Little Altar Boy

by Carpenters

Loading song
Fetching song
1
—
Play in Full ModesMore Songs for Kids
Lyrics

Lit tle al tar boy,

I won der could you (B)pray for me?

Lit tle al tar boy, I'm gon for I have gone a to (Bm7)stray.

What must I (C#m7)do

to be (C#m7)ho ly

like (F#m)you?

Lit tle al tar (C#m)boy, oh, let me (C#)hear you (F#m)pray.

Lit tle al tar boy,

I won der could you (B)ask our Lord?

Ask Him, al tar boy,

to take my (C#m)sins a (Bm7)way.

What must I (C#m)do

to be (C#m)ho

ly like (F#m)you?

Lit tle al tar (C#m)boy, please let me (C#)hear you (F#m)pray.

Lift up your (Amaj7)voice

and sing a (Bm7)prayer

(A)a bove.

Help me re joice

and fill that (Dmaj7)prayer

(Amaj7)with love.

Now I know my life

has (Dmaj7)been

all

(C#+)wrong.

Lift up your voice

and help a (C#)sin ner be (F#m)strong.

(F#m)pray.

Lit tle al tar (C#m)boy, please let me (C#)hear you (F#m)pray.

Little Altar Boy by Carpenters — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “Little Altar Boy” by Carpenters 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 A at 90 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 "Little Altar Boy" 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 "Little Altar Boy"?
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 "Little Altar Boy" use?
Just 17 chords: A, A7, Amaj7, B, Bm, Bm7, C#, C#7, +9 more. Take it one section at a time.
What other Carpenters songs work for kids?
Try "O HOLY NIGHT", "BECAUSE WE ARE IN LOVE", "CALLING OCCUPANTS". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.