Is "83" 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 "83"?

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 "83" use?

Just 15 chords: Am7, Amaj9, Asus2, B, Bm, C, C#m, Cmaj7, +7 more. Take it one section at a time.

What other John Mayer songs work for kids?

Try "Something's Missing", "Clarity", "Friends, Lovers or Nothing". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.

Super Simple Piano

83

· by John Mayer

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Lyrics

I’ve these dreams I’m walk ing home,

(Em9)home when it used to be,

and ev (Amaj9)’ry thing is as it was,

(Em9)fro zen in front of me.

Here I stand

six feet small,

ro (Em9)man ti ciz ing years a go;

but it’s a bit (Amaj9)ter sweet feel ing hear ing “Wrapped A round Your Fin ger” on the ra di o.

And (Dmaj7)these (Amaj9)days

I (Dmaj7)wish I was (Amaj9)six a gain.

Oh, make me a red

(Amaj9)cape,

I (Dmaj7)wan na be (Amaj9)Su per man.

Oh, if on ly my life was more like (D9)nine teen eight y three,

all these things would be more like they (D9)were at the start of me.

Had it made in eight y three.

Think (Amaj9)ing ’bout my broth er Ben; I miss him ev ’ry day.

He looks just like his broth er John, but on an (Em9)eight een month de lay.

Here I stand

six feet small,

and (Em9)smil ing ’cause I’m scared as hell.

Kind (Amaj9)of like my life is like a se quel to a mov ie where the (Em9)ac tors’ names have changed.

Oh well.

Well,

If my life was more like (D9)nine teen eight y three,

I’d plot a course to the source of the (D9)pur est lit tle part of me.

And most my mem o ries

have es caped me or con fused them selves with (F#7)dreams.

If (Bm)heav en’s all we want it to be,

send your prayers to me

care of nine teen eight y three.

You can paint that house a (D9)rain bow of col ors, rip out the floor boards, (D9)re place the shut ters, but

that’s my (D9)plas tic in the dirt.

What ev er hap pened to (D9)my, what ev er hap pened to my, what ev er hap pened to (D9)my lunch box?

When came the (D9)day that it got

thrown a (D9)way, and don’t you think I should have had some (D9)say in that de ci (Am7)sion?

If on ly my life...

83 by John Mayer — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “83” by John Mayer 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 A at 120 BPM, a medium-difficulty arrangement — try slowing the tempo down using the BPM control.

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 "83" 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 "83"?: 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 "83" use?: Just 15 chords: Am7, Amaj9, Asus2, B, Bm, C, C#m, Cmaj7, +7 more. Take it one section at a time.
What other John Mayer songs work for kids?: Try "Something's Missing", "Clarity", "Friends, Lovers or Nothing". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.