Bang The Drum All Day

by Todd Rundgren

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Lyrics

I don’t (C)want to (G)work.

I (C)want (D)to bang on the drum (C)all (G)day.

I don’t (C)want to (G)play.

I just (C)want (D)to bang on the drum (C)all (G)day.

When Ev er since I was a ti ny boy, fool; I don’t the want no can dy, I I don’t need no toy.

I took a pound ing and an old cof fee can; but I (E)bang on that thing till I got (G)blis ters on my hand (C)be cause… I don’t (C)want to (G)work.

I (C)want (D)to bang on the drum (C)all (G)day.

I don’t (C)want to (G)play.

I just (C)want (D)to bang on the drum (C)all (G)day.

When I get old I er, they think I’m a fool; I don’t the teach er told me I should stay af ter school.

She caught me pound ing on the desk with my hand, but my (E)licks was so hot I made the (G)blis ters on my hand (C)be cause… (G)teach er wan na dance.

(C)And that’s (D)why…

I don’t (C)want to (G)work.

I (C)want (D)to bang on the drum (C)all (G)day.

I don’t (C)want to (G)play.

I just (C)want (D)to bang on the drum (C)all (G)day.

Ev ’ry day when I get home from work, I (Bm)feel so frus trat ed; the boss is a jerk.

And I get my sticks and go out to the shed and I (E)pound that drum like it (G)was the boss ’s head (C)be cause… I don’t (C)want to (G)work.

I (C)want (D)to bang on the drum (C)all (G)day...

Bang The Drum All Day by Todd Rundgren — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “Bang The Drum All Day” by Todd Rundgren 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 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 "Bang The Drum All Day" 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 "Bang The Drum All Day"?
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 "Bang The Drum All Day" use?
Just 6 chords: A, Bm, C, D, E, G. Take it one section at a time.
What other Todd Rundgren songs work for kids?
Try "Love Is the Answer", "A Dream Goes On Forever", "Hello, It's Me". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.