Is "Fairytale Of New York" 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 "Fairytale Of New York"?

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 "Fairytale Of New York" use?

Just 8 chords: Am, C, Cmaj7, Dm7, F, G, G7, Gsus4. Take it one section at a time.

What other The Pogues & Kirsty MacColl songs work for kids?

Try "Fairytale Of New York". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.

Super Simple Piano

Fairytale Of New York

· by The Pogues & Kirsty MacColl

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Lyrics

It was Christ mas (C)Eve, babe,

in the (F)drunk tank,

when an old man (C)said to me,

“Won’t see an (Dm7)oth er one.”

And then he (C)sang a song,

“The Rare Old (F)Moun tain Dew.” I turned my (Cmaj7)face a way

and dreamed a (Gsus)bout (C)you.

Got on a (C)Eve, babe,

in the (F)drunk tank,

when an old man (C)said to me,

“Won’t see an (Dm7)oth er one.”

And then he (C)sang a song,

“The Rare Old (F)Moun tain Dew.” I turned my (Cmaj7)face a way

and dreamed a (Gsus)bout (C)you.

Got on a (Gsus)dreams come (C)true.

They got cars big as (G)bars, they got (Am)riv ers of (F)gold; but the (C)wind goes right through you, it’s no place for the old.

When you (C)first took my (Am)hand on a cold Christ mas (F)Eve, you (C)prom ised me Broad way was (G)wait ing for me.

You were hand some, You were pret ty, Queen of New York (G)Cit y.

When the (C)band fin ished (F)play ing, they (G)howled out for more.

Si na tra was swing ing; all the drunks, they were (G)sing ing.

We (C)kissed on the cor ner, then (G)danced through the night.

The (F)boys of the N Y P D choir were (C)sing ing “Gal way (Am)Bay.” And the bells were (F)ring ing out for Christ mas Day.

You’re a hand some, You were pret ty, Queen of New York (G)Cit y.

When the (C)band fin ished (F)play ing, they (G)howled out for more.

Si na tra was swing ing; all the drunks, they were (G)sing ing.

We (C)kissed on the cor ner, then (G)danced through the night.

The (F)boys of the N Y P D choir were (C)sing ing “Gal way (Am)Bay.” And the bells were (F)ring ing out for Christ mas Day.

You’re a

I could have (C)been some one.

Well, so could (F)an y one.

You took my dreams from me

when I first (Gsus)found (G)you.

I kept them (C)with me, babe;

I put them (F)with my own.

Can’t make it (C)all a lone; I’ve built my (F)dreams a (G)round (C)you.

The (F)boys of the N Y P D choir still (C)sing ing “Gal way (Am)Bay.” And the bells are (F)ring ing out for Christ mas Day.

Fairytale Of New York by The Pogues & Kirsty MacColl — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “Fairytale Of New York” by The Pogues & Kirsty MacColl 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 84 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 "Fairytale Of New York" 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 "Fairytale Of New York"?: 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 "Fairytale Of New York" use?: Just 8 chords: Am, C, Cmaj7, Dm7, F, G, G7, Gsus4. Take it one section at a time.
What other The Pogues & Kirsty MacColl songs work for kids?: Try "Fairytale Of New York". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.