The Riddle

by Five For Fighting
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How to Play This Song

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

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Lyrics

(G)There was a (Gsus)man back in nine ty (G)five whose heart ran out of (Gsus)sum mers.

But be fore he (G)died, I (E7sus)asked him, “Wait, what’s the (C)sense in (Em7)life?

Come (G)o ver (Am)me, Some thing come (G)o ver me?”

He said, (Gsus)“Son, why you got to sing that (G)tune?

Catch a Dy lan (Gsus)song or some e clipse of the (G)moon, let an (E7sus)an gel (Am)swing and (C)make you (Em)swoon, and then (Am)you will see, I (D)you will see.” ly

Then he (G)said, “Here’s a (Dsus)rid dle for you; find the (Em7)an swer.

There’s a (C)rea son for the (Dsus)world,

you and (G)I.”

(G)Picked up my (D)kid from (C)school to (D)day.

“Did you (G)learn an y thing, ’cause in the world to day you can’t (Em)live in a cas tle far a way.

Now (Gmaj7)talk to me, come (D)talk to me.” He (D)said, (G)“Dad, I’m (D)big, but we’re (C)small er than (D)small.

In the (G)scheme of things, well, we’re noth ing at all.

Still, ev ’ry (Em)moth er’s child sings a lone ly song, so (C)play with (D)me, come (G)play with me.

And hey, (G)Dad, here’s a (Dsus)rid dle for you.

Find the (Em7)an swer.

There’s a (C)rea son for the (Dsus)world,

you and (G)I.”

I said, “Son, for (Dsus)all I’ve told you, when you get (Em7)right down to the (C)rea son for the (Dsus)world,

who am (G)I?”

There are (D)se crets that we (G)still have left to (Em7)find.

There have been (D)mys ter ies from the be (G)gin ning

of (F)time.

There are (D)an swers we’re not (G)wise e (D)nough to (E7)see.

He said, “You (C)look ing for a clue: I love you (C)free.”

(C)rea son for the (Dsus)world,

you and (G)I...

The Riddle — Karaoke: Lyrics & Chords to Sing & Play Along

3 people have learned this song

Free karaoke for "The Riddle" by Five For Fighting: lyrics on screen with the chords above each line and a bouncing ball that lands on every word in time. Sing along, or play along on guitar or piano from the chord chart. Change the key to fit your voice, slow the tempo down. Key of G, 120 BPM.

Tip: Break this song into sections and master each one separately. The speed control lets you drill difficult passages at any tempo.

About “The Riddle”

What key is "The Riddle" by Five For Fighting played in?
The Riddle is arranged in the key of G on Super Simple Piano. You can transpose to any other key live in the player.
What's the tempo (BPM) of "The Riddle"?
The arrangement plays at 120 BPM. Use the speed control (10-200%) to practice slower or play faster.
Is "The Riddle" easy to play on piano?
This is an advanced arrangement. We recommend breaking it into sections and using the speed control to drill harder passages.
Can I download sheet music for "The Riddle"?
Yes — registered users can download PDF sheet music, plus MIDI and MusicXML files for use in other notation software.
Who composed "The Riddle"?
"The Riddle" was originally performed by Five For Fighting. The Super Simple Piano arrangement is simplified for beginner-to-intermediate players.
What other songs by Five For Fighting can I play here?
Try "LOVE SONG", "EASY TONIGHT", "THE RIDDLE". All are in our player with color-coded notes; pick the one matching your level.
Is there a karaoke version of "The Riddle" with lyrics?
Yes — this is a free karaoke slide for "The Riddle" by Five For Fighting. The lyrics appear on screen a line at a time and each word lights up exactly when it's sung, with a bouncing ball leading you word to word. A backing plays underneath so you can just sing.
Does it show chords so I can play along on guitar or piano?
It does — a chord symbol sits on a thin row just above the lyric it changes on, so the same screen doubles as a lyrics-and-chords chart. Guitarists can strum the changes and pianists can comp while singing; the chords are colour-coded and move with the live transpose if you change key.
Can I change the key of "The Riddle" to match my voice or capo?
Yes. The original is in G, but the live transpose control shifts the whole song up or down semitones until the melody sits in your range (or maps to an easier guitar shape / capo position) — the on-screen chords and the backing move with it.
Can I slow "The Riddle" down to learn the words and chords?
Yes — the tempo control lets you take it as slow as you need while the lyrics still light up in time and the ball keeps you on the beat. Speed it back up once you can sing and play it through.