Dire Wolf

by Grateful Dead

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Lyrics

In the (E)tim bers of Fen na ri o, the (G)wolves are run ning (D)’round.

The win ter was so hard and cold, while froze boys ten sing feet ’neath the ground.

Don’t mur der (D)me.

I beg of (A)you, don’t (C#7)mur der (D)me.

Please,

don’t mur der (A)me.

I (E)sat down to my sup per; (G)’twas a bot tle of red whis (D)key.

I said my prayers and went to bed; that’s the (A)last they (Ab)saw (G)of (F#m)me.

Don’t mur der (E)me.

I beg of (A)you, don’t (A)mur der (D)me.

Please,

don’t mur der (A)me.

(G)When I a woke, the dire my wolf, six (A)hun dred (G)pounds of sin,

was grin ning at my the win dow.

All I said was, “Come on in.” Don’t mur der (D)me.

I beg of (A)you, don’t (C#7)mur der (F#m)me.

Please,

don’t mur der (A)me.

(G)The wolf came in, I got my cards.

We (A)sat down (G)for a game.

I cut my deck to the queen of spades, but the were all the same.

Don’t mur der (D)me.

I beg of (A)you, don’t (C#7)mur der (F#m)me.

Please,

don’t mur der (A)me.

(G)The wolf

In the (A)me.

Don’t (D)mur (Eb)der (E)me.

I beg of (A)you, don’t (C#7)mur der (F#m)me.

Please,

don’t mur der (A)me, no, no, no.

Don’t (D)mur (Eb)der (E)me.

I beg of (A)you, don’t (C#7)mur der (F#m)me.

Please,

don’t mur der (A)me, no, no, no.

Don’t (D)mur (Eb)der (A)me.

(E)Please,

don’t mur der (A)me.

Dire Wolf by Grateful Dead — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “Dire Wolf” 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 A at 140 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 "Dire Wolf" 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 "Dire Wolf"?
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 "Dire Wolf" use?
Just 9 chords: A, Ab, C#7, D, E, E7, Eb, F#m, +1 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.