What key is "Living In America" in?

"Living In America" by James Brown is in the key of D with a tempo of 120 BPM. Difficulty: easy.

Is "Living In America" 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 "Living In America" 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.

What chords are used in "Living In America"?

This arrangement of "Living In America" uses 13 chords: A7, Apow, Bb7, Bm, C, C6, D6, D7, +5 more.

How long does it take to learn "Living In America" on piano?

1–3 short practice sessions for the basics; 2–3 weeks to perform confidently with both hands.

What other songs by James Brown can I play here?

Try "THE PAYBACK", "SAY IT LOUD", "SOUL POWER". All are available in our player with color-coded notes; pick the one matching your level.

Lyrics

(D9)Su per high ways

(D9)coast to coast,

(D9)eas y to get an y where.

On the (D9)trans con ti nen tal (D9)o ver load,

just (D9)slide be hind the wheel.

(D9)How does it feel when there’s (G7)no des ti na tion that’s (D9)too far

and (G7)some where on the way you might (A5)find out who you are?

Whoo.

(F)Liv ing in A mer i ca,

(D9)eye to eye,

(D9)sta tion to sta (C6)tion.

(F)Liv ing in A mer i ca,

(D9)hand to hand,

a (D9)cross the na tion.

(F)Liv ing in A mer i ca.

(Bb7)Got to have a cel e bra tion!

Rock my (D9)soul.

(C6)Smoke stack, di ners

fat back, o wake;

on (C6)man y miles nin’ through of a (C6)rail road roll soul.

(C6)All night di ners

ra di a wake;

on (C6)keeps y on nin’ through your a (C6)rock and roll soul.

(D9)hard roll.

You might (G7)have to walk a fine line.

You might take the hard line.

Well, ev ’ry bod y’s work in’

o ver time.

(F)Liv ing in A mer i ca,

(D9)eye to eye,

(D9)sta tion to sta (C6)tion.

(F)Liv ing in A mer i ca,

(D9)hand to hand,

(D9)’cross the na tion.

(F)Liv ing in A mer i ca.

(Bb7)Got to have a cel e bra tion!

(D9)I (C6)live in A (D9)mer i ca.

You may not be look ing for the prom ised land, but you might find it an y way

un der one of those old fa mil iar names, like:

(F)Liv ing in A mer i ca,

(D9)eye to eye, sta tion (D9)to sta tion.

(F)Liv ing in A mer i ca,

(D9)so nice

with your (D9)bad self.

(F)Liv ing in A mer i ca.

I feel good.

Living In America by James Brown

3 people have learned this song

Easy piano arrangement in the key of D at 120 BPM. Difficulty: easy. Color-coded notes — no sheet-reading skill required.

About “Living In America”

What key is "Living In America" in?: "Living In America" by James Brown is in the key of D with a tempo of 120 BPM. Difficulty: easy.
Is "Living In America" 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 "Living In America" 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.
What chords are used in "Living In America"?: This arrangement of "Living In America" uses 13 chords: A7, Apow, Bb7, Bm, C, C6, D6, D7, +5 more.
How long does it take to learn "Living In America" on piano?: 1–3 short practice sessions for the basics; 2–3 weeks to perform confidently with both hands.
What other songs by James Brown can I play here?: Try "THE PAYBACK", "SAY IT LOUD", "SOUL POWER". All are available in our player with color-coded notes; pick the one matching your level.