Charlie Boy

by The Lumineers

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Lyrics

Char lie boy,

don’t (C)go to (G)war,

(C)first (G)born in (C)for ty four.

And Ken ne dy

made (C)him be (G)lieve

(C)we (G)could (Em7)do (D7)much more.

(Em)Oh.

(C)Oh.

(D)Oh.

(Em)Oh.

(C)Oh.

(D)Oh.

And Lil li an,

don’t (C)hang your (G)head,

Me (C)love (G)should (Em7)make you (D7)feel good.

In u ni form,

you (C)raised a (G)man

who (C)vol (G)un (Em7)teered (D7)to stand.

(Em)Oh.

(C)Oh.

(D)Oh.

(Em)Oh.

(C)Oh.

(D)Oh.

(C)Play

(D)the (G)bu gle, (Em7)play the (D)taps,

(C)make

your (Em7)moth ers proud.

(C)Raise

(D)your (G)ri fles (Em7)to the (D)sky, boys, (C)fire

that (Em7)vol ley loud.

And news was bad

on (C)Up land (G)Ave.,

Me (C)tuch (G)en (Em7)mourn you (D7)our loss.

In Sons re belled

while (C)fa thers (G)yelled

and (C)moth (G)ers (Em7)clutched (D7)the cross.

(Em)Oh.

(C)Oh.

(D)Oh.

(Em)Oh.

(C)Oh.

(D)Oh.

(C)Play

(D)the (G)bu gle, (Em7)play the (D)taps,

(C)make

your (Em7)fa thers proud.

(C)Raise

(D)your (G)ri fles (Em7)to the (D)sky, boys, (C)fire

that (Em7)vol ley loud.

Charlie Boy by The Lumineers — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “Charlie Boy” by The Lumineers 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 130 BPM, a comfortable easy-level arrangement perfect for first-time learners.

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 "Charlie Boy" 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 "Charlie Boy"?
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 "Charlie Boy" use?
Just 7 chords: C, D, D6, D7, Em, Em7, G. Take it one section at a time.
What other The Lumineers songs work for kids?
Try "PATIENCE", "CLEOPATRA", "STUBBORN LOVE". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.