Move On Up

by Curtis Mayfield

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Lyrics

Hush now, (Em7)child,

and (F#m7)don’t you (Bm7)cry.

Your folks (Em7)might un der stand you

(F#m7)by and (Bm7)by.

Just (F#m7)move on (Em7)up

toward your (F#m7)des ti (Bm7)na tion.

Though (F#m7)you may (Em7)find, is from time to time, (F#m7)com pli (Bm7)ca tions.

Take Bite your lip,

than and take a trip,

though (F#m7)there may (Em7)be ru mors road a head that and you can not slip.

Just (F#m7)move on (Em7)up,

for (F#m7)peace you will (Bm7)find

With just to the stee ple of beau ti ful peo ple, where (F#m7)there’s on ly (Bm7)one kind.

So (F#m7)hush now, (Em7)child,

and (F#m7)don’t you (Bm7)cry.

Your folks (Em7)might un der stand you

(F#m7)by and (Bm7)by.

Just (F#m7)move on (Em7)up

toward and (F#m7)keep on (Bm7)wish in’.

Re (F#m7)mem ber (Em7)your is your on ly scheme, (F#m7)so keep (Bm7)on in’.

Take noth ing less

than the su preme best.

Do (F#m7)not o (Em7)bey ru mors peo ple say, that you can pass the test.

Just (F#m7)move on (Em7)up

to (F#m7)a great er (Bm7)day.

With just to lit tle if you put your mind to it, you (F#m7)can sure ly (Bm7)do it.

So (F#m7)hush now, (Em7)child,

Just (F#m7)move on (Em7)up,

(F#m7)move on (Bm7)up.

But (F#m7)move on (Em7)up,

oh child, but just a (F#m7)move on (Bm7)up.

But (F#m7)move on (Em7)up,

(F#m7)move on (Bm7)up.

Move On Up by Curtis Mayfield — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “Move On Up by Curtis Mayfield 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 B at 142 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 "Move On 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 "Move On 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 "Move On Up" use?
Just 3 chords: Bm7, Em7, F#m7. Few enough that a child can recognize them quickly.
What other Curtis Mayfield songs work for kids?
Try "SOMETHING HE CAN FEEL", "THE MAKINGS OF YOU", "PEOPLE GET READY". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.