What key is "Sail On" in?

"Sail On" by The Commodores is in the key of D with a tempo of 76 BPM. Difficulty: medium.

Is "Sail On" easy to play on piano?

This arrangement is rated medium. It requires comfort with chord shapes and basic hand independence. Expect 1-2 weeks of regular practice for a confident performance.

Can I play "Sail On" 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.

What chords are used in "Sail On"?

This arrangement of "Sail On" uses 11 chords: A, A7, Bm7, C, D, Dmaj7, Em, Em7, +3 more.

How long does it take to learn "Sail On" on piano?

2–4 weeks of consistent practice (20–30 min/day) for an intermediate player. Drill the tricky passages in isolation first.

What other songs by The Commodores can I play here?

Try "BRICK HOUSE", "EASY", "THREE TIMES A LADY". All are available in our player with color-coded notes; pick the one matching your level.

Lyrics

Sail on down the line ’bout a half ny a mile time or so, and a don’t real say ly wan na know a it where you’re go in’.

May be once or twice, you see, a time af town ter time I tried me a to, to hold on to what we got, but a now you’re go in’;

and I don’t my (A7)mind a bout the (D)things you’re (D)gon na (Bm7)say, Lord,

I gave all my (A7)mon ey, and my time.

You know, it ain’t so I know it’s a shame,

but I’m (D)giv in’ you (D)back your (Bm7)name,

(Dmaj7)yeah, (Gmaj7)yeah.

Yes, I’ll be (F#m7)on my (Em7)way,

I (G)won’t be (F#m7)back to (Em7)stay,

I want I guess I’ll move a long, I’m look in’ for a (D)good (A)time,

Sail on down the line.

Ain’t it half ny a mile time or so, and a don’t real say ly wan na know a it does n’t mat ter.

It was plain to see you see, a time af town ter time I tried me a to, to was n’t your cup of tea.

It was wish ful think in’.

I gave you my (A7)heart a and I (D)tried to (D)make you (Bm7)hap py,

and you gave me (A7)noth in’ and re turn.

You know, it ain’t so I know it’s a shame,

“Would you (D)please in’ just (D)go a (Bm7)way.”

(Dmaj7)Yeah, (Gmaj7)yeah.

I’ve thrown a (F#m7)way the (Em7)blues,

I’m (G)tired of (F#m7)be in’ (Em7)used,

I want ev er y one to know I’m look in’ for a (D)good (A)time,

(C)good (G)time,

(D)yeah.

whoa, oh, (Gmaj7)sail on,

(F#m7)hon ey,

good times

nev er (F#m7)felt so (Em7)good.

(Gmaj7)Sail on,

(F#m7)sug ar,

good times

nev er (F#m7)felt so (Em7)good.

(Gmaj7)Sail

on.

(Gmaj7)Sail

on.

Sail On by The Commodores

6 people have learned this song

Easy piano arrangement in the key of D at 76 BPM. Difficulty: medium. Color-coded notes — no sheet-reading skill required.

About “Sail On”

What key is "Sail On" in?: "Sail On" by The Commodores is in the key of D with a tempo of 76 BPM. Difficulty: medium.
Is "Sail On" easy to play on piano?: This arrangement is rated medium. It requires comfort with chord shapes and basic hand independence. Expect 1-2 weeks of regular practice for a confident performance.
Can I play "Sail On" 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.
What chords are used in "Sail On"?: This arrangement of "Sail On" uses 11 chords: A, A7, Bm7, C, D, Dmaj7, Em, Em7, +3 more.
How long does it take to learn "Sail On" on piano?: 2–4 weeks of consistent practice (20–30 min/day) for an intermediate player. Drill the tricky passages in isolation first.
What other songs by The Commodores can I play here?: Try "BRICK HOUSE", "EASY", "THREE TIMES A LADY". All are available in our player with color-coded notes; pick the one matching your level.