The Bitch Is Back: Lead Sheet / Fake Book

This lead sheet gives students and pianists direct access to the melodic and harmonic architecture behind one of rock's most brash, confident pop-rock statements. The energy and attitude encoded in the tune are inseparable from the song itself, making it a genuinely fun choice for jazz ensemble singers or pianists exploring contemporary songwriting.

Defiant and swaggering, with a melody that bounces with attitude and refuses to apologize. The harmonic language feels both modern and bluesy, giving the tune a timeless quality despite its 1970s lineage.

Vocalists exploring contemporary standards and jazz arrangers building out pop-rock repertoire will find this essential. Pianists at intermediate to advanced levels can use it as a springboard for voicing exploration and comping development.

• Anchor the rhythm with a steady left hand that outlines the harmonic progression; this keeps the groove grounded even when the vocals push ahead.
• Lean into the attitude in the melody. This song demands conviction, not prettiness; shape the phrasing with confidence and edge.
• Pay attention to the original's tempo and groove feel; the pocket is critical to nailing the song's swagger.

Feature this in a contemporary jazz or pops concert, pairing it with other Elton John standards or similar-era pop classics to build a cohesive set. It also works as a showstopper in a musical theater or cabaret program where attitude and vocal personality matter as much as technical chops.

• Reading and interpreting lead sheet notation with sparse harmonic symbols
• Understanding rhythm and groove feel in pop-rock contexts
• Vocal phrasing and rhythmic interpretation in contemporary repertoire
• Left-hand accompaniment and comping patterns in popular song styles