Eb)world to hear.

I wish (D7)I could share

all the (Eb)love that’s in (Eb)my heart.

Re (Eb)move all the bars

that keep

(C7)us a part.

I wish (D7)you could (Bb)know

what it means

to (Eb)be me,

(E)then you’d see

(D7)and ag ree that (E)ev ’ry man

(Eb)should be free.

I wish (D7)I could give all I’m (Eb)long in’ to give.

I wish I (Eb)could live

like I’m (F)long ing to live.

I (Bb)wish (D7)I could do (Bb7)all the (Eb)things that I (Eb)can do.

(Edim)Though I’m way

(D7)o ver due

(E)I’d be (Bb)start (Eb)in’ a new.

Well I wish (D7)I could be like a (Eb)bird in (Eb)the sky.

How sweet (Eb)it would be

if I found

(C7)I could fly.

Oh I’d (Bb)soar

to the sun and look (Eb)down at the sea.

(E)Then I’d sing

’cause (D7)I know yeah, and I (Bb)sing (D7)’cause I know, yeah!

And (E)I’d sing

’cause (D7)I know, I know (E)how it (Bb)feels,

oh I know (E)how it (Bb)feels

to be free.

Yeah

I (Bb)know (D7)how it feels, yes (E)I (Bb)know (D7)how it feels, yes (E)I

I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel To Be Free — Piano Accompaniment Lead Sheet

Lead sheet view of the piano accompaniment for "I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel To Be Free" by Nina Simone: melody on the staff, chord symbols above, lyrics below. Ideal for singers, choirs, and band rehearsals. Original key Eb, 120 BPM.

Tip: Press play and sing the melody on top of the piano. If the original key (Eb) sits too high or low for your voice, use the transpose control to shift the accompaniment into a comfortable range — the backing moves with you. Need a pitch reference? Tap the mic icon to bring the vocal melody in.

Try other practice modes:

About “I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel To Be Free

What key is the piano accompaniment for "I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel To Be Free" by Nina Simone in?
The backing track is in Eb at 120 BPM. If that doesn't sit in your vocal range, use the live transpose control to shift up or down semitones — the accompaniment moves with the new key automatically.
Can I sing over "I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel To Be Free" with this accompaniment?
Yes — that's exactly what it's built for. The vocal melody is muted by default so you can sing freely. Need a pitch reference? Tap the mic icon to bring the melody back in at a lower volume.
Is this a karaoke version of "I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel To Be Free"?
Effectively yes — it's the piano-only backing for "I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel To Be Free", with no vocals. You can also slow it down to practice tricky verses, then bring it back to full tempo.
Can I use "I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel To Be Free" as a backing track for my instrument?
Absolutely. Singers, guitarists, violinists, wind players, and instrumental practice in general all work — the piano holds the harmony so you can carry the melody on whatever instrument you play.
Can I download the accompaniment for "I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel To Be Free"?
Yes — registered users can download MIDI + MusicXML (open in any notation software). PDF sheet music is also available for the full arrangement.
Who wrote "I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel To Be Free"?
"I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel To Be Free" was originally performed by Nina Simone. This piano accompaniment is an arrangement of that song, designed for sing-along and play-along use.
What other backing tracks by Nina Simone are available?
Other accompaniments by Nina Simone: "Ain't Got No - I Got Life", "Don't Explain", "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood". Same toggle-the-melody, change-the-key setup.

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