Is "Brick" 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 "Brick"?

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 "Brick" use?

Just 9 chords: A, Bm7, D, D6, Dsus4, E7, G, G6, +1 more. Take it one section at a time.

What other Ben Folds Five songs work for kids?

Try "YOU DON'T KNOW ME", "Army", "Battle Of Who Could Care Less". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.

Super Simple Piano

Brick

· by Ben Folds Five

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Lyrics

Six A.

day af ter Christ mas, I throw some clothes on in the dark.

The smell of cold,

car seat is freez ing, the world is sleep ing, I am

numb.

They Up the stairs

to her a part ment, I she is balled up on (G6/9)the couch.

Her mom and dad

went down to Char lotte, and they’re not home to find (G6/9)us out.

And we drive.

Now that I have found some one, Now I’m (D)feel ing more a lone

than I (Bm7)ev er have be fore.

She’s (A)a brick and I’m (A)drown ing slow ly off (A)the coast and I’m (A)head ed no (D6/9)where.

She’s (A)a brick and I’m (A)drown ing slow ly.

numb.

They call her name

at sev en thir ty.

I pace a round the park (G6/9)ing lot,

and I walk down

to buy her flow ers

and sell some gifts that I (G6/9)us got.

Can’t you see

it’s not me you’re dy ing for?

Now she’s (D)feel ing more a lone

than she (Bm7)ev er has be fore.

She’s (A)a brick and I’m (A)drown ing slow ly off (A)the coast and I’m (A)head ed no (D6/9)where.

She’s (A)a brick and I’m (A)drown ing slow ly.

As (E7)weeks went by they showed that she was (Dsus)not fine.

They (E7)told me, “Son, it’s time to tell the (Dsus)truth,” and

she (E7)broke down

and I broke down

’cause (Dsus)I was (E7sus)tired

of ly ing.

She’s (A)a brick and I’m (A)drown ing slow ly

off (A)the coast and I’m (A)head ed no (D6/9)where.

She’s (A)a brick and I’m (Bm7)drown ing (A)slow ly.

Brick by Ben Folds Five — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “Brick” by Ben Folds Five 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 D at 100 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 great way to work on smooth chord transitions in D major while your left hand holds a steady pedal bass — meaning you'll anchor on that D note underneath while your right hand moves through the chord changes above it. At 100 BPM the tempo is gentle, but watch the shifts between D, Dsus4, and D6 closely; those voicings differ by just one note, so accuracy matters more than speed. The Bm7 to E7 move is your trickiest transition — isolate it, loop it slowly, and make sure your fingers know the shape before you try to play through. I'd suggest hands-separate practice first: get that left-hand pedal bass feeling automatic, then layer in the right-hand chords. Once both hands are comfortable, focus on dynamics — this is a sad ballad, so let the quiet passages breathe and resist the urge to play everything at one volume. This song will genuinely strengthen your sus-chord and sixth-chord vocabulary, shapes that show up constantly in singer-songwriter and pop-rock repertoire.

Frequently asked questions

Is "Brick" 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 "Brick"?: 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 "Brick" use?: Just 9 chords: A, Bm7, D, D6, Dsus4, E7, G, G6, +1 more. Take it one section at a time.
What other Ben Folds Five songs work for kids?: Try "YOU DON'T KNOW ME", "Army", "Battle Of Who Could Care Less". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.