Breakdown

by Jack Johnson

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Lyrics

I hope this old (Em)train breaks down.

Cen Then I could take a (G)walk a round and

So see what e there (Em)is to see.

’cause it’s gon na Time is just a (G)mel o dy.

town.

With all the (C)peo ple in the street walk ing (Em)fast er as their feet can take them, (Am)I just roll bend through town.

And though my (C)win dow’s got a view, well, the (Em)frame I’m look ing through seems to (Am)have no con cern for now.

So for now I…

I (G)need this here old train to (G)break down.

Oh, (G)please just

let me please (G)break down.

Well, this en gine (Em)screams out loud.

Cen ti pede could gon na (G)crawl west bound.

and

So I don’t e ven (Em)make a sound, ’cause it’s gon na sting me when I (G)leave this dy.

town.

And all the (C)peo ple in the street that I’ll (Em)nev er get to meet, can (if) these (Am)I tracks don’t bend some how.

And though And (C)I got got no time that I (Em)frame got look to get to where (Am)have I don’t need to be.

So for So I…

I (G)need this here old train to (G)break down.

Oh, (G)please just

let me please (G)break down.

(G)break down.

I (G)need this here old train to (G)break down.

Oh, (G)please just

let me please (G)break down.

I wan na (F)break on down.

But I (F)can’t stop now.

Let me (F)break on down.

But you (C)can’t stop noth ing if you (Em)got no con trol of the (Am)thoughts in your mind that you (G)kept in, you know.

You (C)don’t know noth ing but you (Em)don’t need to know.

The (Am)wis dom’s in the trees, not the (G)glass win dows.

You (C)can’t stop wish ing if you (Em)don’t let go the (Am)things that you find and you (G)lose and you know.

You (C)keep on roll ing, put the (Em)mo ment on hold.

The (Am)frames too bright so put the (G)blinds down low.

And…

I wan na break on down.

But I can’t stop now.

Breakdown by Jack Johnson — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “Breakdown by Jack Johnson 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 C 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 "Breakdown" 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 "Breakdown"?
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 "Breakdown" use?
Just 5 chords: Am, C, Em, F, G. Take it one section at a time.
What other Jack Johnson songs work for kids?
Try "Monsoon", "Flake", "If I Had Eyes". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.