Jack's Obsession (From The Nightmare Before Christmas)

by Danny Elfman

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Lyrics

Some thing’s up with Jack, (Bm)some thing’s up with Jack.

(Bm)Don’t know if we’re ev er going to get him back.

He’s (F#5)all a lone up there, (F#7)locked a way in side.

(Bm)Nev er says a word.

(F#)Hope he has n’t died!

(Bm)Some thing’s up with Jack!

(F#)Some thing’s up with Jack!

(Bm)Christ mas time is buzz ing (F#7)in my skull.

Will it let me be?

I (Bm)can not tell.

(Bm)There’re so man y things I (A7)can not grasp.

When I think I’ve got it, (D)then at last

through my bon y fin gers (F#7)it does slip

like a snow flake in a (Bm)fier y grip.

(Bm)Some thing here I’m not quite get ting.

(Bm)Though I try, I keep for get ting.

(Em)Like a mem ’ry (C#7)long since past.

(F#)Here in an in stant, gone in a flash.

(F#)What does it mean?

What does it mean?

(Bm)In these lit tle bric a brac, a (G7)se cret’s wait ing (C#7)to be cracked.

These (F#7)dolls and toys con (Ddim7)fuse me so, con (F#7)found it all, I (Bm)love it though.

(Dm)Sim ple ob jects, noth ing more.

But (Dm)some thing’s hid den through a door, (Gm)though I do not (E7)have the key.

(A)Some thing’s here I can not see.

(A)What does it mean?

What does it mean?

What does it mean?

I’ve (Dm)read these Christ mas books so (A)man y times.

I know the sto ries and I (Dm)know the rhymes.

I know the Christ mas car ols (C)all by heart.

My (C7)skull’s so full, it’s tear ing (F)me a part.

As of ten as I’ve read them, (A7)some thing’s wrong.

So hard to put my bon y (Dm)fin ger on.

(Dm)Or per haps it’s real ly not as (Dm)deep as I’ve been led to think.

(Gm)Am I try ing (E7)much too hard?

Of (A7)course!

I’ve been too close to see!

The (A)an swer’s right in front of me!

(A7)Right in front of me!

It’s (Dm)sim ple, real ly.

Ver y clear, like (Dm)mu sic drift ing in the air, in (Gm)vis i ble but (E7)ev ’ry where.

(A7)Just be cause I can not see it, (A)does n’t mean I can’t be lieve it.

You (Dm)know, I think this Christ mas thing is (E)not as trick y as it seems.

And (A7)why should they have (Abdim7)all the fun?

It (A)should be long to (Dm)an y one.

Not (Fm)an y one, in fact, but me!

Why, (Eb)I could make a Christ mas tree.

And (A)there’s no rea son I can find I (Bdim7)could n’t han dle Christ mas time.

I (A)bet I could im (Dm)prove it, too!

And (A7)that’s ex act ly what I’ll (Dm)do!

Jack's Obsession (From The Nightmare Before Christmas) by Danny Elfman — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “Jack's Obsession (From The Nightmare Before Christmas)” by Danny Elfman 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 B at 135 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 "Jack's Obsession (From The Nightmare Before Christmas)" 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 "Jack's Obsession (From The Nightmare Before Christmas)"?
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 Danny Elfman songs work for kids?
Try "KIDNAP THE SANDY CLAWS", "THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS", "THIS IS HALLOWEEN". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.