Lover's Cross

by Jim Croce

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Lyrics

Guess that (Am)it was bound to hap pen,

was just a (Am)mat ter of time;

but now I’ve (C)come to (Am)my de ci sion, and it’s a (C)one of the (C)pain ful (Am)kind.

’Cause now it (F)seems that you (G)want ed a mar tyr,

just a (F)reg u lar (C)guy would n’t do.

But, ba by, (C)I can’t (C)hang

up (Dm)on no lov er’s cross for (C)you.

Yes, I (C)real ly (Am)got to hand it to you, ’cause girl, you real ly (Dm)tried.

But for (C)ev ’ry (Am)time that we spent laugh in’, there were (C)two times (C)that I cried.

And you were (F)try in’ to (G)make me your mar tyr,

and that’s the (F)one thing I (C)just could n’t do.

’Cause, ba by, (C)I can’t (C)hang up on no lov er’s cross for (C)you.

’Cause (F)ta bles are (G)meant for (Am)turn in’ and (F)peo ple are (C)bound to change,

and (F)bridg es are (G)meant for (Am)burn in’ when the (F)peo ple and (C)mem ’ries they (Dm7)join aren’t the same.

So I’ll (C)hope that (Am)you can find an oth er who can (C)take what (Am)I could not.

He’ll have to (Am)be a su per guy or (C)may be a (C)su per (Am)god.

’Cause I (F)nev er was (G)much of a (Am)mar tyr be fore and I (F)ain’t ’bout to (C)start noth in’ new.

And, ba by, (C)I can’t (C)hang up (Dm)on no lov er’s cross for (C)you.

Lover's Cross by Jim Croce — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “Lover's Cross” by Jim Croce 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 100 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.

Frequently asked questions

Is "Lover's Cross" 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 "Lover's Cross"?
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 "Lover's Cross" use?
Just 12 chords: Am, C, C7, Dm, Dm7, E, E7, Em, +4 more. Take it one section at a time.
What other Jim Croce songs work for kids?
Try "YOU DON'T MESS AROUND WITH JIM", "WORKIN' AT THE CAR WASH BLUES", "I'LL HAVE TO SAY I LOVE YOU IN A SONG". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.