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American Child

· by Phil Vassar

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Lyrics

I was (Gsus2)ten, I was thin, I was (Em7)play in’ first (D)base with a (Gsus2)sec ond hand (D)glove and (Em7)dirt on my (A)face in (Gsus2)No where, Vir gin ia.

(Em7)Who’d ev er (D)fig ure that (C)kid in the yard would (Asus)go ver y far.

’Cause (D)four nine pounds, teen Lake wood had (D)no sil ver spoons.

Just an old beat up my up right that (Em7)played out of tune.

Now I’m (Gsus2)sing in’ and (D)liv in’ the life that I love.

And when I count my (G)bless ings, I (Asus)thank God I (A)was an A mer i can (Em7)child,

an A mer i can (Em7)child.

’Cause (Bm)dreams can grow (F#m7)wild more in (G)side an A mer i can (D)child.

(D)Sev en pounds, teen three ounc es, (D)she’s got my nose.

And she’s old to up my heart right as (Em7)deep as it goes.

With a (Gsus2)prom ise that’s (D)more than just some one’s last name.

And when I y one’s (G)e qual, in (Asus)late Au gust (A)came an A mer i can (Em7)child,

an A mer i can (Em7)child.

’Cause (Bm)dreams can grow (F#m7)wild more in (G)side an A mer i can (D)child.

(Bm)dreams can grow (F#m7)wild more in (G)side an A mer i can (Bm)child.

My (Bb)grand fa ther (F)would have been (C)eight y to day,

but (Bb)in for ty five, he (Asus)fell down be side an A mer i can (Em7)child,

an A mer i can (Em7)child,

oh, (A)whoa, an A mer i can (Em7)child.

’Cause dreams can grow (F#m7)wild more in (G)side an A (A)mer i can (D)child.

Oh, an A mer i can (Em7)child,

whoa, whoa, whoa.

American Child by Phil Vassar — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “American Child” by Phil Vassar 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 D at 99 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 "American Child" 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 "American Child"?: 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 "American Child" use?: Just 11 chords: A, Asus4, Bb, Bm, C, D, Em7, F, +3 more. Take it one section at a time.
What other Phil Vassar songs work for kids?: Try "THAT'S WHEN I LOVE YOU", "LOVE IS A BEAUTIFUL THING". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.