If You Could Read My Mind

by Johnny Cash
Loading song
Fetching song
1
Play in Kid Mode

Other arrangements of If You Could Read My Mind

Pick a learning view.

Lyrics

If you could read my mind, love, what a tale my thoughts could tell.

Just like an old per time mov ie ’bout a ghost from a wish in’ well.

In a cas tle dark,

or a for tress strong with (E)chains ro a round my feet.

You (D)know that ghost is (A)me.

And (D)I will nev er be (Amaj7)be set free as (Bm7)long as there’s a (E)ghost that you can’t see.

If I could read your mind, love, what a tale your thoughts would tell.

Just like a old per time nov el, ’bout the kind that a drug stores sell.

When you reach the part

where the heart aches come, the (E)he ro up would be me.

But (D)he roes of ten (A)fail,

and (D)you won’t read that be (Amaj7)book a gain be (Bm7)cause the end ing’s (E)just too hard to take.

I’d walk a way

like a mov ie star who gets (E)burned in a three way script.

(D)En ter num ber two:

a (D)mov ie queen to (Amaj7)play the scene of (Bm7)bring in’ all the (E)good things out in me.

But for (D)now, love,

let’s be (A)real.

I (D)nev er thought I could (Amaj7)act this way and I’ve (Bm7)got to say that I (E)just don’t get it.

I don’t know where (Amaj7)we went wrong, but the (Bm7)feel ing’s gone and I (E)just can’t get it back.

(E)try in’ to un der stand

the (D)feel ings

that you (A)lack.

I (D)nev er thought I could (Amaj7)feel this way, and I’ve (Bm7)got to say that I (E)just don’t get it.

I don’t know where (Amaj7)we went wrong, but the (Bm7)feel ing’s gone and I (E)just can’t get it back.

If You Could Read My Mind — Simple Sheet Music

"If You Could Read My Mind" 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 A, 120 BPM.

Tip: Use the speed control to practice at 70% tempo first. Focus on tricky chord transitions before attempting the full arrangement.

About “If You Could Read My Mind

How does Simplified Piano Arrangement differ from full sheet music for "If You Could Read My Mind"?
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 You Could Read My Mind" by Johnny Cash played in?
If You Could Read My Mind 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 You Could Read My Mind"?
The arrangement plays at 120 BPM. Use the speed control (10-200%) to practice slower or play faster.
Is "If You Could Read My Mind" easy to play on piano?
This is a medium-difficulty arrangement. Most players can learn it within a few practice sessions using the speed control.
Can I download sheet music for "If You Could Read My Mind"?
Yes — registered users can download PDF sheet music, plus MIDI and MusicXML files for use in other notation software.
Who composed "If You Could Read My Mind"?
"If You Could Read My Mind" was originally performed by Johnny Cash. The Super Simple Piano arrangement is simplified for beginner-to-intermediate players.
What chords are used in "If You Could Read My Mind"?
This arrangement uses 8 chords: A, A7, Amaj7, Bm7, D, E, F#m, Gmaj9.
What other songs by Johnny Cash can I play here?
Try "GOD'S GONNA CUT YOU DOWN", "HELP ME", "WHEN HE REACHED DOWN HIS HAND FOR ME". 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 You Could Read My Mind". Key of A, 120 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.

More songs you might like