We're Ready: Lead Sheet / Fake Book

This lead sheet captures one of rock's most recognizable melodic hooks in a format that lets pianists, vocalists, and keyboardists collaborate without being locked into a single arrangement. The straightforward two-page layout makes it ideal for students learning to read chord charts and interpret them on their instrument, whether they're accompanying a singer or working out their own comping style.

Immediate, confident, and sing-along memorable. The song has an undeniable forward momentum that invites participation rather than asking for restraint. Whether you're playing fills or laying down steady chords, the music propels itself with the kind of infectious energy that makes people want to join in.

Pianists and keyboardists working on lead sheet reading and chord interpretation. Singers developing confidence with accompaniment and learning how melody interacts with harmony. Groups rehearsing pop and rock covers who need flexible, readable chord charts.

• Lock in the harmonic rhythm first by feeling where the chords change, then layer in the melody to ensure clarity when supporting a vocalist
• Experiment with different voicings of the chords rather than playing them literally; this teaches you how to make the same harmony sound fresh across different registers
• Pay attention to where the melody sits against the chords, noticing which notes create tension and which provide resolution

Include this in a pop and rock unit where students explore how professional songwriters balance melody, harmony, and structure. Use it as a sight-reading exercise for pianists working at the intermediate level, or pair it with other Boston songs to study the band's harmonic language across multiple tracks.

• Reading and interpreting chord symbols in a lead sheet format
• Adapting chord voicings to fit different keyboard registers and playing styles
• Coordinating melody and harmony to support a vocalist
• Recognizing common chord progressions used in 1970s rock