Goodnight Saigon

by Billy Joel

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Lyrics

We met as (Dm)soul mates

on (G7)Par ris (C)Is land.

We (C)left as (Dm)in mates

from (G7)an a (C)sy lum.

And we were (Em)sharp,

as sharp as (Em)knives,

and we were (Dm)so gung ho to (Dm)lay down our lives.

We came in (Dm)spas tic

like (G7)tame less (C)hors es.

We (C)left in (Dm)plas tic

as (G7)num bered (C)corps es.

And we learned (Em)fast

to trav el (Em)light,

our arms were (Dm)so gung ho to (Dm)lay down our lives.

We came in (Dm)heav y but our (Dm)bel lies were tight.

We had no (Dm)home front,

we (G7)had no (C)soft soap.

They (C)sent us (Dm)Play boy,

they (G7)gave us (C)Bob Hope.

We dug in (Em)deep

and shot on (Em)sight,

and prayed to (Dm)Je sus Christ with (Dm)all of our might.

We had no (Dm)cam ’ras

to (G7)shoot the (C)land scape.

We (C)passed the (Dm)hash pipe

and (G7)played our (C)Doors tapes.

And it was (Em)dark,

so dark at (Em)night.

And we held (Dm)on to each oth er like (Dm)broth er to broth er.

We (Bb)prom ised our moth ers we’d write.

(C)And we would (F)all

go (Bb)down

to (C)geth er.

(C)We said we’d (F)all

go (Bb)down

to (C)geth er.

(C)Yes, we would (F)all

go (Bb)down

to (G9)geth er.

Re mem ber (Dm)Char lie,

re (G7)mem ber (C)Bak er,

they (C)left their (Dm)child hood

on (G7)ev ’ry (C)a cre.

And who was (Em)wrong?

And who was (Em)right?

It did n’t (Dm)mat ter in the (Dm)thick of the fight.

(Am)We

(G)held the (C)day

(Dm)in the (E)palm

(Dm)of our (E)hand.

(Am)They

(G)ruled the (C)night,

(Dm)and the (E)night

(Dm)seemed to (G9)last as long as

Goodnight Saigon by Billy Joel — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “Goodnight Saigon” by Billy Joel 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 60 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 "Goodnight Saigon" 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 "Goodnight Saigon"?
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 "Goodnight Saigon" use?
Just 15 chords: Am, Bb, Bbmaj7, C, D, Dm, Dm7, E, +7 more. Take it one section at a time.
What other Billy Joel songs work for kids?
Try "SCENES FROM AN ITALIAN RESTAURANT", "EVERYBODY HAS A DREAM", "CAPTAIN JACK". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.