Should've Known Better

by Richard Marx
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Learn a simple version, phrase by phrase: the melody, then easy chords.

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Lyrics

An oth er sleep less night I (Cm7)can’t (Bb)ex plain.

Some bod y said they heard me (Eb)call (Bb)your name.

(Bb)The ra di o won’t let you (Bb)leave (Ab)my mind.

(Bb)I know it’s o ver, but I (Bb)don’t (Ab)know driv why.

sane.

I should ’ve known bet ter

than to fall in love with (Bb)you.

Now (Fm11)love is just a fad ed mem o ry.

Should ’ve known bet ter.

Now I’m a pris ’ner to this (Bb)pain.

And (Gm7)my (Fm9)heart (Bb)still (Fm7)aches (Ab)for (Cm7)you.

Ooh.

I There was no risk that I (Cm7)would (Bb)n’t take,

and not a prom ise that I (Eb)did (Bb)n’t make.

(Bb)The All I asked was that you (Bb)just (Ab)hold on.

(Bb)And now I’m won der ing what (Bb)I (Ab)did driv wrong.

sane.

I should ’ve known bet ter

than to fall in love with (Bb)you.

Now (Fm11)love is just a fad ed mem o ry.

Should ’ve known bet ter.

Now I’m a pris ’ner to this (Bb)pain.

And (Gm7)my (Fm9)heart (Bb)still (Fm7)aches (Ab)for (Cm7)you.

Ooh.

(Fm7)aches (Ab)for you.

gave you all of my (Ab)bod y and soul,

(Ab)nev er be liev ing we (Ab)might lose con trol.

(Ab)I took my hands off the (Ab)wheel.

(Fm7)aches (Ab)for (Ebsus)you.

I should ’ve known bet ter

than to fall in love with (Bb)you.

Now (Fm11)love is just a fad ed mem o ry.

Should ’ve known bet ter.

Now I’m a pris ’ner to this (Bb)pain.

And (Gm7)my (Fm9)heart (Bb)still (Fm7)aches (Ab)for (Ebsus)you.

I should ’ve known bet ter

than to fall in love with (Bb)you.

Now (Fm11)love is just a fad ed mem o ry.

Should ’ve known bet ter.

Now I’m a pris ’ner to this (Bb)pain.

And (Gm7)my (Fm9)heart (Bb)still (Fm7)aches (Ab)for (Cm7)you.

Should've Known Better — Simple Sheet Music

1 person has learned this song

"Should've Known Better" 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, 120 BPM.

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

About “Should've Known Better”

How does Simplified Piano Arrangement differ from full sheet music for "Should've Known Better"?
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 "Should've Known Better" by Richard Marx played in?
Should've Known Better 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 "Should've Known Better"?
The arrangement plays at 120 BPM. Use the speed control (10-200%) to practice slower or play faster.
Is "Should've Known Better" 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 "Should've Known Better"?
Yes — registered users can download PDF sheet music, plus MIDI and MusicXML files for use in other notation software.
Who composed "Should've Known Better"?
"Should've Known Better" was originally performed by Richard Marx. The Super Simple Piano arrangement is simplified for beginner-to-intermediate players.
What chords are used in "Should've Known Better"?
This arrangement uses 15 chords: Ab, Abmaj, Abmaj7, Bb, Bb6, Bbsus4, Cm7, Csus2, +7 more.
What other songs by Richard Marx can I play here?
Try "HOLD ON TO THE NIGHTS", "ENDLESS SUMMER NIGHTS", "HAZARD". 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 "Should've Known Better". Key of C, 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.