Is "Ben" 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 "Ben"?

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 "Ben" use?

Just 12 chords: A7, Bb, C, C7, D7, Dbaug, Eb7, F, +4 more. Take it one section at a time.

What other Michael Jackson songs work for kids?

Try "MAN IN THE MIRROR", "YOU ROCK MY WORLD", "LOVING YOU". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.

Super Simple Piano

Ben

· by Michael Jackson

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Lyrics

(F)Ben, the two of us need (C7)look no more.

(F)We both found what we were (C7)look ing for.

(F)With a friend to call my (A7sus)own, I’ll (A7)nev er be a (Eb)lone, and (D7)you, my friend, will (G)see, you’ve (C7)got a friend in me.

(Fm)Ben, you’re al ways run ning (C7)here and there.

(Fm)You feel you’re not want ed (C7)an y where.

(F)If you ev er look be (A7sus)hind and (A7)don’t like what you (Eb)find, there’s (D7)some thing you should (G)know.

You’ve (C7)got a place to go.

I (Gm7)used to say

(Fmaj7)I and me.

(Gm7)Now it’s us,

(F)now it’s we.

I (Gm7)used to say

(Fmaj7)I and me.

(Gm7)Now it’s us,

(F)now it’s we.

(F)Ben, most peo ple would turn (C7)you a way.

(F)I don’t lis ten to a (C7)word they say.

(F)They don’t see you as I (C7)do; I wish they would try (Eb7)to.

I’m (D7)sure they’d think a (Db)gain if they (C7)had a friend like (F)Ben,

(a (F)friend)

like (F)Ben,

(like (F)Ben,)

(Gm7)like (F)Ben.

Ben by Michael Jackson — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “Ben” by Michael Jackson 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 Bb at 90 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.

Teacher’s notes

This arrangement is a beautiful exercise in keeping your right-hand melody smooth and singing while your left hand navigates some colorful chord changes — at 90 BPM in B♭, the tempo is gentle enough to give you breathing room, so use it. The twelve chords here include a few that may surprise you: watch especially for the D♭aug shape, which will feel unfamiliar under your fingers, and the secondary dominants like A7 and D7 that briefly pull you outside the home key. I'd suggest learning the left-hand chord progression alone first, drilling the shifts between F, Fmaj7, and F6 until they feel like small finger adjustments rather than full hand resets. Use the sustain pedal lightly to connect chord tones, but lift cleanly on each change to avoid muddiness. Once both hands are comfortable separately, combine them in short four-bar loops. This is the piece that'll make chromatic chord movement feel natural to you.

Frequently asked questions

Is "Ben" 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 "Ben"?: 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 "Ben" use?: Just 12 chords: A7, Bb, C, C7, D7, Dbaug, Eb7, F, +4 more. Take it one section at a time.
What other Michael Jackson songs work for kids?: Try "MAN IN THE MIRROR", "YOU ROCK MY WORLD", "LOVING YOU". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.