The Entertainer

by Billy Joel
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Lyrics

I (G)am the en ter tain er and I (C)know just where (C)I stand:

An oth er ser e nad at er and an oth er long haired (D)band.

To (G)day I am your cham pi on.

I (C)may have won (C)your hearts.

But I know the game, you’ll for (D)get my name, and I (Am7)won’t be here in an (Cmaj7)oth er year if I (D)don’t stay on the charts.

I (G)am the en ter tain er and I’ve (C)had to pay (C)my price.

The things I did not know at first, we an learned by do ing (D)twice.

But (G)still they come to haunt pi me,

I (C)still they want (C)their say.

So I’ve learned to dance with a (D)hand in my Let ’em (Am7)rub my neck and I (Cmaj7)write ’em a and they (D)go their mer ry way.

I (G)am the en ter tain er,

I (C)been all a round (Dm7)my the world.

I played all kinds of pal (G)ac es

and laid on all the kinds of girls.

I (G)can’t re mem ber fac es, they were the I don’t re mem (Dm7)ber names,

oh, was but what ti the hell, you know it’s just as well, ’cause af ter a while and a thou sand miles, pay, so I cut it all be comes the same.

I (G)am the en ter tain er;

I’ve (C)bring to you round (Dm7)my the songs.

I’d like to spend a day (G)or two;

it’s I on can’t the stay that long.

I (G)got to meet ex pens es, they were I’ve I got to stay (Dm7)in line.

Got was ta get ti those fees you to the a gen cies, and I’d na to stay, but there’s got ta miles, it so they cut just down don’t have the time.

I

I (G)am the en ter tain er

and I (C)know just where (G7)I (C)stand:

An oth er ser e nad (G)er

and an oth er long haired (D)band.

To (G)day I am your cham pi on.

I (C)may have won (G7)your (C)hearts.

But I (Cmaj7)know the game, you’ll for (D)get my name.

I (Am7)won’t be here in an (Cmaj7)oth er year if I (D)don’t stay on the charts.

The Entertainer by Billy Joel

1 person has learned this song

Easy piano arrangement in the key of G at 120 BPM. Difficulty: easy. Color-coded notes — no sheet-reading skill required.

About “The Entertainer

What key is "The Entertainer" in?
"The Entertainer" by Billy Joel is in the key of G with a tempo of 120 BPM. Difficulty: easy.
Is "The Entertainer" easy to play on piano?
Yes — this arrangement is rated easy, meaning it uses simple chord patterns and a manageable tempo. Most beginners can play through it in 1-3 practice sessions using our color-coded notes.
Can I play "The Entertainer" 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 "The Entertainer"?
This arrangement of "The Entertainer" uses 9 chords: Am7, C, Cmaj7, D, D7, Dm7, G, G7, +1 more.
How long does it take to learn "The Entertainer" on piano?
1–3 short practice sessions for the basics; 2–3 weeks to perform confidently with both hands.
What other songs by Billy Joel can I play here?
Try "SCENES FROM AN ITALIAN RESTAURANT", "EVERYBODY HAS A DREAM", "CAPTAIN JACK". All are available in our player with color-coded notes; pick the one matching your level.

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