The Riddle

by Five For Fighting
Loading song
Fetching song
1
—
How to Play This Song

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

Start the lesson
Personalize the finger hints for your handsPick your hand size and we'll re-suggest this song's fingering to fit you.Personalize
More ways to play

Other arrangements of The Riddle

Pick a learning view.

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 — Piano Lead Sheet

3 people have learned this song

"The Riddle" lead sheet with chords, melody, and lyrics. Play the melody while following chord symbols above. Perfect for sing-along or accompaniment. 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”

Where are the chord symbols for "The Riddle" displayed?
Lead Sheet shows chord symbols (like Am, G7, C) above the melody line with lyrics below. Every chord change highlights in real time as the song plays, so you can play the melody with the right hand and follow chord shapes with the left. "The Riddle" is in G.
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.
Does "The Riddle" have chords and lyrics?
Yes! The Lead Sheet shows the melody with chord symbols (like Am, G, C) and full lyrics. Perfect for singing along or playing with a band. "The Riddle" is in the key of G at 120 BPM.
What chords are in "The Riddle"?
Open the Lead Sheet to see all chord symbols displayed above the melody line. The song is in the key of G, so you'll find chords common to that key. Each chord highlights in real time as the song plays.