If I Were The King Of The Forest

· by Harold Arlen

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Lyrics

If (C)I were king of the (C)for est,

not queen, not duke, not prince,

my (C)re gal robes

of the (C)for est,

would be (C)sa tin, and not cot ton, and not (F)chintz.

I’d com (F)mand each thing, be it fish or fowl, with a (Dm)woof and a woof and a (C)ro yal gro wl.

(CN.C.)Woof.

As I’d (C5)click my heel, all the trees would kneel and the (CN.C.)moun tains bow and the bulls kow tow.

And the (F)spar row would take (Gm7)wing,

if (C)I, if I were (F)king!

Each (Bb)rab bit would show re spect to me.

The (F)chip munks ge nu flect to me.

Though my (Gbdim)tail would lash, I would show com pash’ for (CN.C.)ev er y un der ling!

If (Bb)I, if I were (CN.C.)king,

just (Bb)king!

Mon (Cm)arch

of all and I shall (C7)reign.

(Fmadd11)Mo (CN.C.)ha a a a a a on

arch of (Bb)all

I sur (Eb)vey!

If I Were The King Of The Forest by Harold Arlen — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “If I Were The King Of The Forest” by Harold Arlen 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 90 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 "If I Were The King Of The Forest" 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 "If I Were The King Of The Forest"?: 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 Harold Arlen songs work for kids?: Try "OVER THE RAINBOW", "Over The Rainbow", "A Sleepin' Bee". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.