Lay Down

by Melanie

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Lyrics

(G)Lay down, (D)lay down, (F)lay it all (G)down, let your white birds (D)smile up at the (F)ones who stand and (G)frown.

(G)Lay down, (D)lay down, (F)lay it all (G)down, let your white birds (D)smile up at the (F)ones who stand and (Em)frown.

We were so (D)close,

there was no (Em)room,

We bled in (D)side

each oth er’s (Em)wounds.

We all had (D)caught

the same dis (Em)ease,

and we all (D)sang

the songs of (Em)peace.

(G)Lay down, (D)lay down, (F)lay it all (G)down, let your white birds (D)smile up at the (F)ones who stand (G)and frown.

(G)Lay down, (D)lay down, (F)lay it all (G)down, let your white birds (D)smile up at the (F)ones who stand and (Em)frown.

So (D)raise

the can dles (Em)high,

’cause if you (G)don’t, we could stay (D)black a (A)gainst the (Em)night.

So

(D)raise them (A)high er a (Em)gain,

and if you (G)do we could stay (D)dry a (A)gainst the (Em)rain.

(Em)peace.

Some came to (D)sing,

some came to (Em)pray.

Some came to (D)keep

the dark a (Em)way.

So (D)raise

the can dles (Em)high,

’cause if you (G)don’t, we could stay (D)black a (A)gainst the (Em)night.

So

(D)raise them (A)high er a (Em)gain,

and if you (G)do we could stay (D)dry a (A)gainst the (Em)rain.

(G)Lay down, (D)lay down, (F)lay it all (G)down, let your white birds (D)smile up at the (F)ones who stand and (G)frown.

You got to (G)Lay down, (D)lay down, (F)lay it all (G)down, let your white birds (D)smile up at the (F)ones who stand and (G)frown.

You got to

Lay Down by Melanie — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “Lay Down” by Melanie 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 80 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 "Lay Down" 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 "Lay Down"?
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 "Lay Down" use?
Just 5 chords: A, D, Em, F, G. Take it one section at a time.
What other Melanie songs work for kids?
Try "WHAT HAVE THEY DONE TO MY SONG, MA?", "BRAND NEW KEY". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.