Mad World (From Donnie Darko)

by Gary Jules & Michael Andrews

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Lyrics

All a round me are fa (Ab)mi liar fa ces (Eb)worn out pla ces, (Bb)worn out fa ces.

Bright and ear ly for their (Ab)dai ly ra ces, (Eb)go ing no where, (Bb)go ing no where.

Went Their tears are fill ing (Ab)up their glass es (Eb)no ex pres sion, (Bb)no ex pres sion.

Hide my head I wan na (Ab)drown my sor row (Eb)no to mor row, (Bb)no to mor row.

And I find it kind a (Bb)fun ny I find it kind a (Fm)sad that dreams in which I’m (Bb)dy ing are the best I’ve ev er (Fm)had.

I find it hard to (Bb)tell you, I find it hard to (Fm)take when peo ple run in (Bb)cir cles it’s a ve ry, ve ry

mad world,

mad world.

Child ren wait ing for the (Ab)day they feel good (Eb)hap py birth day, (Bb)hap py birth day

and I feel the way that (Ab)ev ’ry child should, (Eb)sit and lis ten (Bb)sit and lis ten.

Went to school and I was (Ab)ve ry ner vous (Eb)no one knew me, (Bb)no one knew me.

Hel lo teach er tell me (Ab)what’s my les son, (Eb)look right through me (Bb)look right through me.

And I find it kind a (Bb)fun ny I find it kind a (Fm)sad that dreams in which I’m (Bb)dy ing are the best I’ve ev er (Fm)had.

I find it hard to (Bb)tell you, I find it hard to (Fm)take when peo ple run in (Bb)cir cles it’s a ve ry, ve ry

mad world,

mad world.

En larg en your world,

mad world.

Mad World (From Donnie Darko) by Gary Jules & Michael Andrews — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “Mad World (From Donnie Darko) by Gary Jules & Michael Andrews 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 88 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 "Mad World (From Donnie Darko)" 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 "Mad World (From Donnie Darko)"?
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 Gary Jules & Michael Andrews songs work for kids?
Try "Mad World (from Donnie Darko)", "Mad World (from Donnie Darko)". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.