Maxwell's Silver Hammer

by The Beatles

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Lyrics

(D)Joan was quiz zi cal, (B7)stud ied pat a phys i cal (Em)sci ence in the home.

(A7)Late nights all a lone with a test tube, (D)oh, oh, oh, oh.

(D)Max well Ed i son, (B7)ma jor ing in med i cine, (Em)calls her on the phone:

The (A7)“Can I take you out to the pic tures, (D)Joan?”

But (E7)as she’s get ting read y to go, a (A7)knock comes on the door.

(D)Bang!

Bang!

Max well’s sil ver ham mer came (E7)down up on her head.

(A7)Clang!

Clang!

Max well’s sil ver ham mer made (Em)sure that (A7)she was dead.

(D)Back in school a gain, (B7)Max well plays the fool a gain.

(Em)Teach er gets an noyed,

(A7)wish ing to a void an un pleas ant (D)scene.

oh, oh, oh.

(D)She tells Max to stay (B7)when the class has gone a way.

(Em)So he waits be hind,

The (A7)writ ing fif ty times “I must not be (D)so.”

But (E7)when she turns her back on the boy, he (A7)creeps up from be hind.

(D)Bang!

Bang!

Max well’s sil ver ham mer came (E7)down up on her head.

(A7)Clang!

Clang!

Max well’s sil ver ham mer made (Em)sure that (A7)she was dead.

(Em7)sure that she was dead.

Sil (F#7)ver (Bm)ham (D7)mer.

Maxwell's Silver Hammer by The Beatles — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “Maxwell's Silver Hammer by The Beatles 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 136 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 "Maxwell's Silver Hammer" 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 "Maxwell's Silver Hammer"?
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 "Maxwell's Silver Hammer" use?
Just 12 chords: A, A7, B7, Bm, D, D7, E, E7, +4 more. Take it one section at a time.
What other The Beatles songs work for kids?
Try "DAY TRIPPER", "PLEASE MR. POSTMAN", "SHE'S LEAVING HOME". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.