Don't Sleep In The Subway

by Petula Clark

Loading song
Fetching song
1
—
Play in Full ModesMore Songs for Kids
Lyrics

You wan der a round on your own lit tle cloud when you (F)don’t see the (C)why or the where fore.

You walk out on me when we both dis a gree ’cause to (F)rea son is (C)not what you care for.

I’ve heard it (C#7)all a mil lion (F#m7)times

(B7)be (C#m)fore;

take off your (E7)coat, my love, and (Am)close

(D7)the (G7sus)door.

Don’t sleep in the (Eb)sub way, dar ling.

Don’t stand in the (Eb)pour ing rain.

Don’t sleep in the (Eb)sub way, dar ling, the (Fm7)night is long.

For (Eb)get your fool ish pride, (Ab)noth ing’s wrong now (Fm7)you’re be side me a (Eb)gain.

You try to be smart then you take it to heart ’cause it (F)hurts when your (C)e go’s de flat ed.

You don’t re al ize that it’s all com pro mise and the (F)prob lems are (C)so o ver rat ed.

Good bye means (C#7)noth ing when it’s (F#m7)all

(B7)for (C#m)show,

so why pre (E7)tend you’ve some where (Am)else

(D7)to (G7sus)go?

Don’t sleep in the (Eb)sub way, dar ling.

Don’t stand in the (Eb)pour ing rain.

Don’t sleep in the (Eb)sub way, dar ling, the (Fm7)night is long.

For (Eb)get your fool ish pride, (Ab)noth ing’s wrong now (Fm7)you’re be side me a (Eb)gain.

(Eb)gain.

(Eb)gain.

Don't Sleep In The Subway by Petula Clark — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “Don't Sleep In The Subway” by Petula Clark 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 136 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 "Don't Sleep In The Subway" 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 "Don't Sleep In The Subway"?
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 "Don't Sleep In The Subway" use?
Just 23 chords: Ab, Am, Am7, B7, Bb7, C, C#7, C#m, +15 more. Take it one section at a time.
What other Petula Clark songs work for kids?
Try "DOWNTOWN", "I KNOW A PLACE", "A SIGN OF THE TIMES". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.