Lay Down Your Head

by Audra McDonald

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Lyrics

(CN.C.)Lay down your head and sleep,

sleep.

I’ll be your pil low, soft and deep.

Leave me your trou bles; I will keep

your days

gone

by,

your (Ebmaj7)days

(F7)gone

(Bb)by.

(Bb)Lay down your (Eb)head and (Dm)dream,

(Cm7)dream.

(Bb)You’re so much (Eb)gen tler

than you (Cm7)seem.

(Bb)Is there a (Eb)chance you might re (C)deem

my (Bb)days

(F)gone

(Dm7)by,

my (Ebmaj7)days

(F7)gone

(Bb)by?

And (Eb)oh,

his (Bb)breath is so (Eb)warm.

Mine is short, and my (Dbsus2)ears are (Ab)ring ing.

Ev ’ry (Abmaj9)where my (Dbmaj9)skin

is (Cm7)sing

(Cm9)ing.

(Bb)Lay down your (Eb)head and (Dm)sleep,

(Fsus2)sleep.

(Bb)I will be (Eb)pleased your (Dm)soul to (Cm7)keep.

(Bb)Give your self (Eb)o ver to the (C)deep

of (Bb)days

(F)gone

(Dm7)by,

of days

gone

by.

Lay Down Your Head by Audra McDonald — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “Lay Down Your Head” by Audra McDonald 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 Bb at 120 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 "Lay Down Your Head" 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 Your Head"?
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 Your Head" use?
Just 19 chords: Ab, Abmaj9, Bb, Bbm7, C, Cm, Cm7, Cm9, +11 more. Take it one section at a time.
What other Audra McDonald songs work for kids?
Try "I HAD MYSELF A TRUE LOVE", "WHEN DID I FALL IN LOVE", "WAS THAT YOU?". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.