"Let Us Begin (What Are We Making Weapons For?)" by John Denver (Easy) — Piano for Kids

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Lyrics

(D)I was the son of a grass land farm er, west ern O kla ho ma, nine teen for ty three.

(G)me.

I al ways felt grate ful to the live in the land of the (D)free.

I (D)gave up my fa ther to South Ko re pris a, the mind of my broth er to Vi et nam.

(G)won.

And For Now there’s a bank er as who says I must give up my (D)land.

There are four gen er a tions of blood in this top Len soil, four gen er a tions of love on this (G)farm.

I Be fore I give up, I would glad ly give up my right arm.

(A)What are we mak ing weap ons for?

(Bm)Why keep on feed ing the war ma chine?

We (A)take it right out of the mouths of our ba bies, (A)take it a way from the hands of the poor.

Tell me, (G)what are we (D)mak ing (A)weap ons (D)for?

(D)I had a son and my son was sol dier.

so like my fa ho ther, he was so much like (G)me.

To be a good com rade was the best that he dreamed he could (D)be.

He (D)gave up his fu ture to rev o lu pris tion, his life to a bat tle that just can’t be (G)be.

And I this is not liv ing, as to live at the point of a (D)gun.

I re mem ber the nine hun dred days ing each of oth in sound of the dy ing, the cut of the (G)cold.

If re mem ber the mo ments I prayed I would nev er grow old.

(A)What are we mak ing weap ons for?

(Bm)Why keep on feed ing the war ma chine?

We (A)take it right out of the mouths of our ba bies, (A)take it a way from the hands of the poor.

Tell me, (G)what are we (D)mak ing (A)weap ons (D)for?

For the (G)what are we (D)mak ing (A)weap ons (D)for?

Have (A)we (D)for (G)got

(D)ten

all the lives (A)that (D)were (G)giv

(D)en,

all the vows (A)that (D)were (G)tak

(D)en,

say ing “nev er a gain”?

(G)Now for the (Em)first

(D)time,

this could (A)be (D)the (G)last

(D)time.

If peace (A)is (D)our (G)vi sion,

let us be (D)gin.

Have (A)we (D)for (G)got

(D)ten

all the lives (A)that (D)were (G)giv

(D)en,

all the vows (A)that (D)were (G)tak

(D)en,

say ing “nev er a gain”?

(G)Now for the (Em)first

(D)time,

this could (A)be (D)the (G)last

(D)time.

If peace (A)is (D)our (G)vi sion,

let us be (D)gin.

Have (A)we (D)for (A)Let us be (D)gin.

Let Us Begin (What Are We Making Weapons For?) by John Denver — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “Let Us Begin (What Are We Making Weapons For?)” by John Denver 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 D at 100 BPM, a comfortable easy-level arrangement perfect for first-time learners.

Frequently asked questions

Is "Let Us Begin (What Are We Making Weapons For?)" 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 "Let Us Begin (What Are We Making Weapons For?)"?

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.

What other John Denver songs work for kids?

Try "Rocky Mountain High", "Thank God I'm a Country Boy", "Follow Me". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.

Lyrics

Let Us Begin (What Are We Making Weapons For?) by John Denver — Easy Piano for Kids

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Frequently asked questions