California Nights

by Lesley Gore

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Lyrics

A long the sand,

let’s walk the shores to (Am)geth er now.

Yes, hand in hand,

it’s gon na be fair (Am)weath er now.

(Em)When the (Am)stars come out, (Dm7)stop to (G)count them in the (C)sky.

(Fm)Love

Cal i for nia nights,

when I’m walk ing with (E)you

hand in hand by the (C)shore.

(Fm)Yes, (C7)I (Fm)love

Cal i for nia nights,

at the beach where we’d (E)swim

with the tide roll ing (C)in.

And there we’ll be,

be neath the mid night (Am)sky a bove.

Just you and me,

and we will whis per (Am)words of love (Em)while the (Am)fi re light (Dm7)soft ly (G)flick ers in the (C)sand.

(Fm)Warm

Cal i for nia nights,

with the breeze blow ing (E)in,

time for love to be (C)gin.

(Fm)I (C7)would (Fm)miss

Cal i for nia nights,

if I went on my (E)way.

Think in’ now that I’ll (C)stay.

Ooh, ba by.

Love you, ba by.

Mm, ba by.

(Fm)Love

Cal i for nia nights,

al ways close as a kiss.

Noth ing’s sweet er than (C)this.

(Fm)And (C7)we’ll (Fm)spend

Cal i for nia nights,

al ways close as a kiss.

Noth ing’s sweet er than (C)this.

(Fm)And (C7)we’ll

California Nights by Lesley Gore — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “California Nights” by Lesley Gore 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 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 "California Nights" 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 "California Nights"?
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 "California Nights" use?
Just 12 chords: Am, C, C7, Cmaj7, Ddim, Dm, Dm7, E, +4 more. Take it one section at a time.
What other Lesley Gore songs work for kids?
Try "JUDY'S TURN TO CRY", "IT'S MY PARTY", "It's My Party". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.