21 Guns

by Green Day

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Lyrics

Do you (Eb)know what’s worth (Bb)fight ing for,

when it’s (Eb)not worth (Bb)dy ing for?

Did some (Eb)one break your (Bb)heart in side?

You’re in ru ins.

(Dm7)Your (Bb)faith walks on (F)bro ken glass,

(Dm7)and the (Bb)hang o ver (F)does n’t pass.

(Dm7)Noth ing’s (Bb)ev er (F)built to last; you’re in ru ins.

(C)Oh, (F)one,

(F)twen ty one guns.

(F)Lay down (Fmaj7)your arms;

(F)give up the fight.

Oh, (F)one,

(F)twen ty one guns.

(F)Throw up (Fmaj7)your arms

(F)in to the sky,

you and I.

(F)(Oh, did you Did you try to to (F)live on your own on your own when you when you burned down the (Bb)house and home?

(Did you Did you stand too?) too (Bb)close to the fire, like a li ar look ing for for give ness

from a stone?

When it’s time to live and let die,

and you (Eb)can’t get an (Bb)oth er try,

(Gm11)some thing in side (Ebmaj7)this (F)heart has died; you’re in ru ins.

(You’re in ru ins,

(F)oh.) (C)One,

(G)twen ty one guns,

(C)lay down your arms;

(C)give up the fight.

(C)One,

(G)twen ty one guns,

(C)throw up your arms

(C)in to the sky.

(A)Oh, (D)one,

(A)twen ty one guns,

(D)lay down your arms;

(D)give up the fight.

(D)One,

(A)twen ty one guns,

(D)throw up your arms

(D)in to the sky,

(B)you and I.

21 Guns by Green Day — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “21 Guns by Green Day in our color-coded kid songbook view — every note is colored by pitch (red C, orange D, yellow E, green F, blue G, purple A, pink B) and the lyrics sit directly under each note, so children can sing along while they play. The song is in the key of Eb at 84 BPM, a comfortable easy-level arrangement perfect for first-time learners.

Tips for parents & teachers

  • Start at 50% tempo using the BPM control. Speed up only when your child can play through without stopping.
  • Turn on the metronome from the top bar to build steady rhythm.
  • Use the segmented OFF / C / 1 button to toggle note labels on the staff and keys — kids learn note names faster with letters showing.
  • Tap a measure number on the timeline to jump to a specific section for repeat practice.

Frequently asked questions

Is "21 Guns" good for a child learning piano?
Yes — this color-coded arrangement is designed for ages 4-12. Each note is colored by pitch so kids match colors to keys, no music reading required. Lyrics sit under every note for sing-along play.
What age can start with "21 Guns"?
Children as young as 4 can follow the color-coded notes. By age 6-7 most kids can play through the song themselves with light guidance. Parent help is recommended for the first few sessions.
Do we need a piano teacher to use this?
No — the color-coded format is designed to be self-explanatory. Parents with no music background can supervise. Teachers can also use it as an introductory lesson tool.
Can we print the sheet music?
Yes — tap "Download Sheet Music" above for a free printable PDF with the same color-coded notes that appear on screen.
How many chords does "21 Guns" use?
Just 24 chords: A, Am, Am7, B, Bb, Bm, C, C9, +16 more. Take it one section at a time.
What other Green Day songs work for kids?
Try "21 GUNS", "THE FORGOTTEN", "BASKET CASE". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.