This Is Why We Can't Have Nice Things

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

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Lyrics

It was so nice throw ing big par ties, jump in to the pool from the bal co ny, ev ’ry one swim ming in a cham pagne sea.

And there are no rules when you show up here.

Bass beat rat tl ing the chan de lier.

Feel ing so Gats by for that whole year.

So (Bb)why’d you have to rain on my pa (C)rade?

I’m shak ing my (Gm)head

and lock ing the (C)gates.

This is why we can’t have (F)nice

(Dm)things,

(Bb)dar

(C)ling.

Be cause you break them, I had to take them a way.

(C)This is why we can’t have (F)nice

(Dm)things,

(Bb)hon

(C)ey.

(F)Did you think I would n’t hear (Dm)all the things you said a bout (Bb)me?

(C)This is why we can’t have nice things.

It was so nice be ing friends a gain.

There I was, giv ing you a sec ond chance, but you stabbed me in the back while shak ing my hand.

And there in lies the is sue: friends don’t try to trick you, get you on the phone and mind twist you.

And so I took an axe to a mend ed fence.

But I’m (C)This is why we can’t have...

(F)Here’s a toast to my (Dm)real friends: they don’t care a (C)bout the “he said, she said.” And here’s to my (Dm)ba by: he ain’t read ing (C)what they call me late ly.

And here’s to my (Dm)ma ma: had to lis ten (C)to all this dra ma.

And (F)here’s

to (Dm)you, ’cause for (Bb)give ness is a nice thing to (C)do.

This is why we can’t have (F)nice

(Dm)things,

(Bb)dar

(C)ling.

Be cause you break them, I had to take them a way.

(C)This is why we can’t have (F)nice

(Dm)things,

(Bb)hon

(C)ey.

(F)Did you think I would n’t hear (Dm)all the things you said a bout (Bb)me?

(C)This is why we can’t have (F)nice

(Dm)things,

(Bb)dar (And here’s to my (C)ling.

friends.) Be cause you break them, I had to take them.

And here’s to my (C)ba by.

(F)Nice

(Dm)things,

(Bb)hon (They don’t care a bout that (C)ey.

said, she said.” (F)Did you think I would n’t hear (Dm)all the things you said a bout (Bb)me?

(C)This is why we can’t have nice things.

This Is Why We Can't Have Nice Things — Simple Sheet Music

3 people have learned this song

"This Is Why We Can't Have Nice Things" 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 F, 160 BPM.

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

About “This Is Why We Can't Have Nice Things”

How does Simplified Piano Arrangement differ from full sheet music for "This Is Why We Can't Have Nice Things"?
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 "This Is Why We Can't Have Nice Things" by Taylor Swift played in?
This Is Why We Can't Have Nice Things 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 Why We Can't Have Nice Things"?
The arrangement plays at 160 BPM. Use the speed control (10-200%) to practice slower or play faster.
Is "This Is Why We Can't Have Nice Things" 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 "This Is Why We Can't Have Nice Things"?
Yes — registered users can download PDF sheet music, plus MIDI and MusicXML files for use in other notation software.
Who composed "This Is Why We Can't Have Nice Things"?
"This Is Why We Can't Have Nice Things" was originally performed by Taylor Swift. The Super Simple Piano arrangement is simplified for beginner-to-intermediate players.
What chords are used in "This Is Why We Can't Have Nice Things"?
This arrangement uses 6 chords: Bb, C, Dm, F, Fpow, Gm.
What other songs by Taylor Swift can I play here?
Try "GETAWAY CAR", "THE LAST TIME", "ENCHANTED". 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 "This Is Why We Can't Have Nice Things". Key of F, 160 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.