What key is the piano accompaniment for "Paper Bag" by Fiona Apple in?

The backing track is in G at 141 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 "Paper Bag" 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 "Paper Bag"?

Effectively yes — it's the piano-only backing for "Paper Bag", with no vocals. You can also slow it down to practice tricky verses, then bring it back to full tempo.

Can I use "Paper Bag" 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 "Paper Bag"?

Yes — registered users can download MIDI + MusicXML (open in any notation software). PDF sheet music is also available for the full arrangement.

Who wrote "Paper Bag"?

"Paper Bag" was originally performed by Fiona Apple. This piano accompaniment is an arrangement of that song, designed for sing-along and play-along use.

Lyrics

I was (E)star ing at the sky,

just (G)look ing for a star

to (E)pray on, or (C)wish on, or (G)some thing like that.

I was (E)hav ing a sweet fix of a (G)day dream of a boy whose re (F)a li ty I knew, was a (A7)hope less to be had.

But then the dove of hope be gan its (G)down ward slope and I be (E)lieved for a mo ment that my chanc es were ap proach ing to be (B7)grabbed.

But as it (E)came down near, so did a (G)wea ry tear.

I (E7)thought it was a (A7)bird, but it was (F9)just a pa per bag.

Hun ger (G)hurts and I (Cmaj7)want him so (F#11)bad.

Oh, it (G)kills ’cause I know I’m a (Cmaj7)mess he don’t (F)wan na clean up.

I got to (G)fold ’cause these (Cmaj7)hands are too shak y to (G)hold.

Hun ger (Em7)hurts, but starv ing (A7)works when it (F9)costs

too much to (G)love.

I went (C)cra zy a gain to day, (Bm7)look ing for a strand to climb, (C)look ing for a (G)lit tle hope.

(C)Ba by said he (G)could n’t stay, (Bm7)would n’t put his (F6)lips to mine, and a (Em)fail to kiss is a (A7)fail to cope.

I said, (E)“Ho ney, I don’t (C)feel so good, don’t feel jus (Bm7)ti fied.

(E)Come on put a (C)lit tle love here (G)in my void.”

He said, “It’s (E)all in your head,” and I said, (G)“So is ev ’ry thing,” but he did n’t get it.

I (E7)thought he was a (A7sus4)man, but (A7)it was (F9)just a lit tle boy.

Hun ger (G)hurts and I (Cmaj7)want him so (F#11)bad.

Oh, it (G)kills, ’cause I know I’m a (Cmaj7)mess he don’t (F)wan na clean up.

I got to (G)fold ’cause these (Cmaj7)hands are too shak y to (G)hold.

Hun ger (Em7)hurts, but starv ing (A7)works when it (F69)costs

too much to (G)love.

Hun ger (Cmaj7)hurts but I want him so (F#11)bad.

Oh, it (G)kills, ’cause I know I’m a (Cmaj7)mess he don’t (F)wan na clean up.

I got to (G)fold ’cause these (Cmaj7)hands are too shak y to (G)hold.

Hun ger (Em7)hurts, but starv ing (A7)works when it (F69)costs

too much to (G)love.

Hun ger (Cmaj7)hurts but I want him so (G)love.

Paper Bag — Piano Accompaniment Track

Free piano accompaniment for "Paper Bag" by Fiona Apple. Sing along or play your instrument over the backing piano. Toggle the vocal melody on/off, change key to fit your voice, adjust tempo. Key of G, 141 BPM.

Tip: Press play and sing the melody on top of the piano. If the original key (G) 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:

Fall Down Lead Sheet

About “Paper Bag”

What key is the piano accompaniment for "Paper Bag" by Fiona Apple in?: The backing track is in G at 141 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 "Paper Bag" 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 "Paper Bag"?: Effectively yes — it's the piano-only backing for "Paper Bag", with no vocals. You can also slow it down to practice tricky verses, then bring it back to full tempo.
Can I use "Paper Bag" 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 "Paper Bag"?: Yes — registered users can download MIDI + MusicXML (open in any notation software). PDF sheet music is also available for the full arrangement.
Who wrote "Paper Bag"?: "Paper Bag" was originally performed by Fiona Apple. This piano accompaniment is an arrangement of that song, designed for sing-along and play-along use.