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Learning To Be Silent

· by Dean Pitchford

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Lyrics

(Ab6/9)Swal low ing my words,

(Ab6/9)star ing at the floor,

(Fm11)count ing lit tle cracks in the (Cm11)tile,

(Bbm7)strug gl ing to smile with out (Ebsus)chok ing, (Eb)learn ing to be (Ab6/9)si lent.

(Ab6/9)Watch ing how the dust

(Ab6/9)danc es out the door,

(Fm11)no tic ing my hands start to (Cm11)shake,

(Bbm7)con tem plat ing tak ing up (Eb9sus)smok ing, (Eb)learn ing to be (Ab6/9)si lent.

Al ways hear ing, “Hush, Eth el!” “Please, Vi!” (Eb)“Let’s not have this con ver (Abmaj7)sa tion.”

And so I stand by while my mind takes a (Db)small va ca (Eb)tion.

La la la la la (Ab)la la (Bbm)la.

(Ab6/9)Mak ing lit tle sounds

(Ab6/9)oth er folks ig nore,

(Fm11)Qui et ing the beat of my (Cm11)heart,

(Bbm7)nev er be ing part of the (Eb9sus)mo ment, (Eb)learn ing to be (Ab6/9)si lent.

Learn ing there are some top ics that we (Eb)don’t e ven (Ab)men tion, and (Bbm7)if they come (Cm7)up, then we (D)try to be (G)vague.

There are (C)sub jects from which we di (Gm7)vert all at ten tion, and (Bbsus2)some we a (Csus2)void like the (Fsus)plague.

(Dbmaj7)I’m

be com ing a (Cm7)mime,

bit ing my (Bbm7)tongue,

bid ing my (Bbm7)time.

Try ing not to (Ab6/9)scream; ing not to scream;

(Ab6/9)man aged it be fore.

aged it be fore.

(Edim7)Know ing if I’m going to sur vive, then, (Fm)dam mit,

I’ve got to prac tice.

Prac tice.

Learn ing, hmm hmm (Ab6/9)hmm

hmm.

Learning To Be Silent by Dean Pitchford — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “Learning To Be Silent” by Dean Pitchford 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 Db 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 "Learning To Be Silent" 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 "Learning To Be Silent"?: 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 "Learning To Be Silent" use?: Just 24 chords: Ab, Ab6, Abmaj7, Bbm, Bbm7, Bbsus2, C, Cm7, +16 more. Take it one section at a time.
What other Dean Pitchford songs work for kids?: Try "MAMA SAYS", "HEAVEN HELP ME", "THE GIRL GETS AROUND". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.