I Dreamed A Dream

by Claude-Michel Schonberg

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Lyrics

I dreamed a (F)dream in days gone (Dm)by

when hope was (Bb)high and life worth (Gm7)liv ing.

I dreamed that love would nev er (Dm7)die.

I dreamed that God would be for (Gm7)giv ing.

Then I was (F)young and un a (Dm)fraid

and dreams were (Bb)made and used and (Gm7)wast ed.

There was no ran som to be (Dm7)paid,

no song un sung, no wine un (Gm7)tast ed.

But the (D)ti gers come at (Gm)night

with their voic es soft as (G)thun der,

as they tear your hope a (Fm)part,

as they turn your dream to (F)shame.

He slept a (F)sum mer by my (Dm)side.

He filled my (Bb)days with end less (Gm)won der.

He took my child hood in his (Dm7)stride.

But he was gone when au tumn (C)came.

And still I (G)dreamed he’d come to (Em)me,

that we would (C)live the years to (D7)geth er.

But there are (G)dreams that can not (Em7)be,

and there are (C)storms we can not (D)weath er.

I had a (G)dream my life would (C)be

so dif f’rent from this hell I’m (G)liv ing, so dif f’rent (G)now from what it (Em7)seemed.

Now life has killed the dream I (G)dreamed.

I Dreamed A Dream by Claude-Michel Schonberg — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “I Dreamed A Dream” by Claude-Michel Schonberg 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 120 BPM, a slightly more challenging arrangement — practice each phrase slowly first.

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.

Same song, different levels

Very Easyarrangement

Frequently asked questions

Is "I Dreamed A Dream" 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 "I Dreamed A Dream"?
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.