James

by Billy Joel

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Lyrics

James

We were al ways your friends

from our child hood days

And And we made our plans

and we had er to go your our sep ’rate ter ways

(F7)I went on in the road

you ing pur up to an ed pec u ca tion.

James

Do you like ways your life

can you find re lease,

And will you ev er change,

Will you ev er to write your our mas ’rate ter piece?

(F7)Are you still in the school

liv ing pur up to an ex pec u ta tions?

(Dm)James

(Abmaj7)You were so re lied up on

(C9sus)Ev ’ry bod y (C)knows how (Bb)hard you (F)tried

(Dm)Hey,

Oh, now (Abmaj7)look at what a job you’ve done

and (C9sus)car ry ing the (C)weight of (Gm7)fam ’ly (A7)pride

(Dm7)James

you’ve been well be haved

you’ve been work ing (Cm)hard

but will you al ways stay

some one else ’s dream of who you are

(F9)Do what’s (F7)good for you,

or (E)you’re not (G#)good for an y bod y.

(Dm7)James.

(F9)I went on the road

(E)you pur sued an ed u ca tion.

(Gm7)sat is fied.

(Dm7)James

do you like your life?

Can you find re (Cm)lease

and will you ev er change

when will you write your (G)mas ter piece?

(F9)Do what’s (F7)good for you,

or you’re not good for an y bod y.

(Dm7)James.

James by Billy Joel — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “James” by Billy Joel 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 G at 112 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 "James" 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 "James"?
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 "James" use?
Just 19 chords: A7, Abmaj7, Am7, Bb, Bbmaj7, C, C9, Cm, +11 more. Take it one section at a time.
What other Billy Joel songs work for kids?
Try "SCENES FROM AN ITALIAN RESTAURANT", "EVERYBODY HAS A DREAM", "CAPTAIN JACK". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.