Roots Before Branches

by Glee Cast
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Learn a simple version, phrase by phrase: the melody, then easy chords.

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Lyrics

(A)Hey,

yeah, hey.

So (F#m)man y things to do and (F#m7)say

but (F#m)I can’t seem to find my (F#m7)way, but I (Dsus2)wan na know how.

I (F#m)know I’m meant for some thing (F#m7)else,

but (F#m)first I’ve got to find my (F#m7)self, but I my (Dsus2)don’t on know how.

There’s al ways Oh, a (Bm)why do I reach for the stars

when I don’t have (D)wings

to car ry me that far?

Got ta have (Dmaj7)roots

be fore (F#m)branch es,

to (Dmaj7)know who I am be fore I (A)know who I (E)wan na be.

And (Dmaj7)faith

to take (F#m)chanc es

to (Dmaj7)live like I see

a (Bm)place in this (E)world

for me.

(F#m)Ooh.

Hey.

(F#m)Some times I don’t wan na (F#m7)feel

but (F#m)and for get the pain is (F#m7)real; put my (Dsus2)head in the clouds.

I (F#m)start to run and then I (F#m7)fall,

but (F#m)think ing I can’t get it (F#m7)all with out my (Dsus2)feet on the ground.

There’s al ways Oh, a (Bm)seed do be fore there’s a rose.

The more that it (D)rains,

the more ry I will grow.

Got ta have (Dmaj7)roots

be fore (F#m)branch es,

to (Dmaj7)know who I am be fore I (A)know who I (E)wan na be.

And (Dmaj7)faith

to take (F#m)chanc es

to (Dmaj7)live like I see

a (Bm)place in this (E)world

for me.

(F#m)Ooh.

Hey.

(Bm)place in this (E)world

for me.

(F#m)Oh.

What ev er comes, I know how to (E)take it, learn to be strong; I won’t have to (B)fake it.

Oh, you’re un der (F#)stand ing.

Oh,

but we can come and do what’s best, roam in north and south, east and west,

but I’ll

(B)still be stand (E)ing.

(F#m)I’m stand (E)ing, if I have (Dmaj7)roots

be fore (F#m)branch es,

to (Dmaj7)know who I am be fore I (A)know who I’m (E)gon na be.

And (Dmaj7)faith,

oh, to take (F#m)chanc es

to (Dmaj7)live like I see

a (Bm)place in this (E)world...

(Bm)place in this (E)world

for (F#m)me.

Oh.

I’ve got to have (F#m)roots

be fore (A)branch es.

(F#m)Oh,

(E)yeah.

Roots Before Branches — Easy Piano Notes for Beginners

1 person has learned this song

Learn "Roots Before Branches" on piano with easy notes — perfect for absolute beginners. Large color-coded note names show exactly which keys to press. No music reading required. Key of A, 60 BPM.

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

About “Roots Before Branches”

Can I play "Roots Before Branches" without reading sheet music?
Yes — Easy Notes mode prints the letter name (C, D, E…) directly on each note in big color-coded labels, so you can match colors to your keyboard without any traditional notation. The whole arrangement of "Roots Before Branches" is playable in minutes, even for first-time players.
What key is "Roots Before Branches" by Glee Cast played in?
Roots Before Branches is arranged in the key of A on Super Simple Piano. You can transpose to any other key live in the player.
What's the tempo (BPM) of "Roots Before Branches"?
The arrangement plays at 60 BPM. Use the speed control (10-200%) to practice slower or play faster.
Is "Roots Before Branches" 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 "Roots Before Branches"?
Yes — registered users can download PDF sheet music, plus MIDI and MusicXML files for use in other notation software.
Who composed "Roots Before Branches"?
"Roots Before Branches" was originally performed by Glee Cast. The Super Simple Piano arrangement is simplified for beginner-to-intermediate players.
What chords are used in "Roots Before Branches"?
This arrangement uses 11 chords: A, B, Bm, Bsus4, D, Dmaj7, Dsus2, E, +3 more.
What other songs by Glee Cast can I play here?
Try "ABC", "YOU CAN'T STOP THE BEAT", "THE TIME OF MY LIFE". All are in our player with color-coded notes; pick the one matching your level.
Can a complete beginner play "Roots Before Branches"?
Absolutely! The Beginner mode shows large color-coded notes with letter names (C, D, E...). Just match the colors to your keyboard — no music reading needed. "Roots Before Branches" is simplified for beginners.
Do I need to read music to play "Roots Before Branches"?
No! Our Beginner mode replaces traditional notation with color-coded letter names. Each note shows exactly which key to press. You can start playing "Roots Before Branches" in minutes, even if you've never touched a piano before.