New York State Of Mind

by Billy Joel

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Lyrics

Some folks like to (E7)get a way, take a (Am)hol i day (Am7)from the (Gm7)neigh bor hood;

hop a flight to Mi (A7)am i Beach un or to (Dm7)Hol ly wood.

But I’m (E7)tak in’ a (Am)Grey hound (C)on the (C)Hud son want to Riv er (D7)line.

I’m in a (G7sus)New York state of (Am)mind.

I’ve seen all the (E7)mov ie stars in their (Am)fan cy cars (Am7)and their (Gm7)lim ou sines,

been a high in the (A7)Rock ies Beach un der the (Dm7)ev er greens.

But I (E7)know what I’m (Am)need in’ (C)and I (C)don’t son want to waste more (D7)time.

I’m in a (G7sus)New York state of (Am)mind.

It (Am7)was so (D7)eas y liv in’ (Gmaj7)day by day,

out of touch

with the rhy thm and (Fmaj7)blues.

And now I (E7)need a lit tle (A)give and take,

the (Am7)New York Times,

the (Gmaj7)Dai ly News.

Comes down to re (E7)al i ty and it’s (Am)fine with me, (Am7)’cause I’ve (Gm7)let it slide.

Don’t care if it’s (A7)Chi na town or on (Dm7)Riv er side.

I don’t (E7)have an y (Am)rea sons; (C)I’ve left them all be (D7)hind.

I’m in a (G7sus)New York state of (C)mind.

New York State Of Mind by Billy Joel — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “New York State Of Mind” by Billy Joel 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 120 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 "New York State Of Mind" 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 "New York State Of Mind"?
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 Billy Joel songs work for kids?
Try "SCENES FROM AN ITALIAN RESTAURANT", "EVERYBODY HAS A DREAM", "CAPTAIN JACK". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.