The Way We Were

by Barbra Streisand
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 Way We Were

Pick a learning view.

Lyrics

(A)Mem

(C#m7)’ries

light the cor ners of my (F#m)mind.

Mist y (C#m7)wa ter (C#7)col or (F#m)mem

(F#m)’ries

of the (E7sus)way

(E7)we (Amaj7)were.

Scat tered (A)pic

(C#m7)tures

of the smiles we left be (F#m)hind,

smiles we (C#m7)gave to (C#7)one an (F#m)oth

(F#m)er

for the (E7sus)way

(E7)we (Amaj7)were.

Scat tered (Amaj7)were.

(Dmaj7)Can it be that it was all (C#m7)so (Bm7)sim ple then,

(C#m7)or has time re writ ten ev ’ry (F#7sus)line?

(Bm7)If we had the (Bm7)chance to do it (E7sus)all a gain,

(E7)tell me (Amaj7)would we?

(D)Could we?

we sim ply (C#7sus)choose to (C#7)for (F#m7)get.

So it’s the (C#m7)laugh

ter

we will

re (C#m7)mem

ber,

when ev er we re (C#m7)mem

(F#m7)ber

the (Bm7)way

we (Amaj7)were;

the way we

(Amaj7)were.

The Way We Were — Simple Sheet Music

17 people have learned this song

"The Way We Were" 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 A, 70 BPM.

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

About “The Way We Were”

How does Simplified Piano Arrangement differ from full sheet music for "The Way We Were"?
Simplified Arrangement keeps the melody and chords on a simplified staff with lyrics, color-coded for easy recognition. It's a learner-bridge between Beginner mode and the classic engraved Sheet Music — same song, less visual density.
What key is "The Way We Were" by Barbra Streisand played in?
The Way We Were is arranged in the key of A on Super Simple Piano. You can transpose to any other key live in the player.
What's the tempo (BPM) of "The Way We Were"?
The arrangement plays at 70 BPM. Use the speed control (10-200%) to practice slower or play faster.
Is "The Way We Were" 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 "The Way We Were"?
Yes — registered users can download PDF sheet music, plus MIDI and MusicXML files for use in other notation software.
Who composed "The Way We Were"?
"The Way We Were" was originally performed by Barbra Streisand. The Super Simple Piano arrangement is simplified for beginner-to-intermediate players.
What chords are used in "The Way We Were"?
This arrangement uses 12 chords: A, A7, Amaj7, Bm7, C#7, C#m7, D, Dmaj7, +4 more.
What other songs by Barbra Streisand can I play here?
Try "ORDINARY MIRACLES", "Smoke Gets in Your Eyes", "My Man (Mon Homme)". All are in our player with color-coded notes; pick the one matching your level.
Is Simple Sheet good for learning to read sheet music?
Yes! Simple Sheet bridges the gap between beginner color-coded modes and traditional notation. Notes are displayed on a simplified staff with colors, lyrics, and chords — helping you build music reading skills gradually while still enjoying "The Way We Were". Key of A, 70 BPM.
What's the difference between Simple Sheet and Lead Sheet?
Simple Sheet shows a more streamlined, horizontally scrolling view with color-coded notes on a staff and lyrics below — like a simplified version of real sheet music. Lead Sheet shows melody with chord symbols above and full lyrics. Simple Sheet is the next step toward reading traditional notation.