Learning To Fly

by Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers
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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

Well, I (F)start ed (C)out

down a (F)dirt y (C)road.

(F)Start ed (C)out

(F)all a (C)lone.

And the (F)sun went (C)down

as I (F)crossed the (C)hill,

and the (C)town lit up,

and the (F)world got (C)still.

I’m (F)learn ing to (C)fly

but I (F)ain’t got (C)wings.

(F)Com ing (C)down

is the (F)hard est (C)thing.

Well, the (F)good ol’ (C)days

may I (F)not re (C)turn

and the (C)rocks might melt

and the (F)sea may (C)burn.

I’m (F)learn ing to (C)fly

but a (F)round the (C)clouds.

(F)What goes (C)up

is the (F)must come (C)down.

Well, the

Well, (F)some say (C)life

will (F)beat you (C)down

and (F)break your (C)heart,

when (F)steal your (C)crown.

So, I (F)start ed (C)out

for (F)God knows (C)where.

I (F)guess I’ll (C)know

when (F)I get (C)there.

So, I

I’m

I’m (F)learn ing to (C)fly

but I (F)ain’t got (C)wings.

(F)Com ing (C)down

is the (F)hard est (C)thing.

I’m (F)learn ing to (C)fly,

a (F)round the (C)clouds.

(F)What goes (C)up

(F)must come (C)down.

I’m (F)learn ing to (C)fly.

I’m (F)learn ing to (C)fly.

I’m (F)learn ing to (C)fly.

Learning To Fly — Visual Piano Sheet Music

9 people have learned this song

"Learning To Fly" in visual bar notation — see every note as a colored bar on the staff. Easier to read than traditional sheet music. Scrolls automatically as you play. Key of C, 110 BPM.

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

About “Learning To Fly”

Why does "Learning To Fly" show as colored bars instead of notation?
Bar Notation replaces traditional noteheads with colored horizontal bars on a simplified staff — each bar's vertical position is the pitch and its length is the duration. Much easier to read than classic sheet music while still showing the full arrangement of "Learning To Fly".
What key is "Learning To Fly" by Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers played in?
Learning To Fly is arranged in the key of C on Super Simple Piano. You can transpose to any other key live in the player.
What's the tempo (BPM) of "Learning To Fly"?
The arrangement plays at 110 BPM. Use the speed control (10-200%) to practice slower or play faster.
Is "Learning To Fly" 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 "Learning To Fly"?
Yes — registered users can download PDF sheet music, plus MIDI and MusicXML files for use in other notation software.
Who composed "Learning To Fly"?
"Learning To Fly" was originally performed by Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers. The Super Simple Piano arrangement is simplified for beginner-to-intermediate players.
What chords are used in "Learning To Fly"?
This arrangement uses 4 chords: Am, C, F, G. Only a handful of chords — beginner-friendly.
What other songs by Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers can I play here?
Try "HERE COMES MY GIRL", "DON'T DO ME LIKE THAT", "REFUGEE". All are in our player with color-coded notes; pick the one matching your level.
Is this real sheet music for "Learning To Fly"?
It's a simplified visual notation using colored bars instead of traditional notes. Each bar's vertical position shows the pitch and its length shows duration — much easier to read for beginners while still showing the complete arrangement of "Learning To Fly".
Can I see all the notes in "Learning To Fly"?
Yes! The Bar Sheet shows every note in the arrangement as a colored bar. The sheet scrolls automatically during playback, or you can scroll manually to study any section. The song is in the key of C at 110 BPM.