Big Man On Mulberry Street

by Billy Joel

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

And Why can’t I (Bbmaj7)lay

(C)low?

I’m a Why can’t I (Bbmaj7)say what I (C)mean?

Now, Why don’t I (Bbmaj7)stay

(C)home

and get my self (Bbmaj7)in to some (C)bor ing rou (Em7)tine?

Why can’t I (A)calm

(Bm7)down?

Why is it (A)al ways a (Bm7)fight?

I can’t get (A)un

(Bm7)wound.

Why do I (Am)throw my self (C)in to the (G7)night?

And I’m on the (Bbmaj7)out

(C)side.

I’m a I don’t fit (Bbmaj7)in to a (C)groove.

Now, I ain’t a (Bbmaj7)bad

(C)guy,

and so tell me: (Bbmaj7)what am I (C)try ing to (Em7)prove?

Why can’t I (A)cool

(Bm7)out?

Why don’t I (A)but ton my (Bm7)lip?

Why do I (A)lash

(Bm7)out?

Why is it (Am)throw my self (C)in to the (G7)night?

(Am)I al ways shoot from the (Dm7)hip?

I cruise from Hous ton to Can (A)al Street,

a mis fit and a reb el.

I see the wi nos talk ing to them selves,

and I

can un der stand.

Why is it ev ’ry time I go (Am)out I al ways seem to get in (Am7)trou ble?

I guess I made an im pres sion on (Am)some bod y north of Hes ter and south of (G7)Grand.

(Am7)seen from the sen si tive (Dm7)side?

But you know in my (Bbmaj7)own

(C)heart,

I’m a big man on (Bbmaj7)Mul ber ry (C)Street.

I play the (Bbmaj7)whole

(C)part;

I leave a (Bbmaj7)big tip with (C)ev ’ry re (Em7)ceipt.

I’m so ro (A)man

(Bm7)tic;

I’m such a (A)pas sion ate (Bm7)man.

Some times I (A)pan

(Bm7)ic,

what if no (Am7)bod y finds (C)out who I (G7)am?

Big Man On Mulberry Street by Billy Joel — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “Big Man On Mulberry Street” 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 G at 80 BPM, a slightly more challenging arrangement — practice each phrase slowly first.

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 "Big Man On Mulberry Street" 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 "Big Man On Mulberry Street"?
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 "Big Man On Mulberry Street" use?
Just 20 chords: A, Aaug, Abdom, Am, Am7, Bbmaj7, Bdim, Bm7, +12 more. 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.