I Have A Crime To Declare

by Claude-Michel Schonberg

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Lyrics

M’ sieur le Maire, I have a crime to de clare.

I have dis graced the u ni form that I wear.

I’ve done you wrong, let no for give ness be shown.

I’ve been as hard on ev ’ry rogue I have known.

I’ll bear the blame, I must be treat ed just the same.

I mis (Dm)took you for a con vict.

I have (Dm)made a false re port.

Now I (Bbmaj7)learn they’ve caught the cul prit, he’s a (Dm)bout to face the court.

And of (C7)course, the thief de (F)nies it, you’d ex (Eb)pect that from a (Bb)con.

But he (C7)could n’t run for (F)ev er, no not (Eb)e ven Jean Val (A)jean.

You say this (Em)man de nies it (Dm)all and gives no (Em)sign of un der (Dm)stand ing or re (F)pen tence?

You say this man is going to (Gm7)trial and that he’s sure to be re turned to serve his (Eb)sen tence?

He will (Dm)pay

and (Eb)so

must (Dm)I.

Press (Eb)charg es a gainst me, (A)sir!

You have (Dm)on ly done your du ty.

It’s a (Dm)mi nor sin, at most.

All of (B)us have been mis (Bb)tak en.

You’ll re (A)turn, sir, to your post.

Must I (Dm)do (A)as you (Dm)say?

(A)It’s your (Dm)du ty (A)to o (Dm)bey.

I Have A Crime To Declare by Claude-Michel Schonberg — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “I Have A Crime To Declare” 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 C at 72 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 "I Have A Crime To Declare" 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 Have A Crime To Declare"?
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.
What other Claude-Michel Schonberg songs work for kids?
Try "A Heart Full Of Love", "A Little Fall Of Rain", "At The End Of The Day". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.