Super Simple Piano

Log in Start free

Castles In The Air

· by Don McLean

Loading song

Fetching song

1

—

Play in Full Modes More Songs for Kids

Lyrics

And (E)how can words ex (Emaj7)press the feel of (A)sun light in the (E)morn ing, in the (F#m7)hills

a (B7)way from cit y (E)strife.

I need a (F#m7)coun

try (B7)wom an for my (E)wife.

I’m cit y (F#m7)born,

I but (B7)love the coun try (E)spair.

For Hills of for est (Emaj7)green, where the (A)moun tains touch the (E)sky, a dream come (F#m7)true,

I’ll (B7)live there till I (E)die.

I’m ask ing (F#m7)you

to (B7)say my last good (E)bye.

The love we (F#m7)knew

ain’t (B7)worth an oth er (E)try.

(F#m7)Save me

from all the (B7)trou ble and the (E)pain.

I know I’m (A)weak,

but I (Amaj7)can’t (F#m7)face that girl a (B7)gain.

(F#m7)Tell her

the rea son (B7)why I can’t re (E)main.

Per haps she’ll (A)un (Amaj7)der (F#m7)stand, if you tell it to her (B7)plain.

But (E)if she asks you (Emaj7)why, the you can (A)tell her that I (E)told you that I’m (F#m7)tired

of (B7)cas tles in the (E)air.

I’ve got a (F#m7)dream

I (B7)want the world to (E)share and cas tle (F#m7)walls

I just (B7)lead me to de (E)life.

For I will not be (Emaj7)part of the (A)cock tail gen er (E)a tion.

Part ners (F#m7)waltz,

de (B7)void of all ro (E)mance.

The mu sic (F#m7)plays

and (B7)ev ’ry one must (E)dance.

I’m bow ing (F#m7)out,

I (B7)need a sec ond (E)chance.

(F#m7)Save me

from all the (B7)trou ble and the (E)pain.

I know I’m (A)weak,

but I (Amaj7)can’t (F#m7)face that girl a (B7)gain.

(F#m7)Tell her

the rea son (B7)why I can’t re (E)main.

Per haps she’ll (A)un (Amaj7)der (F#m7)stand, if you tell it to her (B7)plain.

But

And (E)spair.

Castles In The Air by Don McLean — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “Castles In The Air” by Don McLean 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 E 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 "Castles In The Air" 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 "Castles In The Air"?: 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 "Castles In The Air" use?: Just 8 chords: A, Amaj7, B7, E, E6, Emaj7, F#m, F#m7. Take it one section at a time.
What other Don McLean songs work for kids?: Try "AMERICAN PIE", "CROSSROADS", "EMPTY CHAIRS". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.