What key is "Basket Case" in?

"Basket Case" by Sara Bareilles is in the key of D with a tempo of 85 BPM. Difficulty: easy.

Is "Basket Case" easy to play on piano?

Yes — this arrangement is rated easy, meaning it uses simple chord patterns and a manageable tempo. Most beginners can play through it in 1-3 practice sessions using our color-coded notes.

Can I play "Basket Case" without reading sheet music?

Yes. Our player offers a falling-notes mode (Synthesia-style) and a beginner mode with color-coded keys — both let you play along without reading traditional notation.

What chords are used in "Basket Case"?

This arrangement of "Basket Case" uses 6 chords: A, Bm7, D, Em7, G, Gm.

How long does it take to learn "Basket Case" on piano?

1–3 short practice sessions for the basics; 2–3 weeks to perform confidently with both hands.

What other songs by Sara Bareilles can I play here?

Try "Vegas", "Hold My Heart", "1000 TIMES". All are available in our player with color-coded notes; pick the one matching your level.

Lyrics

I (A)don’t want to

(G)talk a bout it to you.

I’m not an o pen book that you can ri fle through,

the (A)cold, hard truth that you’ll (Bm7)see right to.

I’m just a (D)bas ket case with out you.

He’s not a (A)mag ic man and or a (G)per fect fit,

but had a stead y hand and I got used to it.

And a (A)glass cage heart and in (Bm7)vit ed me in,

and now I’m just a (D)bas ket case with out him.

You’re beg ging for the (G)truth,

so I’m say ing it to you.

I’ve been sav ing your place

and what (G)good does it do?

Now I’m just a (D)bas ket case.

I (A)don’t say much and it ’ll (G)stay that way.

You got a steel train touch and I’m just a you lay.

So I’ll (A)stay right here and in (Bm7)un der neath you.

and now I’m just a (D)bas ket case that’s what do.

You’re beg ging for the (G)truth,

so I’m say ing it to you.

I’ve been sav ing your place

and what (G)good does it do?

Now I’m just a (D)bas ket case.

Won’t some bod y come on in

and tug at my seams.

Oh, send your (A)ar mies in

of rob bers and thieves to steal the state I’m (G)in.

I don’t

want it an y more.

Now I’m just a (D)bas ket case.

Now I’m a just (D)bas ket case.

Now I’m just a (D)bas ket case.

Basket Case by Sara Bareilles

3 people have learned this song

Easy piano arrangement in the key of D at 85 BPM. Difficulty: easy. Color-coded notes — no sheet-reading skill required.

About “Basket Case”

What key is "Basket Case" in?: "Basket Case" by Sara Bareilles is in the key of D with a tempo of 85 BPM. Difficulty: easy.
Is "Basket Case" easy to play on piano?: Yes — this arrangement is rated easy, meaning it uses simple chord patterns and a manageable tempo. Most beginners can play through it in 1-3 practice sessions using our color-coded notes.
Can I play "Basket Case" without reading sheet music?: Yes. Our player offers a falling-notes mode (Synthesia-style) and a beginner mode with color-coded keys — both let you play along without reading traditional notation.
What chords are used in "Basket Case"?: This arrangement of "Basket Case" uses 6 chords: A, Bm7, D, Em7, G, Gm.
How long does it take to learn "Basket Case" on piano?: 1–3 short practice sessions for the basics; 2–3 weeks to perform confidently with both hands.
What other songs by Sara Bareilles can I play here?: Try "Vegas", "Hold My Heart", "1000 TIMES". All are available in our player with color-coded notes; pick the one matching your level.