Allentown

by Billy Joel

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Lyrics

Well, we’re (Em7)liv ing here in (A)Al len town,

and they’re (Am7)clos ing all the (D)fac to ries down.

Out in (Em7)Beth le hem they’re (A)kill ing time,

(F#m)fill ing out forms,

(D)stand ing in line.

Well, the (Em7)fa thers fought the (A)Sec ond World War,

spent their (Am7)week ends on the (D)Jer sey shore, all.

met our (Em7)moth ers in the (A)U S O,

(F#m)asked them to dance, and danced with them slow.

And we’re (Em7)liv ing here in (A)Al len town,

but the (F)rest less ness was (G)hand ed the down

and it’s (Am7)get ting ver y (D)hard to stay.

Well, we’re (Em7)wait ing here in (A)Al len town

for the (Am7)Penn syl va nia (D)we nev er found,

for the (Em7)prom is es our (A)teach ers gave

(F#m)if we worked hard,

(D)if we be haved.

So the (Em7)grad u a tions (A)hang on the wall,

but they (Am7)nev er real ly (D)helped us at all.

No they (Em7)nev er taught us (A)what was real,

(F#m)i ron and coke, and chro mi um steel.

And we’re (Em7)wait ing here in (A)Al len town,

but they’ve (F)tak en all the (G)coal from the ground

and the (Am7)un ion peo ple (D)crawled a way.

Ev ’ry child (G)had a pret (F)ty good shot

to get at least (G)as far as their (Bb)old man got,

(F)but some thing hap pened on (G)the way (F)to that place.

They threw an A (G)mer i can flag (C)in our face.

Well, I’m (Em7)liv ing here in (A)Al len town

and it’s (F)hard to keep a (G)good man down,

but I (Am7)won’t be get ting (D)up to day.

And it’s (C)get ting ver y (Em)hard to (Em)stay,

and we’re liv ing here in (D)Al len town.

Allentown by Billy Joel — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “Allentown” by Billy Joel 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 G at 110 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 "Allentown" 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 "Allentown"?
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 "Allentown" use?
Just 12 chords: A, Am7, Asus4, Bb, Bm, C, D, Em, +4 more. Take it one section at a time.
What other Billy Joel songs work for kids?
Try "SCENES FROM AN ITALIAN RESTAURANT", "EVERYBODY HAS A DREAM", "CAPTAIN JACK". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.