Eve Of Destruction

by Barry McGuire

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Lyrics

The East ern world

it is ex (A)plod in’,

vi o lence flar in’ bul lets load (A)in’.

You’re (D)old e nough to kill,

but not for (A)vot in’.

You (D)don’t be lieve in war, but (G)what’s that gun you’re (A)tot in’?

And (D)e ven the Jor dan Riv er has bod ies (A)float in’!

But you tell me (G)o ver and o ver and o ver a gain, my friend,

ah, you (G)don’t be lieve we’re (A)on the eve of de (D)struc tion.

(D)Don’t you un der stand what I’m tryin’ to (A)say?

(D)Can’t you feel the fears that I’m feel in’ to (A)day?

If the (D)but ton is pushed, there’s no run ning a (A)way.

There’ll be (D)no one to save with the (G)world in a (A)grave.

Take a (D)look a round you, boy.

It’s (G)bound to scare you, (A)boy.

And you tell me (G)o ver and o ver and o ver a gain, my friend,

ah, you (G)don’t be lieve we’re (A)on the eve of de (D)struc tion.

tell me (G)o ver and o ver and o ver a gain, my friend,

ah, you (G)don’t be lieve we’re (A)on the eve of de (D)struc tion.

tell me (G)o ver and o ver and o ver a gain, my friend,

ah, you (G)don’t be lieve we’re (A)on the eve of de (D)struc tion.

(G)You don’t be lieve we’re (A)on the eve of de (D)struc tion.

Eve Of Destruction by Barry McGuire — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “Eve Of Destruction by Barry McGuire 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 D at 120 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 "Eve Of Destruction" 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 "Eve Of Destruction"?
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 "Eve Of Destruction" use?
Just 4 chords: A, Bm, D, G. Few enough that a child can recognize them quickly.
What other Barry McGuire songs work for kids?
Try "SLOOP JOHN B.". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.