Is "Head Above Water" 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 "Head Above Water"?

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 "Head Above Water" use?

Just 9 chords: Bb, Bbsus2, C, Csus4, Dm, Dm7, F, Fpow, +1 more. Take it one section at a time.

What other Avril Lavigne songs work for kids?

Try "MOBILE", "TOMORROW", "EVERYBODY HURTS". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.

Super Simple Piano

Head Above Water

· by Avril Lavigne

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Lyrics

I’ve got ta (Dm7)keep the calm be (Bbsus2)fore the (F5)storm.

I (Dm7)don’t want less, I (Bbsus2)don’t want (F5)more.

Must (Dm7)bar the win dows (Bbsus2)and the (F5)doors

to (Dm7)keep me safe, to (Bbsus2)keep me (F5)warm.

Yeah, my (Dm7)life is what I’m (Bbsus2)fight ing (F)for.

’cause Can’t (Dm7)part the sea, can’t (Bbsus2)reach the (F)shore.

And my (Dm7)voice be comes the (Bbsus2)driv ing (F)force.

I won’t (Dm7)let this pull me (Bbsus2)o ver (F)board.

God, keep my (Dm)head a bove wa ter, don’t let me (F)drown; it gets hard er.

I’ll meet You (Dm)there at the al tar as I fall down to my knees.

Don’t let me (Dm)drown, drown, (Bbsus2)drown.

Don’t let me, (F)don’t let me, don’t let me (C)drown.

So, (Dm7)pull me up from (Bbsus2)down be (F)low,

’cause I’m (Dm7)un der neath the (Bbsus2)un der (F)tow.

And Come (Dm7)dry me off and (Bbsus2)hold me (F)close.

I I (Dm7)need You now, I (Bbsus2)need You (F)most.

God, keep my (Dm)head a bove wa ter, don’t let me (F)drown; it gets hard er.

I’ll meet You (Dm)there at the al tar as I fall down to my knees.

Don’t let me (Dm)drown, drown, (Bbsus2)drown.

Don’t let me, (F)don’t let me, don’t let me (C)drown.

So, (Dm)drown, drown, drown.

Don’t let me, (F)don’t let me, don’t let me drown.

Don’t let me (Dm)drown, drown, drown.

Don’t let me, (F)don’t let me, don’t let me drown.

And (Bb)I

(C)can’t

(Dm)see

in the (Fsus)storm y (F)weath er.

(Bb)I

(C)can’t

(F)seem to keep it (Fsus)all to (F)geth er.

And (Bb)I

can’t (C)swim

the o cean like (Fsus)this for (F)ev er.

And (Bb)I can’t (C)breathe.

God, keep my (Dm)head a bove wa ter; I lose my (C)breath at the bot tom.

Come res cue (Dm)me; I’ll be wait ing.

I’m too young to fall a sleep.

So, God, keep my (Dm)head a bove wa ter, don’t let me (F)drown; it gets hard er.

I’ll meet You (Dm)there at the al tar as I fall down to my knees.

Don’t let me (F)drown.

Don’t let me (Dm)drown.

Don’t let me (F)drown.

And keep my head a bove wa ter, a bove wa ter.

Head Above Water by Avril Lavigne — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “Head Above Water” by Avril Lavigne 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 Bb at 65 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 "Head Above Water" 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 "Head Above Water"?: 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 "Head Above Water" use?: Just 9 chords: Bb, Bbsus2, C, Csus4, Dm, Dm7, F, Fpow, +1 more. Take it one section at a time.
What other Avril Lavigne songs work for kids?: Try "MOBILE", "TOMORROW", "EVERYBODY HURTS". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.