Light Me Up

by Ingrid Michaelson

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Lyrics

(G)Well, you’re (Em)not what I was (G)look ing for,

(G)but your (Em)arms were o pen (G)at my door.

(G)And you (Em)taught me what a (G)life is for: to see that or (Gsus)di nar (G)y is n’t.

Light me up

a gain.

Light me up

a gain.

And I (Em)want to keep this (G)all a live,

(G)and I (Em)want to see you (G)with my eyes;

(G)but I (Em)see you in the (G)fire is flies, and how ex tra (Gsus)d nary (G)y is that!

Light me up

a gain.

Light me up

a gain.

And I

a gain.

And you don’t hold back, so I won’t hold back.

You don’t look back, so I won’t look back.

Light me up

a gain.

Light me up

a gain.

(D)We are, we are, we are to night.

(C)We are, we are, we are for ev er.

(D)We are, we are, we are to night.

(C)We are, we are, we are for ev er.

for ev And you don’t We hold back, are, we are to night.

so I won’t We hold back.) are, we are for ev (And we don’t We look back, are, we are to night.

so I won’t We look back.) are, we are for ev And we don’t hold back, so I won’t hold back; we don’t look back, so I won’t look back.

Light me up

a gain.

Light me up

a gain.

Light me up

a gain.

Light me up

(D)We are, we are, we are to night.

(C)We are, we are, we are for ev er.

(D)We are, we are, we are to night.

(C)We are, we are, we are for ev er.

for ev er.

Light Me Up by Ingrid Michaelson — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “Light Me Up by Ingrid Michaelson 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 G at 144 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.

Teacher’s notes

This arrangement is a great way to build confidence with smooth chord transitions in the key of G, and at 144 BPM it moves briskly enough to keep your right hand honest about landing chord shapes cleanly. Your left hand plays an octave bass pattern throughout, so lock that in first — practice it alone until it feels automatic, because your brain needs to free up attention for the right hand's chord voicings. The six chords here are friendly, but watch the shift between Gsus4 and G especially: that single-note difference demands a light, controlled finger lift rather than a full hand reset. The Cmaj7 to D transition can also catch you off guard if you rush, so loop those two bars at half tempo until they're smooth. Once hands are comfortable separately, combine them in short four-bar phrases. This is the song that'll train your ears and fingers to navigate subtle chord color changes — like Gsus4 resolving to G — which is a skill you'll use in practically every pop ballad from here on.

Frequently asked questions

Is "Light Me Up" 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 "Light Me Up"?
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 "Light Me Up" use?
Just 6 chords: C, Cmaj7, D, Em, G, Gsus4. Take it one section at a time.
What other Ingrid Michaelson songs work for kids?
Try "OVER YOU", "GIRLS CHASE BOYS", "Everybody". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.