Dirty Work

· by Steely Dan

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Lyrics

Times are (Dm7)hard, dle, you’re a (G7)fraid to pay the (Cmaj7)fee, so you (F)find your self some (Bb)bod y who can (C)do the job for (Am7)free.

(Fmaj7)When you (Am7)need a bit of (Dm7)lov in’ ’cause your (G7)man is out of (Cmaj7)town, that’s the (F)time you get ri me (Bb)run nin’ and you (C)know I’ll be a (Dm)round.

I’m a (Fmaj7)fool to do your (Am7)dirt y work, oh (Bb)yeah;

I don’t (Fmaj7)wan na do your (Am7)dirt y work no (Bb)more.

I’m a (Fmaj7)fool to do your (Am7)dirt y work, oh (Bb)yeah.

Light the (Dm7)can dle, put the (G7)lock up on the (Cmaj7)door; you have (F)sent the maid home (Bb)ear ly like a (C)thou sand times be (Am7)fore.

(Fmaj7)Like the (Am7)cas tle in his (Dm7)cor ner in a (G7)me di e val (Cmaj7)game, I fore (F)see you ter ri ble (Bb)trou ble and I (C)stay here just the (Dm)same.

I’m a (Fmaj7)fool to do your (Am7)dirt y work, oh (Bb)yeah;

I don’t (Fmaj7)wan na do your (Am7)dirt y work no (Bb)more.

I’m a (Fmaj7)fool to do your (Am7)dirt y work, oh (Bb)yeah.

I’m a (Fmaj7)fool to do your (Am7)dirt y work, oh (Bb)yeah;

I don’t (Fmaj7)wan na do your (Am7)dirt y work, no (Bb)more.

I’m a (Fmaj7)fool to do your (Am7)dirt y work, oh (Bb)yeah;

I don’t (Fmaj7)wan na do your (Am7)dirt y work, no (Bb)more.

I’m a (Bb)more.

Dirty Work by Steely Dan — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “Dirty Work” by Steely Dan 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 150 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 "Dirty Work" 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 "Dirty Work"?: 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.
What other Steely Dan songs work for kids?: Try "RIKKI DON'T LOSE THAT NUMBER", "DEACON BLUES", "KID CHARLEMAGNE". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.