What key is "Don't Explain" in?

"Don't Explain" by Billie Holiday is in the key of G with a tempo of 80 BPM. Difficulty: easy.

Is "Don't Explain" 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 "Don't Explain" 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 "Don't Explain"?

This arrangement of "Don't Explain" uses 24 chords: A7, A9, Am, Am7, Bb, Bb6, Bb7, Bb9, +16 more.

How long does it take to learn "Don't Explain" on piano?

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

What other songs by Billie Holiday can I play here?

Try "GOOD MORNING HEARTACHE", "ALWAYS", "CRAZY HE CALLS ME". All are available in our player with color-coded notes; pick the one matching your level.

Lyrics

(Dm)Hush now,

don’t ex (E)plain.

(Dm)Just say

you’ll re (E7)main.

(Eb9)I’m glad

(Db9)you’re back;

(C9)don’t ex (Fmaj7)plain.

(Dm)Qui et,

don’t ex (E)plain.

(Dm)What is

there to (E7)gain?

(Eb9)Skip that

(Db9)lip stick,

(C9)don’t ex (F)plain.

(Dm)You know (Am)that I (Gm)love you (C9)and what love en (Fmaj7)dures.

(Bbmaj7)All my thoughts are (Bb6)of you, (Bb7)for I’m so com (A7)plete ly yours.

(Dm)Cry to (Am)hear folks (Gm)chat ter, (C9)and I know you (Fmaj7)cheat.

(Bbmaj7)Right or wrong don’t (Bb6)mat ter (Bb7)when you’re with me, (A7sus)sweet.

(Dm)Hush now,

don’t ex (E)plain.

(Dm)You’re my

joy and (E7)pain.

(Eb9)My life’s

(Db9)yours, love,

(C9)don’t ex (F)plain.

(Dm)Hush now,

don’t ex (E)plain.

(Dm)Just say

you’ll re (E7)main.

(Eb9)I’m glad

(Db9)you’re back;

(C9)don’t ex (Fmaj7)plain.

(Dm)Qui et,

don’t ex (E)plain.

(Dm)What is

there to (E7)gain?

(Eb9)Skip that

(Db9)lip stick,

(C9)don’t ex (F)plain.

(Dm)You know (Am)that I (Gm)love you (C9)and what love en (Fmaj7)dures.

(Bbmaj7)All my thoughts are (Bb6)of you, (Bb7)for I’m so com (A7)plete ly yours.

(Dm)Cry to (Am)hear folks (Gm)chat ter, (C9)and I know you (Fmaj7)cheat.

(Bbmaj7)Right or wrong don’t (Bb6)mat ter (Bb7)when you’re with me, (A7sus)sweet.

(Dm)Hush now,

don’t ex (E)plain.

(Dm)You’re my

joy and (E7)pain.

(Eb9)My life’s

(Db9)yours, love,

(C9)don’t ex (F)plain.

(F)plain.

Don't Explain by Billie Holiday

7 people have learned this song

Easy piano arrangement in the key of G at 80 BPM. Difficulty: easy. Color-coded notes — no sheet-reading skill required.

About “Don't Explain”

What key is "Don't Explain" in?: "Don't Explain" by Billie Holiday is in the key of G with a tempo of 80 BPM. Difficulty: easy.
Is "Don't Explain" 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 "Don't Explain" 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 "Don't Explain"?: This arrangement of "Don't Explain" uses 24 chords: A7, A9, Am, Am7, Bb, Bb6, Bb7, Bb9, +16 more.
How long does it take to learn "Don't Explain" on piano?: 1–3 short practice sessions for the basics; 2–3 weeks to perform confidently with both hands.
What other songs by Billie Holiday can I play here?: Try "GOOD MORNING HEARTACHE", "ALWAYS", "CRAZY HE CALLS ME". All are available in our player with color-coded notes; pick the one matching your level.