This Is The Time

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

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Lyrics

We walked on the (Eb6/9)beach be side that (Fsus2)old ho tel.

They’re tear in’ it (Eb6/9)down now, but it’s (Fsus2)just as well.

I have n’t shown you (Eb6/9)ev ’ry thing a (Fsus2)man can do,

so stay with me, (Eb6/9)ba by; I’ve got (Fsus2)plans for you.

This is the time

to re mem ber, ’cause it will not last for ev er.

These are the days

to hold on to, ’cause we won’t al though we’ll want to.

This is the time,

but time is gon na (G7sus)change.

You’ve giv en me the (Gb)best of you,

but now I need the (Bb)rest (F)of you.

We walked on the (Eb6/9)beach be side that (Fsus2)old ho tel.

They’re tear in’ it (Eb6/9)down now, but it’s (Fsus2)just as well.

I have n’t shown you (Eb6/9)ev ’ry thing a (Fsus2)man can do,

so stay with me, (Eb6/9)ba by; I’ve got (Fsus2)plans for you.

This is the time

to re mem ber, ’cause it will not last for ev er.

These are the days

to hold on to, ’cause we won’t al though we’ll want to.

This is the time,

but time is gon na (G7sus)change.

I know we’ve got to (Gb)move some how,

but I don’t want to (Bb)lose (F)you now.

Some times it’s so (Fmaj7)eas y to let a (Bb)day

slip on (C)by

with out e ven (Fmaj7)see ing each oth er at (Bb)all.

But this is the (Fmaj7)time you’ll turn back to and (Gm7)so

will (E)I,

and those will be (Fmaj7)days you can nev er re (Bbsus2)call.

al though we’ll want to.

This is the time,

but time is gon na (G7sus)change.

You’ve giv en me the (Gb)best of you,

but now I need the (Bb)rest (F)of you.

This Is The Time — Easy Piano Notes for Beginners

7 people have learned this song

Learn "This Is The Time" on piano with easy notes — perfect for absolute beginners. Large color-coded note names show exactly which keys to press. No music reading required. Key of F, 132 BPM.

Tip: Start at 50% speed to get comfortable with the fingering, then work your way up to full tempo.

About “This Is The Time”

Can I play "This Is The Time" without reading sheet music?
Yes — Easy Notes mode prints the letter name (C, D, E…) directly on each note in big color-coded labels, so you can match colors to your keyboard without any traditional notation. The whole arrangement of "This Is The Time" is playable in minutes, even for first-time players.
What key is "This Is The Time" by Billy Joel played in?
This Is The Time is arranged in the key of F on Super Simple Piano. You can transpose to any other key live in the player.
What's the tempo (BPM) of "This Is The Time"?
The arrangement plays at 132 BPM. Use the speed control (10-200%) to practice slower or play faster.
Is "This Is The Time" 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 "This Is The Time"?
Yes — registered users can download PDF sheet music, plus MIDI and MusicXML files for use in other notation software.
Who composed "This Is The Time"?
"This Is The Time" was originally performed by Billy Joel. The Super Simple Piano arrangement is simplified for beginner-to-intermediate players.
What chords are used in "This Is The Time"?
This arrangement uses 17 chords: A7, Bb, Bbmaj7, Bbsus2, C, Dm, Dm7, Eb, +9 more.
What other songs by Billy Joel can I play here?
Try "SCENES FROM AN ITALIAN RESTAURANT", "EVERYBODY HAS A DREAM", "CAPTAIN JACK". All are in our player with color-coded notes; pick the one matching your level.
Can a complete beginner play "This Is The Time"?
Absolutely! The Beginner mode shows large color-coded notes with letter names (C, D, E...). Just match the colors to your keyboard — no music reading needed. "This Is The Time" is perfect for first-time players.
Do I need to read music to play "This Is The Time"?
No! Our Beginner mode replaces traditional notation with color-coded letter names. Each note shows exactly which key to press. You can start playing "This Is The Time" in minutes, even if you've never touched a piano before.