My Father

by Judy Collins

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Lyrics

My (Bb)All my (Bbmaj7)sis ters (Gm7)soon were gone

to (Eb)Den

ver (Cm7)and

Chey (Bb)enne;

mar ry (F)ing their (Gm)grown up dreams, (Bb)life, the (Eb)li lac (Cm7)and the (Fsus)man.

(Gm7)I stayed be hind (C7)the young est still,

on ly a danced a (F6)lone.

The col ors of my (Bb7)fa ther’s dreams fa (Eb)ded

with out a (Bb)sigh.

My (Bb)And I (Bbmaj7)live in (Gm7)Par is now,

my (Eb)chil

dren (Cm7)dance

and (Bb)dream.

Hearing the (F)ways of (Gm)a min er’s (Bb)life, in (Eb)worlds they’ve (Cm7)nev er (Fsus)seen.

(Gm7)I sail my mem (C7)o ries a far,

like boats a cross the (F6)Siene.

And watch the Par is (Bb7)sun set in my (Eb)fa

ther’s eyes a (Bb)gain.

My

My Father by Judy Collins — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “My Father” by Judy Collins 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 Eb at 60 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 "My Father" 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 "My Father"?
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 "My Father" use?
Just 16 chords: Bb, Bb7, Bbmaj7, C7, Cm7, Db, Eb, F, +8 more. Take it one section at a time.
What other Judy Collins songs work for kids?
Try "SONG FOR JUDITH", "WHO KNOWS WHERE THE TIME GOES", "SINCE YOU'VE ASKED". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.