Learning To Fly

by Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers

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Lyrics

Well, I (F)start ed (C)out

down a (F)dirt y (C)road.

(F)Start ed (C)out

(F)all a (C)lone.

And the (F)sun went (C)down

as I (F)crossed the (C)hill,

and the (C)town lit up,

and the (F)world got (C)still.

I’m (F)learn ing to (C)fly

but I (F)ain’t got (C)wings.

(F)Com ing (C)down

is the (F)hard est (C)thing.

Well, the (F)good ol’ (C)days

may I (F)not re (C)turn

and the (C)rocks might melt

and the (F)sea may (C)burn.

I’m (F)learn ing to (C)fly

but a (F)round the (C)clouds.

(F)What goes (C)up

is the (F)must come (C)down.

Well, the

Well, (F)some say (C)life

will (F)beat you (C)down

and (F)break your (C)heart,

when (F)steal your (C)crown.

So, I (F)start ed (C)out

for (F)God knows (C)where.

I (F)guess I’ll (C)know

when (F)I get (C)there.

So, I

I’m

I’m (F)learn ing to (C)fly

but I (F)ain’t got (C)wings.

(F)Com ing (C)down

is the (F)hard est (C)thing.

I’m (F)learn ing to (C)fly,

a (F)round the (C)clouds.

(F)What goes (C)up

(F)must come (C)down.

I’m (F)learn ing to (C)fly.

I’m (F)learn ing to (C)fly.

I’m (F)learn ing to (C)fly.

Learning To Fly by Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “Learning To Fly” by Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers 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 110 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 Fly" 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 Fly"?
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 Fly" use?
Just 4 chords: Am, C, F, G. Few enough that a child can recognize them quickly.
What other Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers songs work for kids?
Try "HERE COMES MY GIRL", "DON'T DO ME LIKE THAT", "REFUGEE". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.