Open Hands

by Ingrid Michaelson
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Lyrics

(Bbsus2)No bod y wants to be the (C)on ly one ’em that’s left (F5)stand ing.

but (Bbsus2)No bod y wants to be the (C)on ly one to un der stand.

And now I’m see ing the way that you’re leav ing

with out

(Bbsus2)me.

Now go

and drift

a way.

The tide

can hold you out.

Go qui

et now.

Go sound,

go safe.

(Bbsus2)O pen hands are hard to (Csus)hold on (C)to

an y way,

an y way.

(Bbsus2)Ev ’ry bod y to the one (C)on to make ’em live for (F5)ev er,

but (Bbsus2)no bod y wants to be the (C)on ly one that’s feel ing safe.

And now I’m see ing the way that you’re leav ing

with out

(Bbsus2)me.

Now go

and drift

a way.

The tide

can hold you out.

Go qui

et now.

Go sound,

go safe.

(Bbsus2)O pen hands are hard to (Csus)hold on (C)to

an y way,

an y way.

an y way,

an y way,

an y way.

Now go (Csus)hold on (C)to an y way.

(F)O pen hands are hard to (Csus)hold on (C)to an y way.

(Bbmaj9)O pen hands are hard to (Csus)hold on (C)to

an y way,

an y way,

an y way,

an y way.

Open Hands — Simple Sheet Music

2 people have learned this song

"Open Hands" 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 C, 138 BPM.

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

About “Open Hands

How does Simplified Piano Arrangement differ from full sheet music for "Open Hands"?
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 "Open Hands" by Ingrid Michaelson played in?
Open Hands 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 "Open Hands"?
The arrangement plays at 138 BPM. Use the speed control (10-200%) to practice slower or play faster.
Is "Open Hands" 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 "Open Hands"?
Yes — registered users can download PDF sheet music, plus MIDI and MusicXML files for use in other notation software.
Who composed "Open Hands"?
"Open Hands" was originally performed by Ingrid Michaelson. The Super Simple Piano arrangement is simplified for beginner-to-intermediate players.
What chords are used in "Open Hands"?
This arrangement uses 9 chords: Bbmaj9, Bbsus2, C, Csus4, Dm7, Dmin, F, Fpow, +1 more.
What other songs by Ingrid Michaelson can I play here?
Try "OVER YOU", "GIRLS CHASE BOYS", "Everybody". 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 "Open Hands". Key of C, 138 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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