Runnin'

by Pharrell Williams
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Learn a simple version, phrase by phrase: the melody, then easy chords.

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Lyrics

Sum mer time in Vir gin ia was an ov en.

All the kids eat ing ice cream with their cous ins.

I was stud y ing while you was play ing the doz ens.

Don’t act like you was there when you was n’t.

From Run nin’ from the man (ex (man), run nin’ from the badge (badge).

Don’t act like you was there when you was n’t.

And the Run nin’ t’ward our plans (plans) where in a were judge ’s hands (hands).

Don’t act like you was there when you was n’t I know they say, “Crawl ’fore you walk,”

but in my mind I al read y jog.

If I stand still, I can not get far.

They want the moon; I’m on Mars.

Some times my mind (F#7)dives

(F)deep

when I’m (Em)run nin’.

I don’t want no free (F#7)ride,

I’m just sick and tired of (Em)run nin’.

Some nights I cry

’cause I can see the day (Em)com in’.

To geth er we’ll (F#7)fly,

oh, but no more (Em)run nin’.

You and I are no dif f’rent from each oth er.

Shut our eyes when we slum ber; I see num bers.

Black and white y were com put was ers; I am col ored.

Don’t act like you was there when you was n’t.

From run nin’ to ex ams (ex ams), to jobs for a man (man),

don’t act like you was there when you was n’t.

And the law nin’ of the land (land) where wom en were of ten banned (banned).

Don’t act like you was there when you was n’t I know they say, “Crawl ’fore you walk,”

but in my mind I al read y jog.

If I stand still, I can not get far.

They want the moon; I’m on Mars.

Some times my mind (F#7)dives

(F)deep

when I’m (Em)run nin’.

I don’t want no free (F#7)ride,

I’m just sick and tired of (Em)run nin’.

Some nights I cry

’cause I can see the day (Em)com in’.

To geth er we’ll (F#7)fly,

oh, but no more (Em)run nin’.

oh, but no more (Em)run nin’.

oh, but no more (Em)run nin’, no.

Runnin' — Easy Piano Notes for Beginners

5 people have learned this song

Learn "Runnin'" 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 E, 110 BPM.

Tip: Start at 50% speed to get comfortable with the fingering, then work your way up to full tempo.

About “Runnin'”

Can I play "Runnin'" 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 "Runnin'" is playable in minutes, even for first-time players.
What key is "Runnin'" by Pharrell Williams played in?
Runnin' is arranged in the key of E on Super Simple Piano. You can transpose to any other key live in the player.
What's the tempo (BPM) of "Runnin'"?
The arrangement plays at 110 BPM. Use the speed control (10-200%) to practice slower or play faster.
Is "Runnin'" easy to play on piano?
Yes — this is one of our beginner-friendly arrangements with simplified chords and color-coded notes.
Can I download sheet music for "Runnin'"?
Yes — registered users can download PDF sheet music, plus MIDI and MusicXML files for use in other notation software.
Who composed "Runnin'"?
"Runnin'" was originally performed by Pharrell Williams. The Super Simple Piano arrangement is simplified for beginner-to-intermediate players.
What other songs by Pharrell Williams can I play here?
Try "HAPPY", "Happy", "Freedom". All are in our player with color-coded notes; pick the one matching your level.
Can a complete beginner play "Runnin'"?
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. "Runnin'" is perfect for first-time players.
Do I need to read music to play "Runnin'"?
No! Our Beginner mode replaces traditional notation with color-coded letter names. Each note shows exactly which key to press. You can start playing "Runnin'" in minutes, even if you've never touched a piano before.