Empty Chairs At Empty Tables

by Claude-Michel Schonberg

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Lyrics

There’s a grief that can’t be spo ken.

There’s a pain goes on and (C)on.

Emp ty chairs at emp ty (Dm)ta bles,

now my (E)friends are dead and (Am)gone.

Here they talked on rev o lu tion.

Here it was they lit the (C)flame.

Here they sang a bout to (Dm)mor row,

and to (E)mor row nev er (Am)came.

From the (C7)ta ble in the (F)cor ner

they could (Cm)see a (F7)world re (Bb)born.

And they (G7)rose with voi ces (C)ring ing.

And I can (Bb)hear

them (A)now.

The ver y (Dm)words that they had (Bb)sung

be (Gm)come their last com (G7)mu nion

on the lone ly bar ri (C6)cade

at (Am)dawn.

Oh my friends, my friends, for give me

that I live and you are (C)gone.

There’s a grief that can’t be (Dm)spo ken.

There’s a (E7)pain goes on and (A)on.

Phan tom fac es at the win dow,

phan tom shad ows on the (F)floor.

Emp ty chairs at emp ty (Gm)ta bles

where my (A)friends will meet no (Dm)more.

Oh, my friends, my friends, don’t ask me

what your sac ri fice was (F)for.

Emp ty chairs at emp ty (Gm)ta bles

where my (A)friends will sing no (Dm)more.

Empty Chairs At Empty Tables by Claude-Michel Schonberg — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “Empty Chairs At Empty Tables” by Claude-Michel Schonberg 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 100 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 "Empty Chairs At Empty Tables" 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 "Empty Chairs At Empty Tables"?
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 Claude-Michel Schonberg songs work for kids?
Try "A Heart Full Of Love", "A Little Fall Of Rain", "At The End Of The Day". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.