Leaving California

by Maroon 5

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Lyrics

(Eb)You got in so late.

It’s Sun day morn ing.

(Bbsus)Said that you were leav ing, let ting (Bbsus)go of us.

Oh,

Where did we go wrong?

Oh.

yeah,

mm.

And (Eb)now you say you’re leav ing Cal i for nia, (Bbsus)got ta head back east and wan na (Bbsus)leave to night,

pack your things and go,

oh.

yeah.

But if you (Bb5)run

(Bb)a

(Eb)way,

(Ab)I

(Bb5)won’t

be

al

right.

(Eb)E ven if the sun crash es in to us, I (Fm7)won’t let go, I (Ab)won’t let go.

And (Eb)I can be your light.

Stay with me to night, I (Fm7)won’t let go, I (Ab)won’t

(Bb)let

(Eb)go.

Oh,

(Bb)oh,

oh,

(Cm7)oh,

oh,

yeah,

yeah.

Yeah.

(Eb)Pick up all the piec es, fight to hold on, (Bbsus)put them back to geth er; do it (Bbsus)all for love.

Oh,

nev er let it go.

Oh

yeah,

mm.

’Cause (Eb)I don’t need a rea son just to hold you, (Bbsus)wipe all of your tears and look you (Bbsus)in the eye.

Ba by, please don’t go,

oh,

yeah.

But if you (Bb5)run

(Bb)a

(Eb)way,

(Ab)I

(Bb5)won’t

be

al

right.

(Eb)E ven if the sun crash es in to us, I (Fm7)won’t let go, I (Ab)won’t let go.

And (Eb)I can be your light.

Stay with me to night, I (Fm7)won’t let go, I (Ab)won’t

(Bb)let

(Eb)go.

Oh,

(Bb)oh,

oh,

(Cm7)oh,

oh,

yeah,

yeah.

Yeah.

(Eb)Now you say you’re leav ing Cal i for nia.

Leaving California by Maroon 5 — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “Leaving California by Maroon 5 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 Ab at 96 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 "Leaving California" 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 "Leaving California"?
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 "Leaving California" use?
Just 8 chords: Ab, Abmaj7, Bb, Bbpow, Bbsus4, Cm7, Eb, Fm7. Take it one section at a time.
What other Maroon 5 songs work for kids?
Try "DON'T WANNA KNOW", "WHAT LOVERS DO", "DAYLIGHT". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.