Kodachrome

by Paul Simon

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Lyrics

(B7)When I think back on all the crap I learned in high school,

it’s a won der (B)I can think at (E)all.

(B)And my lack of e du ca tion has n’t hurt me none.

I can read the writ ing on the wall.

Ko da (A)chrome™,

it gives us those nice

bright col ors, it gives us the greens

of sum mers, makes you think all

the world’s a (E7)sun ny (A)day, (C#)oh yeah.

I got a Ni

kon cam era, I love to take a (A)pho to graph.

So ma ma don’t take

my (E7)Ko da chrome™ a way.

If you took all the girls I (E7)knew when I was sin gle

and brought ’em all to geth er for one night

(B)I know they’d nev er match my (E7)sweet i ma gi na tion.

And ev ’ry thing looks worse in black and (E)white.

Ko da (A)chrome™,

it gives us those nice

bright col ors, it gives us the greens

of sum mers, makes you think all

the world’s a (E7)sun ny (A)day, (C#)oh yeah.

I got a Ni

kon cam era, I love to take a (A)pho to graph.

So ma ma don’t take

my (E7)Ko da chrome™ a way.

Ma ma don’t (A)take

my (C#m)Ko da chrome™ a way.

Ma ma don’t (A)take

my (C#m)Ko da chrome™ a way.

Ma ma don’t

(A)Ma ma don’t take my Ko da chrome™ (C#m)ma ma don’t take my Ko da chrome™, (F#m)ma ma don’t take my Ko da chrome™ a way.

(A)Ma ma don’t take my Ko da chrome™.

(C#m)Leave your boy so far from home.

(F#m)Ma ma don’t take my Ko da chrome™ a way.

(A)Ma ma don’t take my Ko da chrome™.

(C#m)Leave your boy so far from home.

(F#m)Ma ma don’t take my Ko da chrome™ a way.

Kodachrome by Paul Simon — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “Kodachrome” by Paul Simon 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 136 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 "Kodachrome" 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 "Kodachrome"?
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 "Kodachrome" use?
Just 14 chords: A, A7, B, B7, Bm, C#, C#m, D, +6 more. Take it one section at a time.
What other Paul Simon songs work for kids?
Try "Still Crazy After All These Years", "ME AND JULIO DOWN BY THE SCHOOLYARD", "Gone at Last". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.