Grand Central Station

by Mary Chapin Carpenter

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Lyrics

Got my (G)work clothes on full (D)of sweat and dirt.

All this ho ly dust up on my face and shirt.

Head ing up town now just (D)as the shifts are chang ing,

to (G)Grand

Cen tral Sta tion.

I got my (G)lunch box, got my hard hat in my hand.

I ain’t no (G)he ro, mis ter, just a work ing man.

And all these (G)voic es keep on (D)ask ing me here to take them

to (G)Grand

Cen tral Sta tion,

(G)Grand

Cen tral Sta

(D)tion.

I want to (G)stand be neath the clock just one more (D)time.

Want to (G)wait up on the plat form for the Hud son Line.

I guess you’re (G)nev er real ly all a lone or too far from the pull of home, and the (G)stars up (D)on that paint ed (D)dome

still shine.

(D)tion.

And now Her cu les is star ing down at me.

(G)Next to him’s Mi ner va and (D)Mer cu ry.

Well, I (G)nod to them and start my crawl,

fli ers cov ’ring ev ’ry wall, (G)fac es (D)of the (Em7)miss ing (D)all

I see.

To mor row (G)I’ll be back there (D)work ing on the pile,

go ing in and com ing (D)out sin gle file.

Be fore my (G)job is done, there’s (D)one more trip I’m mak ing:

to (G)Grand

Cen tral Sta tion,

(G)Grand

Cen tral Sta

(Bm)tion,

(G)Grand

Cen tral Sta

(Bm)tion,

(G)Grand

Cen tral Sta

(D)tion.

Grand Central Station by Mary Chapin Carpenter — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “Grand Central Station” by Mary Chapin Carpenter 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 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 "Grand Central Station" 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 "Grand Central Station"?
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 "Grand Central Station" use?
Just 7 chords: A, Bm, D, Em7, F#m, F#m7, G. Take it one section at a time.
What other Mary Chapin Carpenter songs work for kids?
Try "WHERE TIME STANDS STILL", "SHUT UP AND KISS ME", "CLOSER AND CLOSER APART". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.