Is "City On Our Knees" 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 "City On Our Knees"?

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 "City On Our Knees" use?

Just 11 chords: Am, Am7, C, C7, Cmaj7, Dm, Em, Em7, +3 more. Take it one section at a time.

What other tobyMac songs work for kids?

Try "MADE TO LOVE", "STEAL MY SHOW", "BEYOND ME". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.

Super Simple Piano

City On Our Knees

· by tobyMac

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Lyrics

If you got ta start some where, why not (Em)here?

If you got ta start some time, why not (F)now?

If we got ta start some where, I say (Em7)here.

If we got ta start some time, I say (F)now.

Through the fog, there is hope in the dis tance.

From ca the drals to third world mis sions, love will fall to the earth like a crash ing (G)wave.

To (CN.C.)night’s the night

for the sin ners and the saints.

Two worlds col lide

in a beau ti ful dis play.

It’s all love to night

when we step a cross the line.

We can sail a cross the sea

to a cit y with one King, a cit y on our knees,

a cit y on our (Am)knees.

(Oh, (F)oh, oh, oh, oh.) If you got ta start some where, why not (Em)here?

If you got ta start some time, why not (F)now?

If we got ta start some where, I say (Em7)here.

If we got ta start some time, I say now.

Through the fog, there is (Dm)hope in the dis tance.

From ca the drals to third world mis sions, love will fall to the earth like a crash ing (G)wave.

To night’s (CN.C.)the night oh, oh, oh.) To (C)night could last for ev er.

We are (Cmaj7)one choice from to geth er.

To (C7)night could last for ev er.

Oh,

to (C)night could last for ev er.

We are (C)one choice from to geth er.

Fam i ly,

we’re fam i ly.

Oh, to (C)night could last for ev er.

We are (C)one choice from to geth er.

You and (C)me,

yeah, you and (F)me.

To night’s the night

for the sin ners and the saints.

Two worlds col lide

in a glo ri ous dis (F)play.

’Cause it’s all love to night

when we step a cross the line.

We can sail a cross the sea

to a cit y with one King, a cit y on our knees,

a cit y on our (Am)knees.

(Oh, (F)oh, oh,) a cit y on our knees,

a cit y on our (Am)knees.

(Oh, (F)oh, oh, oh, oh.) If we got ta start some where, why not (Em)here?

If we got ta start some time, why not (Fmaj9)now?

City On Our Knees by tobyMac — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “City On Our Knees” by tobyMac 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 76 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 "City On Our Knees" 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 "City On Our Knees"?: 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 "City On Our Knees" use?: Just 11 chords: Am, Am7, C, C7, Cmaj7, Dm, Em, Em7, +3 more. Take it one section at a time.
What other tobyMac songs work for kids?: Try "MADE TO LOVE", "STEAL MY SHOW", "BEYOND ME". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.