Is "I Run For Life" 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 Run For Life"?

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 "I Run For Life" use?

Just 14 chords: Apow, Asus2, B, Bpow, Bsus4, C, C#m, C#pow, +6 more. Take it one section at a time.

What other Melissa Etheridge songs work for kids?

Try "PIECE OF MY HEART", "MERRY CHRISTMAS, BABY", "I WANT TO COME OVER". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.

Super Simple Piano

I Run For Life

· by Melissa Etheridge

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Lyrics

It’s been years since they told her a bout it,

the (A5)dark ness her bod y pos sess’d.

And the scars are still there in the mir ror

ev ’ry (A5)day that she gets her self (B5)dressed.

Though the (C#5)pain is miles and miles be hind her

and the (A5)fear is now a do cile beast,

if you (A5)ask her why she is still run ning

she’ll (B5)tell you it makes her com plete.

I run for (E5)hope.

I run to feel.

I run for the (C#5)truth, for all (B5)that is (A5)real.

I run for your (E5)moth er, your sis ter, your (B5)wife.

I run for (C#5)you and me, my (B5)friend.

I run for life.

It’s a (E)blur since they told me a bout it,

how the (Asus2)dark ness had tak en its (E)toll.

And they cut in to my skin.

And they (F#m11)cut in to my bod y, but they will (Asus2)nev er get a piece of my (Bsus)soul.

And (C#m)now I’m still learn ing the les son

to a (Asus2)wake when I hear the call.

And if you (Asus2)ask me why I am still run ning,

I’ll (Bsus)tell you I run for us (B)all.

I run for

I run for life.

Oh,

oh,

oh.

And some (E5)day if they tell you a bout it,

if the (A5)dark ness knocks on your (E5)door,

re mem ber her.

(F#5)Re mem ber me.

(A5)We will be run ning as we have be fore.

Run ning for an swers.

(B5)Run ning for more.

I run for (E5)hope.

I run to feel.

I run for the (C#5)truth, for all (B5)that is (A5)real.

I run for your (E5)moth er, your sis ter, your (B5)wife.

ter, your I run for (C#5)you and me, my (B5)friend.

I run for (E5)hope.

I run to feel.

I run for the (C#5)truth, for all (B5)that is (A5)real.

I run for your (E5)moth er, your sis ter, your (B5)daugh ter, your wife, run for (C#5)you and me, my (B5)friend.

I run for (E5)life.

Oh,

oh,

I run for your (E5)moth er, your sis ter, your (B5)wife.

I run for (C#5)you and me, my (B5)friend.

I run for life.

I Run For Life by Melissa Etheridge — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “I Run For Life” by Melissa Etheridge 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 E at 90 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 "I Run For Life" 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 Run For Life"?: 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 "I Run For Life" use?: Just 14 chords: Apow, Asus2, B, Bpow, Bsus4, C, C#m, C#pow, +6 more. Take it one section at a time.
What other Melissa Etheridge songs work for kids?: Try "PIECE OF MY HEART", "MERRY CHRISTMAS, BABY", "I WANT TO COME OVER". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.