Agony (Film Version)

by Stephen Sondheim

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Lyrics

Did I a buse her Or show her dis dain?

Why does she run from me?

If I should lose her, How shall I re gain The heart she has won from me?

Ag o ny—!

Be yond pow er of speech,

When the one thing you want

Is the on ly thing out of your reach.

High in her tow er, She sits by the ho ur, Main tain ing her hair.

Blithe and be com ing, And fre quent ly hum ming A light heart ed air: “Ah ah ah ah ah ah ah—” Ag o ny—!

Far more pain ful than yours,

When you know she would go with you,

If there on ly were doors.

Ag o ny!

Oh, the tor ture they teach!

What’s as in tri guing— Or half so fa ti guing— As what’s out of reach?

Am I not sen si tive, clev er, Well man nered, con sid er ate, Pas sion ate, charm ing, As kind as I’m hand some, And heir to a throne?

You are ev ’ry thing maid ens could wish for!

Then why no—?

Do I know?

The girl must be mad!

You know noth ing of mad ness

Till you’re climb ing her hair And you see her up there As you’re near ing her, All the while hear ing her “Ah ah ah ah ah ah ah ah ah ah ah ah—” Ag o ny!

Mis er y!

Woe!

Though it’s dif f’rent for each.

Al ways ten steps be hind Al ways ten feet be low— And she’s just out of reach.

Ag o ny!

That can cut like a knife!

I must have her to wife.

Agony (Film Version) by Stephen Sondheim — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “Agony (Film Version) by Stephen Sondheim 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 Ab at 78 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 "Agony (Film Version)" 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 "Agony (Film Version)"?
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.
What other Stephen Sondheim songs work for kids?
Try "LOSING MY MIND", "Any Moment - Part I", "Anyone Can Whistle". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.