Alison

by Elvis Costello

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Lyrics

Oh, it’s so (A)fun ny to be see ing you af ter (E)so long, girl.

And with the (A)way you look, I un der stand that (G#m7)you are not im (C#m)pressed.

But I heard you let that lit tle (C#m)friend of mine I’ll bet take off your par ty dress.

I’m not I gon na get could (G#m7)too sen ti (C#m)men tal (B)like those (A)oth er stick ly y en tines, say.

I ’cause I don’t know if you are (C#m)lov ing the some light, bod y.

’cause I (D)on ly know it is n’t mine.

way.

(A)Al

i son,

I (A)know this (B)world is (G#m)kill (G#7)ing (C#m)you.

Oh, (A)Al

i son,

my aim is true.

(A)fun ny to Well, I see you got a (E)hus band now.

And Did he (A)leave your pret ty fin gers ly ing (G#m7)in the wed ding (C#m)cake?

But You used to hold him right tle (C#m)in your hand.

I’ll bet he took all he could take.

Some times I wish that I could (G#m7)stop you from (C#m)talk ing (B)when I (A)hear the sil ly things that you say.

I ’cause think some bod y you ter (C#m)put out the big light, bod y.

’cause I (D)can’t ly stand to see you this way.

(A)Al

i son,

I (A)know this (B)world is (G#m)kill (G#7)ing (C#m)you.

Oh, (A)Al

i son,

my aim is true.

My (B)aim is true.

My (B)aim is true.

Alison by Elvis Costello — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “Alison by Elvis Costello 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 E at 92 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 "Alison" 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 "Alison"?
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 "Alison" use?
Just 11 chords: A, B, B7, Bsus4, C#m, D, E, F#m, +3 more. Take it one section at a time.
What other Elvis Costello songs work for kids?
Try "EVERYDAY I WRITE THE BOOK", "She", "PEACE, LOVE AND UNDERSTANDING". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.