What key is "New York State Of Mind" in?

"New York State Of Mind" by Billy Joel is in the key of C with a tempo of 120 BPM. Difficulty: easy.

Is "New York State Of Mind" 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 "New York State Of Mind" 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 "New York State Of Mind" on piano?

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

What other songs by Billy Joel can I play here?

Try "SCENES FROM AN ITALIAN RESTAURANT", "EVERYBODY HAS A DREAM", "CAPTAIN JACK". All are available in our player with color-coded notes; pick the one matching your level.

Lyrics

Some folks like to (E7)get a way, take a (Am)hol i day (Am7)from the (Gm7)neigh bor hood;

hop a flight to Mi (A7)am i Beach un or to (Dm7)Hol ly wood.

But I’m (E7)tak in’ a (Am)Grey hound (C)on the (C)Hud son to Riv er (D7)line.

I’m in a (G7sus)New York state of (Am)mind.

I’ve seen all the (E7)mov ie stars in their (Am)fan cy cars (Am7)and their (Gm7)lim ou sines,

been a high in the (A7)Rock ies Beach un der the (Dm7)ev er greens.

But I (E7)know what I’m (Am)need in’ (C)and I (C)don’t son to waste more (D7)time.

I’m in a (G7sus)New York state of (Am)mind.

It (Am7)was so (D7)eas y liv in’ (Gmaj7)day by day,

out of touch

with the rhy thm and (Fmaj7)blues.

And now I (E7)need a lit tle (A)give and take,

the (Am7)New York Times,

the (Gmaj7)Dai ly News.

Comes down to re (E7)al i ty and it’s (Am)fine with me, (Am7)’cause I’ve (Gm7)let it slide.

Don’t care if it’s (A7)Chi na town or on (Dm7)Riv er side.

I don’t (E7)have an y (Am)rea sons; (C)I’ve left them all be (D7)hind.

I’m in a (G7sus)New York state of (C)mind.

New York State Of Mind by Billy Joel

3 people have learned this song

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

About “New York State Of Mind”

What key is "New York State Of Mind" in?: "New York State Of Mind" by Billy Joel is in the key of C with a tempo of 120 BPM. Difficulty: easy.
Is "New York State Of Mind" 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 "New York State Of Mind" 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 "New York State Of Mind" on piano?: 1–3 short practice sessions for the basics; 2–3 weeks to perform confidently with both hands.
What other songs by Billy Joel can I play here?: Try "SCENES FROM AN ITALIAN RESTAURANT", "EVERYBODY HAS A DREAM", "CAPTAIN JACK". All are available in our player with color-coded notes; pick the one matching your level.