An American Hymn

by Lee Holdridge

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Lyrics

(A)I

have seen a (F#m)sum mer day

that (D)slow

ly (A)o pens like a (Bm7)rose,

a (A)long

a qui et (F#m)road that wan ders (A)by

and (D)I

have (A)smiled and won dered (Bm7)where

it (E7)goes.

(A)I

have stum bled (F#m)through the night

a (D)lone

as (A)an y man can (Bm7)be,

then (A)found

a si lent (F#m)can yon full of (A)stars

and (D)in

my (A)heart I heard them (Bm7)tell

ing (E7)goes.

(E7sus4)me I was (A)home.

The gen tle (G)winds,

the rain that (F)fall,

the tall est (G)trees,

I’m (D)part of it (E)all.

I’ve seen

the sil ver moun tain

and gold

en prai ries on my (Bm7)way.

Now ev

’ry where I go a cross the land,

I stand

so proud ly in the sun

and say, “I am home.”

The gen tle (G)winds,

the rain that (F)fall,

the tall est (G)trees,

I’m (D)part of it (E)all.

I’ve dreamed

of E den all my

I find

it more and more each (Bm7)day.

Now ev

’ry where I go a cross the land,

I stand

so proud ly in the sun

and say, “I am home.”

home.”

An American Hymn by Lee Holdridge — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “An American Hymn” by Lee Holdridge 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 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 "An American Hymn" 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 "An American Hymn"?
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 "An American Hymn" use?
Just 10 chords: A, Bb, Bm7, C, D, E, E7, F, +2 more. Take it one section at a time.