Jesse

by Janis Ian

Loading song
Fetching song
1
—
Play in Full ModesMore Songs for Kids
Lyrics

Jes se, come home.

There’s a (G)hole in the bed where we (Gm)slept;

now it’s grow ing (A7sus)cold.

Hey, (Dm)Jes se, your face in the (Dm)place where we lay by the hearth

all a part,

it (C)hangs on my (E7)heart, and I’m (A7)keep ing the light on the (Dm)stairs.

No, I’m not scared.

I wait for (C)you.

Hey, (Dm)Jes se, I’m (G7)lone ly, come (C6)home.

Jes se, the floors and the boards

re call ing your (Gm)steps,

and I re mem ber, (A7sus)too.

All the (Dm)pic tures are fad ing and (Dm)shad ed in grey, but I (G7)still set a place on the (C)ta ble at (E7)noon, and I’m (A7)leav ing the light on the (Dm)stairs.

No, I’m not scared.

I wait for (C)you.

Hey, (Dm)Jes se, I’m (G7)lone ly, come (C6)home.

Jes se, the spread on the (G)bed

is like when you (Gm)left.

I’ve kept it up for (A7sus)you.

All the (Dm)blues and the greens have been (Dm)re cent ly cleaned and it’s (G7)seem ing ly new.

Hey, (C)Jess, me and (E7)you, we’ll (A7)swal low the light on the (Dm)stairs,

we’ll do up my hair

and sleep un a (C)ware.

Hey, (Dm)Jes se, I’m so (G7)lone ly, come (Csus2)home.

Jesse by Janis Ian — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “Jesse” by Janis Ian 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 110 BPM, a slightly more challenging arrangement — practice each phrase slowly first.

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 "Jesse" 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 "Jesse"?
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 "Jesse" use?
Just 9 chords: A7, C, C6, Csus2, Dm, E7, G, G7, +1 more. Take it one section at a time.
What other Janis Ian songs work for kids?
Try "AT SEVENTEEN". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.