Hello In There

by John Prine

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Lyrics

We had an a part ment in the cit (G)y.

more.

Me and Lor (Dm)et ta liked liv ing there.

Well, it’s been years since the kids (F)had grown.

like some A life (C)of their own,

left us a lone.

John and Lin da live in O ma ha,

and Joe is some where at the fac on the (G)road.

But We lost Da vy in the Ko (F)re an War,

and I still don’t (C)know what for.

Don’t mat ter an y more.

You know that old trees just grow (C)strong er,

and old (Bb)riv ers grow wild er ev ’ry day.

Old peo ple just grow lone some,

wait ing for some (C)one to say,

“Hel (G)lo in there,

hel (C)lo.”

We Me and Lor et ta, we don’t talk (G)y.

more.

She sits and (Dm)stares through the back door screen.

And all the news just re peats (F)it self,

like some A for (C)got ten dream

that we’ve both seen.

Some I’ll go and call up Ru dy; ha,

we worked to geth er at the fac on to (G)ry.

But what could I say if he asks, (F)re “What’s new?”

and I “Noth ing.

(C)What’s with you?”

Don’t “Noth ing much to do.”

You know that old trees just grow (C)strong er,

and old (Bb)riv ers grow wild er ev ’ry day.

Old peo ple just grow lone some,

wait ing for some (C)one to say,

“Hel (G)lo in there,

hel (C)lo.”

So, if you’re walk (Dm)ing down the street some time

and spot some (Dm)hol low, an cient eyes,

please don’t just pass ’em by and stare

as if you (C)did n’t care.

Say, “Hel (G)lo in there,

hel (C)lo.”

Hello In There by John Prine — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “Hello In There by John Prine 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 132 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 "Hello In There" 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 "Hello In There"?
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 "Hello In There" use?
Just 8 chords: Bb, C, Cmaj7, Dm, Em, F, G, G7. Take it one section at a time.
What other John Prine songs work for kids?
Try "IN SPITE OF OURSELVES", "SAM STONE". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.