If

by Bread
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How to Play This Song

Learn a simple version, phrase by phrase: the melody, then easy chords.

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Lyrics

If a (A)pic ture paints a thou sand words, then why can’t I paint (Bm7)you?

The words will nev er show

the you I’ve come to know.

If a (A)face could launch a thou sand ships,

then (A9)where am I to go?

There’s no one home but you;

you’re all that’s left me (E7)too.

And when

my love

for life is run ning (D6)dry,

you (C#)come

and pour

your (Bm7)self

on (E7)me.

If a (A)man could be two plac es at one time, I’d be with (Bm7)you

to mor row and to day,

be side you all the way.

If the (A)world should stop re volv ing, spin ning (A9)slow ly down to die,

I’d spend the end with you;

and when the world was (E7)through,

then one

by one

the stars would all go (D6)out.

Then (C#)you

and I

would (Bm7)self

on (E7)me.

If a (Bm7)sim

ply (D)fly

a (A)way.

If — Karaoke: Lyrics & Chords to Sing & Play Along

45 people have learned this song

Free karaoke for "If" by Bread: lyrics on screen with the chords above each line and a bouncing ball that lands on every word in time. Sing along, or play along on guitar or piano from the chord chart. Change the key to fit your voice, slow the tempo down. Key of A, 100 BPM.

Teacher’s notes

This arrangement is a lovely way to get comfortable with extended chords — you'll encounter shapes like Amaj9, A9, and Bm7 that add richness without demanding big stretches, so pay attention to how each voicing colors the melody differently.

Your left hand follows an oompah bass pattern throughout, which at 100 BPM gives you plenty of time to land each bass note before bouncing up to the chord, but the real challenge is keeping that pattern smooth and quiet beneath the right-hand melody.

Watch the transition from D6 into E7 and then the pull to F#7 — that's where most students stumble, so loop those two bars hands-separate until the fingering feels automatic.

Use the sustain pedal lightly, changing it with each new bass note to avoid muddiness.

Start at around 70 BPM and only speed up once both hands feel relaxed.

This is the piece that will make ninth chords feel like home under your fingers.

About “If”

What key is "If" by Bread played in?
If is arranged in the key of A on Super Simple Piano. You can transpose to any other key live in the player.
What's the tempo (BPM) of "If"?
The arrangement plays at 100 BPM. Use the speed control (10-200%) to practice slower or play faster.
Is "If" easy to play on piano?
Yes — this is one of our beginner-friendly arrangements with simplified chords and color-coded notes.
Can I download sheet music for "If"?
Yes — registered users can download PDF sheet music, plus MIDI and MusicXML files for use in other notation software.
Who composed "If"?
"If" was originally performed by Bread. The Super Simple Piano arrangement is simplified for beginner-to-intermediate players.
What chords are used in "If"?
This arrangement uses 10 chords: A, A9, Amaj9, Bm7, C#m7, D, D6, E7, +2 more.
What other songs by Bread can I play here?
Try "BABY, I'M-A WANT YOU", "EVERYTHING I OWN", "IT DON'T MATTER TO ME". All are in our player with color-coded notes; pick the one matching your level.
Is there a karaoke version of "If" with lyrics?
Yes — this is a free karaoke slide for "If" by Bread. The lyrics appear on screen a line at a time and each word lights up exactly when it's sung, with a bouncing ball leading you word to word. A backing plays underneath so you can just sing.
Does it show chords so I can play along on guitar or piano?
It does — a chord symbol sits on a thin row just above the lyric it changes on, so the same screen doubles as a lyrics-and-chords chart. Guitarists can strum the changes and pianists can comp while singing; the chords are colour-coded and move with the live transpose if you change key.
Can I change the key of "If" to match my voice or capo?
Yes. The original is in A, but the live transpose control shifts the whole song up or down semitones until the melody sits in your range (or maps to an easier guitar shape / capo position) — the on-screen chords and the backing move with it.
Can I slow "If" down to learn the words and chords?
Yes — the tempo control lets you take it as slow as you need while the lyrics still light up in time and the ball keeps you on the beat. Speed it back up once you can sing and play it through.