Is "An Innocent Man" 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 Innocent Man"?

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 Innocent Man" use?

Just 8 chords: Bb, C, C7, Dm, F, G, G7, Gm7. 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.

Super Simple Piano

An Innocent Man

· by Billy Joel

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Lyrics

Some peo ple stay far a way from the door if there’s a (Dm)chance of it o pen ing up,

they hear a voice in the hall out too side they and hope some that it just pass es by.

Some peo ple live with the fear of a touch, and the of (Dm)tak ger of hav ing been a fool,

they will not lis ten to an y one so no bod y tells them a lie.

I know you’re on ly pro tect ing your self,

I know you’re think ing of some turn bod y else.

(CN.C.)Some one who hurt you, but I’m not a bove mak ing up for the love you’ve been de (Dm)ny ing you could ev er feel, love,

I’m not a bove do ing an y a thing to re store your me faith heart if I can.

Some peo ple see through the eyes of the old be fore they (Dm)ev er get a look at the young.

I’m on ly will ing to hear I can cry be cause I am an in no cent (C)man.

(C)I (Bb)am

an (F)in no cent (Bb)man,

oh yes (G7)I am.

Some peo ple say they will nev er be lieve an oth er (Dm)prom ise they hear in the dark,

be cause they on ly re mem ber too well they and heard some bod y tell them be fore.

Some peo ple sleep all a lone ev ’ry night in stead of (Dm)tak ing a lov er been to bed,

some peo ple find that it’s eas i er to hate than to wait an y more.

I know you don’t want to hear what I say,

I know you’re gon na keep some turn ing a way.

(CN.C.)But I’ve been there, and if I can sur vive I can keep you a live, I’m not a (Dm)bove go ing through it a gain, love,

I’m not a bove be ing cool y the while, if you’re cruel to me I’ll heart un der stand.

Some peo ple run from a pos si ble fight, some peo ple (Dm)fig ure they can nev as er win.

And al though this is a fight down and lose, the ac cused is an in no cent (C)man.

(C)I (Bb)am

an (F)in no cent (Bb)man,

oh yes (G7)I am.

An in (G)no cent man.

You know you on ly hurt your (C)self out of spite,

I guess you’d rath er be a (F)mar tyr to night.

That’s your de ci sion, but I’m

An in (G)no cent man,

(F)oh.

An Innocent Man by Billy Joel — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “An Innocent Man” 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 C 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 "An Innocent Man" 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 Innocent Man"?: 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 Innocent Man" use?: Just 8 chords: Bb, C, C7, Dm, F, G, G7, Gm7. 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.