About “The Way It Is”

Can I learn "The Way It Is" with falling notes like Synthesia?

Yes — Falling Notes mode shows colored note shapes dropping onto a virtual keyboard, the same visual style as Synthesia or piano-tile games. Each note's column matches the piano key you press. Works for "The Way It Is" with hands-separate practice in G at 120 BPM.

What key is "The Way It Is" by Bruce Hornsby played in?

The Way It Is 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 Way It Is"?

The arrangement plays at 120 BPM. Use the speed control (10-200%) to practice slower or play faster.

Is "The Way It Is" easy to play on piano?

Yes — this is one of our beginner-friendly arrangements with simplified chords and color-coded notes.

Can I download sheet music for "The Way It Is"?

Yes — registered users can download PDF sheet music, plus MIDI and MusicXML files for use in other notation software.

Who composed "The Way It Is"?

"The Way It Is" was originally performed by Bruce Hornsby. The Super Simple Piano arrangement is simplified for beginner-to-intermediate players.

What chords are used in "The Way It Is"?

This arrangement uses 6 chords: Am7, C, D, Em7, Fmaj7, G.

What other songs by Bruce Hornsby can I play here?

Try "Mandolin Rain", "MANDOLIN RAIN", "LOOK OUT ANY WINDOW". All are in our player with color-coded notes; pick the one matching your level.

Can I practice left and right hand separately for "The Way It Is"?

Yes! Our Top Down mode lets you isolate the left hand (bass clef), right hand (treble clef), or play both together. This makes it easy to master "The Way It Is" one hand at a time before combining them.

What is falling notes style for "The Way It Is"?

Falling notes (also known as Synthesia or piano waterfall) shows color-coded rectangles falling from the top of the screen onto a virtual keyboard. Each note's position matches the piano key you need to press. "The Way It Is" is in the key of G at 120 BPM.