When You Really Love Someone

by Alicia Keys
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How to Play This Song

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

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Lyrics

I’m a (Em)wom an,

and Lord

knows it’s hard.

I need a real man to give me (Em)what I need.

Sweet at ten

tion,

love

and ten der ness.

When it’s real, it’s un con di tion al, I’m (Em)tell in’ y’all.

’Cause a (B7)man just ain’t a man an if he ain’t man an e nough to (Em)love you when you’re right,

love you when you’re wrong,

(Am7)love you when you’re weak,

love you when you’re strong,

take you high er

when the world got you (Em)feel in’ low.

He’s giv ing you his last,

’cause he’s think in’ of you first,

giv ing com fort when he’s think in’ that you’re hurt.

That’s what’s done when you real ly love some one.

I’m (Em)tell in’ y’all.

I’m tell in’ y’all.

’Cause you’re a (Em)real man,

and Lord

knows it’s hard.

Some times you just need to give a (Em)wom an’s touch.

Sweet af fec

tion,

love

and and sup port.

When it’s real, it’s un con di tion al, I’m (Em)tell in’ y’all.

’Cause a (B7)wom an ain’t a wom an if she ain’t wom an e nough to (Em)love you when you’re right,

love you when you’re wrong,

(Am7)love you when you’re weak,

love you when you’re strong,

take you high er

when the world got you (Em)feel in’ low.

She’s giv ing you her best,

e ven when you’re at your worst,

giv ing com fort when she’s think in’ that you’re hurt.

That’s what’s done when you real ly love some one.

I’m (Em)tell in’ y’all.

I’m tell in’ y’all.

’Cause you’re a tell in’ y’all.

Whoo, (Em)whoo,

whoo.

Whoo, (Am7)whoo,

whoo.

Whoo

whoo, (Em)whoo,

whoo.

Some times you wan na ar gue, some times you wan na fight, some (Am7)times it’s gon na feel like it ’ll nev er be right, but (Bm7)some thin’ so strong, if you’re hold in’ on, it (Em)don’t make sense,

but it make a good song.

’Cause a (B7)man just ain’t a man an if he ain’t man an e nough to (Em)love you when you’re right,

love you when you’re wrong,

(Am7)love you when you’re weak,

love you when you’re strong,

take you high er

when the world got you (Em)feel in’ low.

He’s giv ing you his last,

’cause he’s think in’ of you first,

giv ing com fort when he’s think in’ that you’re hurt.

That’s what’s done when you real ly love some one.

(I’m tell in’ y’all.) I’m tell in’ y’all.

I’m tell in’ y’all that a (B7)wom an ain’t a wom an if she ain’t wom an e nough to (Em)love you when you’re right,

love you when you’re wrong,

(Am7)love you when you’re weak,

love you when you’re strong,

take you high er

when the world got you (Em)feel in’ low.

She’s giv ing you her best,

e ven when you’re at your worst,

giv ing com fort when she’s think in’ that you’re hurt.

That’s what’s done when you real ly love some one.

(I’m tell in’ y’all.) I’m tell in’ y’all.

I’m tell in’ y’all that a I’m tell in’ y’all.

(Em)Hmm,

hmm,

yeah.

(Am7)Hmm,

hmm,

yeah.

(Bm7)Hmm,

hmm,

yeah.

(Em)Hmm,

hmm,

yeah.

(Em)Hmm,

hmm,

yeah.

(Am7)Hmm,

hmm,

yeah.

(Bm7)Hmm,

hmm,

yeah.

(Em)Hmm,

hmm,

yeah.

When You Really Love Someone — Simple Sheet Music

4 people have learned this song

"When You Really Love Someone" 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 E, 68 BPM.

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

About “When You Really Love Someone”

How does Simplified Piano Arrangement differ from full sheet music for "When You Really Love Someone"?
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 "When You Really Love Someone" by Alicia Keys played in?
When You Really Love Someone is arranged in the key of E on Super Simple Piano. You can transpose to any other key live in the player.
What's the tempo (BPM) of "When You Really Love Someone"?
The arrangement plays at 68 BPM. Use the speed control (10-200%) to practice slower or play faster.
Is "When You Really Love Someone" 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 "When You Really Love Someone"?
Yes — registered users can download PDF sheet music, plus MIDI and MusicXML files for use in other notation software.
Who composed "When You Really Love Someone"?
"When You Really Love Someone" was originally performed by Alicia Keys. The Super Simple Piano arrangement is simplified for beginner-to-intermediate players.
What chords are used in "When You Really Love Someone"?
This arrangement uses 4 chords: Am7, B7, Bm7, Em. Only a handful of chords — beginner-friendly.
What other songs by Alicia Keys can I play here?
Try "AS I AM", "DE NOVO ADAGIO (INTRO)", "TEARS ALWAYS WIN". 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 "When You Really Love Someone". Key of E, 68 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.