How To Save A Life

by The Fray
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Lyrics

Step one, you say we need to talk.

He walks, you say, “Sit (F)down, it’s just a talk.” He smiles po lite ly back at you.

You stare po lite ly right on through some sort of win dow to your right, as he goes (F)left and you stay (Bb)right.

Be tween the lines of fear and blame, you be gin to won der why you came.

(Eb)Where did I go (F)wrong?

I lost a friend some where a long in the bit (F)ter ness.

And (Eb)I would have stayed (F)up with you all (Gm)night had I known (Bb)how to save a life.

As (Bb)Let him know that you know best, ’cause (Gm7)af ter all, you (F)do know best.

last choice.

Try to slip past (F)his de fense or (Gm7)with out the grant ing (F)in no cence.

Lay down a list of what is (Gm7)wrong, will the things you’ve told him all a long, and (Bb)pray to God he hears you, and (Gm7)pray to God he hears you.

you came.

(Eb)Where did I go (F)wrong?

I lost a friend some where a long in the bit (F)ter ness.

And (Eb)I would have stayed (F)up with you all (Gm)night had I known (Bb)how to save a life.

As (Bb)he be gins to raise his voice, you (Gm7)low er yours and (F)grant him one last choice.

Drive un til you (F)lose the road or (Gm7)break with the ones you’ve (F)fol lowed.

cence.

He will do one of two things: (Gm7)he will ad mit to ev ’ry thing, long, and (Bb)or he’ll say just not same and (Gm7)you’ll be gin to won why you came.

(Eb)Where did I go (F)wrong?

I lost a friend some where a long in the bit (F)ter ness.

And (Eb)I would have stayed (F)up with you all (Gm)night had I known (Bb)how to save a life.

(Eb)Where did I go (F)wrong?

I lost a friend some where a long in the bit (F)ter ness.

And (Eb)I would have stayed (F)up with you all (Gm)night had I known (Bb)how to save a life.

(Bb)how to save a life.

(F)How to save a life.

(F)How to save a life.

(F)How to save a life.

(F)How to save a life.

How To Save A Life — Simple Sheet Music

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"How To Save A Life" in simplified sheet music format — the bridge between beginner modes and real sheet music. Color-coded notes with lyrics scrolling horizontally. Perfect for learning to read music. Key of Eb, 116 BPM.

Tip: Break this song into sections and master each one separately. The speed control lets you drill difficult passages at any tempo.

About “How To Save A Life

How does Simplified Piano Arrangement differ from full sheet music for "How To Save A Life"?
Simplified Arrangement keeps the melody and chords on a simplified staff with lyrics, color-coded for easy recognition. It's a learner-bridge between Beginner mode and the classic engraved Sheet Music — same song, less visual density.
What key is "How To Save A Life" by The Fray played in?
How To Save A Life is arranged in the key of Eb on Super Simple Piano. You can transpose to any other key live in the player.
What's the tempo (BPM) of "How To Save A Life"?
The arrangement plays at 116 BPM. Use the speed control (10-200%) to practice slower or play faster.
Is "How To Save A Life" easy to play on piano?
This is an advanced arrangement. We recommend breaking it into sections and using the speed control to drill harder passages.
Can I download sheet music for "How To Save A Life"?
Yes — registered users can download PDF sheet music, plus MIDI and MusicXML files for use in other notation software.
Who composed "How To Save A Life"?
"How To Save A Life" was originally performed by The Fray. The Super Simple Piano arrangement is simplified for beginner-to-intermediate players.
What other songs by The Fray can I play here?
Try "HAPPINESS", "HEARTBEAT", "FALL AWAY". All are in our player with color-coded notes; pick the one matching your level.
Is Simple Sheet good for learning to read sheet music?
Yes! Simple Sheet bridges the gap between beginner color-coded modes and traditional notation. Notes are displayed on a simplified staff with colors, lyrics, and chords — helping you build music reading skills gradually while still enjoying "How To Save A Life". Key of Eb, 116 BPM.
What's the difference between Simple Sheet and Lead Sheet?
Simple Sheet shows a more streamlined, horizontally scrolling view with color-coded notes on a staff and lyrics below — like a simplified version of real sheet music. Lead Sheet shows melody with chord symbols above and full lyrics. Simple Sheet is the next step toward reading traditional notation.

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