Is "First Of May" 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 "First Of May"?

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 "First Of May" use?

Just 6 chords: A, D, D7, Em7, F#m, G. Take it one section at a time.

What other Bee Gees songs work for kids?

Try "EMOTION", "SECRET LOVE", "YOU WIN AGAIN". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.

Super Simple Piano

First Of May

· by Bee Gees

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Lyrics

When (D)I was small and Christ mas (F#m)trees were tall,

we (G)used to love while (D)oth ers used to (A)play.

Don’t (D)ask me why, but time has (F#m)passed us by;

the (G)some one else moved (D)in from far a (A)way.

Now (G)we are tall and Christ mas (D)trees are small,

and (Em7)you don’t ask the time of (D)day.

But (G)you and I, our love will (D)nev er die,

but (Em7)guess who’ll cry come first of (D)May.

The (D)ap ple tree that grew for (F#m)you and me,

I (G)watched the ap ples (D)fall ing one by (A)one.

And (D)I re call the mo ment (F#m)of them all,

the (G)day I kissed your (D)cheek and you were (A)gone.

Now (G)we are tall and Christ mas (D)trees are small,

and (Em7)you don’t ask the time of (D)day.

But (G)you and I, our love will (D)nev er die,

but (Em7)guess who’ll cry come first of (D)May.

The (D)May.

First Of May by Bee Gees — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “First Of May” by Bee Gees 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 80 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.

Teacher’s notes

This arrangement is a lovely way to develop your sense of lyrical, singing melody in the right hand while your left hand holds steady with an octave bass pattern — keep those octaves relaxed, wrist loose, no tension. At 80 BPM in the key of D, the tempo is gentle enough to really focus on smooth chord transitions, but watch the move from D7 to G and especially into F#m — that F#m shape tends to trip up newer players, so isolate it: practice just the Em7–F#m–A progression in a loop until your fingers land without hesitation. Start hands-separate, left hand first to lock in that octave rhythm, then layer the melody on top. Use a touch of sustain pedal on the longer melodic phrases to keep things warm and connected, but lift cleanly on each chord change so nothing blurs. This is the piece that'll make your octave bass feel like second nature — once it's automatic, everything else flows.

Frequently asked questions

Is "First Of May" 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 "First Of May"?: 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 "First Of May" use?: Just 6 chords: A, D, D7, Em7, F#m, G. Take it one section at a time.
What other Bee Gees songs work for kids?: Try "EMOTION", "SECRET LOVE", "YOU WIN AGAIN". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.