Casey Jones

by Grateful Dead

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Lyrics

(C)Driv ing that train,

(F)high on co caine,

(F)Ca sey Jones, you’d bet (Fsus)ter (F)watch (Fmaj7)your (C)speed.

Trou ble a head,

(F)trou ble be hind,

(F)and you know that no (Fsus)tion (F)just crossed my (C)mind.

This old a head, en is gine trou (D)makes it on time, Got (F)leaves Cen tral Sta tion ’bout a (G)quar ter to nine.

(C)Hits Riv er Junc tion at (D)sev en teen to; at a quar ter to ten, you know it’s (Am)trav ’lin a (G7)gain.

(C)Driv ing that train,

(F)high on co caine,

(F)Ca sey Jones, you’d bet (Fsus)ter (F)watch (Fmaj7)your (C)speed.

Trou ble a head,

(F)trou ble be hind,

(F)and you know that no (Fsus)tion (F)just crossed my (C)mind.

Trou ble with you en is the trou (D)la dy in red, Got (F)take my ad vice, but you’d be (G)bet ter off dead.

(C)Switch man’s the sleep ing, Train (D)Hun dred and Two The is fire the wrong screams you and the (Am)head ed for (G7)you.

(Am)en gine just (G7)gleams.

(C)Driv ing that train,

high on co caine,

Ca sey Jones, you’d bet ter (F)watch your (C)speed.

Trou ble a head,

trou ble be hind,

and you know that no tion (F)just crossed my (C)mind.

(C)Driv ing that train,

high on co caine,

Ca sey Jones, you’d bet ter (F)watch your (C)speed.

Trou ble a head,

trou ble be hind,

and you know that no tion (F)just crossed my (C)mind.

(F)just crossed my mind.

(A7)And you know that (D7)no tion (G7)just crossed my (C)mind.

Casey Jones by Grateful Dead — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “Casey Jones” by Grateful Dead 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 96 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 "Casey Jones" 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 "Casey Jones"?
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 "Casey Jones" use?
Just 13 chords: A7, Am, Bb, C, Csus2, D, D7, E7, +5 more. Take it one section at a time.
What other Grateful Dead songs work for kids?
Try "UNCLE JOHN'S BAND", "THE MUSIC NEVER STOPPED", "SUGAR MAGNOLIA". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.