Chain Gang

by Sam Cooke

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Lyrics

Huh.

Ha.

Huh.

I hear some thing say ing...

Huh.

Ha.

Huh.

Ha.

Huh.

Ha.

Huh.

Ha.

Ha.

Well, don’t you (G)know, that’s the sound of the (C)men work ing on the (G)chain

(Em)gang.

That’s the sound of the (C)men work ing on the (D6)chain

gang.

All day long, they’re sing ing...

Huh.

Ha.

Huh.

Ha.

Huh.

Ha.

Huh.

Ha.

Well, don’t you (G)know, that’s the sound of the (C)men work ing on the (G)chain

(Em)gang.

That’s the sound of the (C)men work ing on the (D6)chain

gang.

All day long, they (Em)work so hard ’til the (C)sun is go ing (D)down.

Work ing on the (Em)high ways and by ways and wear ing, wear ing (D)a frown.

You hear them moan ing their (Em)lives a way, then you hear (D)some bod y say.

That’s the sound of the (C)men work ing on the (G)chain

(Em)gang.

That’s the sound of the (C)men work ing on the (D6)chain

gang.

Can’t you hear them sing ing, “Hmm,

I’m go ing home one of (C)these days, I’m go ing home.

See my (G)wom an, whom I love so dear, but mean while, I’ve got to (D)work right here.” Well, don’t you (G)know, that’s the sound of the (C)men work ing on the (G)chain

(Em)gang.

That’s the sound of the (C)men work ing on the (D6)chain

gang.

All day long they’re sing ing...

Hmm, my, my, my, my, my, my, my, my (D)work is so hard.

Give me (G)wa ter, I’m thirs ty, my,

my (D)work is so hard.

Hmm, my, my, my, my, my, my, my, my (D)work is so hard.

Give me (G)wa ter, I’m thirs ty, my,

my (D)work is so hard.

Chain Gang by Sam Cooke — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “Chain Gang by Sam Cooke 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 G at 132 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 "Chain Gang" 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 "Chain Gang"?
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 "Chain Gang" use?
Just 5 chords: C, D, D6, Em, G. Take it one section at a time.
What other Sam Cooke songs work for kids?
Try "A CHANGE IS GONNA COME", "YOU SEND ME", "I'LL COME RUNNING BACK TO YOU". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.