Flightless Bird, American Mouth

by Iron & Wine

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Lyrics

(CN.C.)I was a (D)quick, wet boy div ing too (Bm)deep for coins.

All of your (G)street light eyes wide on my (A)plas tic toys.

Then when the (D)cops closed the fair, I cut my (Bm)long ba by hair and stole me a (G)dog eared map, called for you (A)ev ’ry where.

Have I (D)found you,

(Bm)flight less bird?

(G)Jea lous,

(A)weep

ing; or (D)lost you

A (Bm)me ri can mouth.

(G)Big pill

(A)loom

ing.

(CN.C.)Now I’m a (D)fat house cat, nurs ing my (Bm)sore blunt tongue.

Watch ing the (G)warm poison rates curl through the (A)wide fence cracks.

Piss ing on (D)mag a the zine pho tos, those (Bm)fish ing by lures and thrown in the (G)cold and clean blood of Christ (A)moun tain stream.

Have I (D)found you,

(Bm)flight less bird?

(G)Ground ed,

(A)wheel

ing; or (D)lost you

A (Bm)me ri can mouth.

(G)Big pill

(A)loom

ing.

(CN.C.)Now I’m a (A)stuck

(A7sus4)go (A7)ing (D)down.

Flightless Bird, American Mouth by Iron & Wine — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “Flightless Bird, American Mouth” by Iron & Wine 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 slightly more challenging arrangement — practice each phrase slowly first.

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 "Flightless Bird, American Mouth" 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 "Flightless Bird, American Mouth"?
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 "Flightless Bird, American Mouth" use?
Just 7 chords: A, A7, Bm, C, D, G, N. Take it one section at a time.
What other Iron & Wine songs work for kids?
Try "FLIGHTLESS BIRD, AMERICAN MOUTH", "Flightless Bird, American Mouth". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.