Flightless Bird, American Mouth

by Iron & Wine

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Lyrics

I was a (Emaj7)quick,

wet

(E6)boy,

div ing too (C#m)deep

for

(C#m)coins.

All of your (A)street

light

(A)eyes

wide on my (B)plas

tic

(B)toys.

Then, when the (Emaj7)cops

closed the fair,

I cut my (C#m)long

ba by hair,

stole me a (A)dog

eared

map and called for you (B)ev

’ry

where.

Have I (Emaj9)found

you?

(C#m)Flight

less

bird,

(B)jeal

ous,

(B)weep

(B7)ing, or lost

you?

A (C#m)mer

i can (C#m)mouth,

(A)big

pill,

(B)loom

(B5)ing.

(CN.C.)Now I’m a (Emaj7)fat

house

cat

nurs ing my (C#m11)sore,

blunt

(C#m)tongue and (C#m7)watch ing the (A)warm

poi son rats

curl through the (B)wide

(Bsus)fence

(B)cracks.

(B9)Piss ing on (Emaj9)mag

a

zine

pho tos.

Those (C#m9)fish

ing

lures

(C#m)thrown in the cold

and

clean

(Amaj7)Blood of Christ moun tain

stream.

Have I (Emaj7)found

you,

(C#m)flight

less

bird,

(A)ground

ed,

(B)bleed

(B9)ing, or lost

you?

A (C#m)mer

i can mouth,

(A)big

pill,

(B)stuck

(C#m)go

(B9)ing

down.

(C#m)Ooh,

(A)ooh,

ooh,

ooh,

ooh,

(B)ooh,

(B9)ooh,

(Emaj7)ooh,

(C#m)ooh,

(A)ooh,

(B)ooh,

(A)ooh,

(B9)ooh,

(Emaj7)ooh,

(C#m)ooh.

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 E at 44 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 "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 20 chords: A, Amaj, Amaj7, Amaj9, B, B7, B9, Bpow, +12 more. 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.