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 — Simple Sheet Music

4 people have learned this song

"If I Only Had A Brain" 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 D, 180 BPM.

Tip: Start at 50% speed to get comfortable with the fingering, then work your way up to full tempo.

About “If I Only Had A Brain

How does Simplified Piano Arrangement differ from full sheet music for "If I Only Had A Brain"?
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 "If I Only Had A Brain" by Harold Arlen played in?
If I Only Had A Brain is arranged in the key of D on Super Simple Piano. You can transpose to any other key live in the player.
What's the tempo (BPM) of "If I Only Had A Brain"?
The arrangement plays at 180 BPM. Use the speed control (10-200%) to practice slower or play faster.
Is "If I Only Had A Brain" 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 I Only Had A Brain"?
Yes — registered users can download PDF sheet music, plus MIDI and MusicXML files for use in other notation software.
Who composed "If I Only Had A Brain"?
"If I Only Had A Brain" was originally performed by Harold Arlen. The Super Simple Piano arrangement is simplified for beginner-to-intermediate players.
What other songs by Harold Arlen can I play here?
Try "OVER THE RAINBOW", "Over The Rainbow", "A Sleepin' Bee". 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 "If I Only Had A Brain". Key of D, 180 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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