Bertha

by Grateful Dead

Loading song
Fetching song
1
—
Play in Full ModesMore Songs for Kids
Lyrics

I had a hard run,

Lord, I run nin’ from your win dow.

(G)I was all night (C)run nin’, run nin’.

Lord, I won der if you care.

(G)I had a I had a run in, fall in’, fall in’.

I run a round and a run down.

(G)Run a round the cor ner, cor ner.

Lord, you was ran smack in to a tree.

(C)I (C#)had to (D)move,

real ly had to (C)move.

(C)That’s why, if you (G)please, I am (D)on my bend ed (C)knees.

(Am)Ber tha, don’t you come a (C)round here an y more.

(G)Dressed my self in green.

storm,

Lord, I went down to the sea.

door.

(G)Try to see what’s (C)go in’ down, rain,

try to read be tween the lines.

(G)I had a feel in’ I was in, test me, test me.

I turned a round and to see.

me?

(G)Heard a voice a call in’.

cor ner.

Lord, you un com in’ af to ter me.

(C)I (C#)had to (D)move,

real ly had to (C)move.

(C)That’s why, if you (G)please, I am (D)on my bend ed (C)knees.

(Am)Ber tha, don’t you come a (C)round here an y more.

(G)Dressed my self in green.

(G)Ran in to a rain

An y more.

An y more.

An y more.

Bertha by Grateful Dead — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “Bertha” by Grateful Dead 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 160 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 "Bertha" 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 "Bertha"?
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 "Bertha" use?
Just 5 chords: Am, C, C#, D, G. Take it one section at a time.
What other Grateful Dead songs work for kids?
Try "UNCLE JOHN'S BAND", "THE MUSIC NEVER STOPPED", "SUGAR MAGNOLIA". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.