If I Only Had A Brain

by Harold Arlen
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Lyrics

I could (D)while a way the ho urs, con (Em)fer rin’ with the (A7)flow ers, con (Dsus4)sul tin’ with the (D)rain.

And my (G)head I’d be scratch in’ while my (A7)thoughts were bu sy hatch in’ if I (D)on ly (G)had a brain.

I’d un (D)ra vel ev ’ry rid dle for (Em)an y in di (A7)vi d’le in (Dsus4)trou ble or in (D)pain.

With the (G)thoughts you’ll be think in’ you could (A7)be an oth er Lin coln if you (D)on ly (G)had a brain.

I’d un (D)on ly (Em)had a brain.

Oh, (G)I

could tell you (Bm)why

the (A)o cean’s near the (D6)shore.

I could (F#)think of things I nev er thunk be (Bm7)fore.

And then I’d (E9)sit,

and think some (Asus4)more.

(CN.C.)I would (D)not be just a noth in’ my (Em)head all full of (A7)stuff in’ my (Dsus4)heart all full of (D6)pain.

I would (G)dance and be mer ry, life would (A7)be a ding a der ry if I on ly had a brain.

If I Only Had A Brain by Harold Arlen

12 people have learned this song

Easy piano arrangement in the key of D at 180 BPM. Difficulty: easy. Color-coded notes — no sheet-reading skill required.

Learn how to accompany it· the chords and what each hand plays, on Super Simple Chords ↗

About “If I Only Had A Brain”

What key is "If I Only Had A Brain" in?
"If I Only Had A Brain" by Harold Arlen is in the key of D with a tempo of 180 BPM. Difficulty: easy.
Is "If I Only Had A Brain" 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 "If I Only Had A Brain" 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.
How long does it take to learn "If I Only Had A Brain" on piano?
1–3 short practice sessions for the basics; 2–3 weeks to perform confidently with both hands.
What other songs by Harold Arlen can I play here?
Try "OVER THE RAINBOW", "Over The Rainbow", "A Sleepin' Bee". All are available in our player with color-coded notes; pick the one matching your level.