Lava

by James Ford Murphy

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Lyrics

A long, long time a go that, liv there ing was in a the vol ca no, (F)an oth liv ing all a lone in the (C)mid dle of to the (G7)sea.

(C)He sat high a bove his bay, (G7)watch ing all the cou ples play, be cause and wish ing that (C)he had some one (G7)too.

And from his la va came this (G)song of hope that he sang out as he (F)loud sang his ev ’ry day (C)for years and (G7)years.

“I have a dream I (C)hope will come true, that (G)you’re here with (G)me, and (C)I’m here with you.

I (F)wish that the earth, sea, and the (C)sky up a bove a will (F)send me (G)some one to (C)la va.”

Years of sing ing all a lone (G)turned his la va in to stone, un (F)til

he was on the (C)brink of ex tinc (G7)tion.

Ris ing from the sea be low (G7)stood a love ly vol ca no, look ing all a round, but (C)she could not see (G7)him.

He (C)tried to sing to let her know that (G7)she was not there a lone, but (F)with no la bered va his (C)song was all (G7)gone.

He (C)filled the sea to with his tears, and (G7)watched his dreams dis ap pear as (F)she re mem bered what his (C)song meant to (G7)gone.

He (G7)her.

“I have a dream I (C)hope will come true, that (G)you’re here with (G)me, and (C)I’m here with you.

I (F)wish that the earth, sea, and the (C)sky up a bove a will (F)send me (G)some one to (C)la va.”

(C)Oh, long they er were are they so hap py to with a (G)fi lo n’lly ha meet a as bove the sea.

All to geth er now their (C)la va grew and (G7)grew.

No (C)Oh, long they er were are they all a lone, to with a (G)fi lo n’lly ha meet a as their new home,

and you vis it them their (C)this is what they (G7)grew.

No (G7)sing.

I have a dream I (C)hope will come true, that (G)you’ll grow old with me,

and (C)I’ll grow old with you.

(F)We thank you earth, sea, and the (C)sky we thank too,

(F)I

(G)la va (C)you.

(F)I

(G)la va (C)you.

(F)I

(G)la va

(C)you.

Lava by James Ford Murphy — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “Lava” by James Ford Murphy 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 164 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 "Lava" 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 "Lava"?
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.