That's The Way I've Always Heard It Should Be

by Carly Simon
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Lyrics

My fa ther sits at night with (Gmaj7)no lights on,

his cig a rette glows in the (Gmaj7)dark;

the liv ing room is still; I walk by no re (Am)mark.

I tip toe past the mas ter (Gmaj7)bed room where

my moth er reads her mag a (Gmaj7)zines;

I hear her call “sweet dreams” but I for get how to (Am)dream.

But you say it’s time we (Em7)moved in to geth er,

and raised a fam ’ly of our own, you and me.

Well, that’s the way I al ways (Em7)heard it should be.

You want to (A)mar ry me,

we’ll (D)mar ry.

My friends from col lege, they’re all (Gmaj7)mar ried now;

they have their hous es and their (Gmaj7)lawns.

They have their si lent noons, tear ful nights, an gry (Am)dawns.

Their chil dren hate them for the (Gmaj7)things they’re not;

they hate them selves for what they (Gmaj7)are;

and yet they drink, they laugh, just close the wounds, hide the (Am)scar.

But you say it’s time we (Em7)moved in to geth er,

and raised a fam ’ly of our own, you and me.

Well, that’s the way I al ways (Em7)heard it should be.

You want to (A)mar ry me,

we’ll (D)mar ry.

(D)mar

ry.

That's The Way I've Always Heard It Should Be — Simple Sheet Music

2 people have learned this song

"That's The Way I've Always Heard It Should Be" 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 B, 80 BPM.

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

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Falling NotesBeginnerLead SheetBar Sheet

About “That's The Way I've Always Heard It Should Be”

What key is "That's The Way I've Always Heard It Should Be" by Carly Simon played in?
That's The Way I've Always Heard It Should Be is arranged in the key of B on Super Simple Piano. You can transpose to any other key live in the player.
What's the tempo (BPM) of "That's The Way I've Always Heard It Should Be"?
The arrangement plays at 80 BPM. Use the speed control (10-200%) to practice slower or play faster.
Is "That's The Way I've Always Heard It Should Be" 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 "That's The Way I've Always Heard It Should Be"?
Yes — registered users can download PDF sheet music, plus MIDI and MusicXML files for use in other notation software.
Who composed "That's The Way I've Always Heard It Should Be"?
"That's The Way I've Always Heard It Should Be" was originally performed by Carly Simon. The Super Simple Piano arrangement is simplified for beginner-to-intermediate players.
What chords are used in "That's The Way I've Always Heard It Should Be"?
This arrangement uses 12 chords: A, Abmaj7, Am, Bm, Cmaj9, D, Dm7, Dm9, +4 more.
What other songs by Carly Simon can I play here?
Try "HAVEN'T GOT TIME FOR THE PAIN", "LET THE RIVER RUN", "SHOULDER TO SHOULDER". All are in our player with color-coded notes; pick the one matching your level.

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