Real Love

by Michael McDonald
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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

(Dm7)Dar (C)lin’, I know I’m just an oth er (Bbmaj9)head (Bb6)on your pil low.

If (B)on ly (A7)just to (Dm7)night, girl,

let me hear you (Bbmaj9)lie just a lit tle.

(B)Tell me (A7)I’m the (Dm7)on ly man

that you ev er (Bbmaj9)real ly loved.

Hon ey, take (Bb)me

back in my mem o ry, place when it was all ver ry right,

so ver y (F6/9)nice,

so ver y nice.

(F6/9)Here, dar lin’,

stands an oth er (Bbmaj7)ban dit want ing you.

In (F#dim7)and out (Gm7)your life,

they (Bbmaj7)come and they (Bb)go.

Your days and nights like a (F6/9)wheel that turns, grind in’ down a se cret part of you,

deep (F#dim7)in side (Gm7)your heart,

that no bod y (Bb)knows.

When you (F#dim7)say (Gm7)com fort me

to an (C#dim7)y (Dm7)one who ap proach es,

(Gm7)chalk in’ up the hurt,

(Gm7)you live (C#dim7)and (Dm7)you learn.

(Dm7)Well, we’ve (Cm7)both lived long e nough to know, that we’d trade it (Bbmaj9)all right now for (B)just one (A7)min ute of real (C)love,

(Bbmaj9)real (Bb6)love.

(Dm7)Real (C)love, I need to be lieve in (Bbmaj9)real love,

(B)real love, (A7)ba by, (Dm7)real (C)love,

real love, dar lin’, (Bbmaj9)real love.

When you (F#dim7)say (Gm7)com (B)just one (A7)min ute of (Ab13)real (Gm7)love,

(Dm7)real (C)love,

(Bbmaj9)real love,

(Dm7)real (C)love,

(Bbmaj9)real love.

(Dm7)real (C)love,

(Bbmaj9)real love.

(Dm7)real (C)love.

Real Love — Simple Sheet Music

2 people have learned this song

"Real Love" 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 D, 120 BPM.

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

About “Real Love”

How does Simplified Piano Arrangement differ from full sheet music for "Real Love"?
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 "Real Love" by Michael McDonald played in?
Real Love is arranged in the key of D on Super Simple Piano. You can transpose to any other key live in the player.
What's the tempo (BPM) of "Real Love"?
The arrangement plays at 120 BPM. Use the speed control (10-200%) to practice slower or play faster.
Is "Real Love" 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 "Real Love"?
Yes — registered users can download PDF sheet music, plus MIDI and MusicXML files for use in other notation software.
Who composed "Real Love"?
"Real Love" was originally performed by Michael McDonald. The Super Simple Piano arrangement is simplified for beginner-to-intermediate players.
What chords are used in "Real Love"?
This arrangement uses 16 chords: A7, Abdom, Bb, Bb6, Bbmaj7, Bbmaj9, Bm7, C, +8 more.
What other songs by Michael McDonald can I play here?
Try "REFLECTIONS", "I BELIEVE", "FOR ONCE IN MY LIFE". 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 "Real Love". Key of D, 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.