Is "Barely Breathing" 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 "Barely Breathing"?

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 "Barely Breathing" use?

Just 11 chords: A, Am7, Am9, C, Cmaj9, D, Em7, Fmaj7, +3 more. Take it one section at a time.

What other Duncan Sheik songs work for kids?

Try "TOUCH ME", "DON'T DO SADNESS/BLUE WIND", "THE SONG OF PURPLE SUMMER". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.

Super Simple Piano

Barely Breathing

· by Duncan Sheik

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Lyrics

Well, I know what you’re do (Em7)ing.

I see it all too clear.

I on ly taste the sa line when I kiss a way your tears.

You real ly had me go (Em7)ing, wish ing on a star.

The black holes that sur round you are heav i er by far.

I be lieved in your con fu sion, so com plete ly torn.

It must have been that yes ter day was the day that I was born.

There’s not much to ex am ine, noth ing left to hide.

You real ly can’t be se ri ous, you have to ask me why

I Will say ev er good bye.

’Cause I am bare ly breath ing, and I can’t find the air.

Don’t know who I’m kid ding, i mag in ing you (Fmaj9)care.

And I could stand here wait ing, ooh, for an oth er day.

I don’t sup pose it’s worth the price, it’s worth the price, the price that I would pay.

And ev ’ry one keeps ask ing what’s it all a bout.

It used to be so cer tain.

day was Now I can’t fig ure out.

There’s What is this at trac tion?

Don’t it fill the day, and noth ing left to rea son, ous, and on ly you to blame.

I Will say ev er

good change?

’Cause I am bare ly breath ing, and I can’t find the air.

Don’t know who I’m kid ding, i mag in ing you (Fmaj9)care.

And I could stand here wait ing, ooh, for an oth er day.

I don’t sup pose it’s worth the price, it’s worth the price, the price that I would pay.

And ev ’ry one keeps ask

But I’m think ing it (G)o ver an y way.

I’m think ing it (C)o ver an y way.

Oh.

I come to find

I may nev er know.

A chang ing mind,

is it friend or foe?

I rise a bove,

I sink be low,

and ev ’ry time

you come and go.

Please don’t

come and go.

’Cause I am bare ly breath

And I know what you’re do ing,

I see it all too clear.

Barely Breathing by Duncan Sheik — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “Barely Breathing” by Duncan Sheik 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 100 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 "Barely Breathing" 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 "Barely Breathing"?: 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 "Barely Breathing" use?: Just 11 chords: A, Am7, Am9, C, Cmaj9, D, Em7, Fmaj7, +3 more. Take it one section at a time.
What other Duncan Sheik songs work for kids?: Try "TOUCH ME", "DON'T DO SADNESS/BLUE WIND", "THE SONG OF PURPLE SUMMER". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.