Carefree Highway

by Gordon Lightfoot

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Lyrics

(F)Pick in’ up the (C)piec es of my (A)sweet, shat tered (Dm)dream,

I (Bb)won der how the (F)old folks are to (Csus)night.

Her the (F)name was Ann, and (C)I’ll be damned if (A)I re call her (Dm)face.

from with (Bb)She left me not (C)know in’ what to (F)do.

Care free (Eb)high way,

I let me (C)slip a way on (F)you.

Care free (Eb)high way,

you seen (C)bet ter days.

The (Dm)morn in’ af ter (C)blues,

from my (Bb)head down (F)to my (Gsus)shoes.

Care free (Eb)high way,

let me (Csus)slip a way,

slip a way on (F)you.

(F)Turn in’ back the (C)pag es to the (A)times I love (Dm)best,

I (Bb)won der if she’ll (F)ev er do the (Csus)same.

Her I (F)thing that I call (C)liv in’ is just (A)be in’ sat is (Dm)fied

from the (Bb)know in’ I got (C)no one left to (F)blame.

Care free (Eb)high way,

I got to (C)see you, my old (F)flame.

Care free (Eb)high way,

you seen (C)bet ter days.

The (Dm)morn in’ af ter (C)blues,

from my (Bb)head down (F)to my (Gsus)shoes.

Care free (Eb)high way,

let me (Csus)slip a way,

slip a way on (F)you.

(F)you.

Let me (C)slip a way on (F)you.

Care free (F)you.

(F)you.

Carefree Highway by Gordon Lightfoot — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “Carefree Highway” by Gordon Lightfoot 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 Bb 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 "Carefree Highway" 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 "Carefree Highway"?
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 "Carefree Highway" use?
Just 9 chords: A, Bb, C, Csus4, Dm, Eb, F, G7, +1 more. Take it one section at a time.
What other Gordon Lightfoot songs work for kids?
Try "SUNDOWN", "If You Could Read My Mind", "Song For A Winter's Night". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.