Nothingman

by Pearl Jam

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Lyrics

(F)Once di vid ed,

and (Csus)noth in’ left (Dm)to sub (Bb6/9)tract.

(F)Some words, when spo ken,

(Csus)can’t be (Dm)tak en (Bb6/9)back.

(F)Walks on his own

with (Csus)thoughts he (Dm)can’t help (Bb6/9)think in’.

(F)Fu ture’s a bove,

but in the (Csus)past he’s (Dm)slow and (Bb6/9)sink in’.

(Bb6/9)Caught a bolt o’ light nin’,

cursed the (Bb6/9)day he let it go,

oh.

(F)Noth ing man,

(Csus)noth ing man,

(F)is n’t it some thin’?

(Bb6/9)Noth ing (Csus)man.

(F)She once be lieved

in ev ’ry (Csus)sto ry he (Dm7)had to (Bb6/9)tell.

(F)One day she stiff ened,

(Csus)took the (Dm7)oth er (Bb6/9)side.

(F)Emp ty stares

from each (Csus)cor ner of a (Dm7)shared pris on cell.

(F)One just es capes,

one’s (Csus)left in (Dm7)side the (Bb6/9)well.

And (Bb6/9)he who for gets

will be (Bb6/9)des tined to re mem ber,

oh,

oh,

(Csus)oh.

(F)Noth ing man,

(Csus)noth ing man.

(F)Is n’t it some thin’?

(Bb6/9)Noth ing (Csus)man.

Oh,

she don’t (Bb6/9)want him.

Oh,

she won’t (F)feed him

af ter he’s

(Bb6/9)flown a (Csus)way,

oh, (Bb6/9)in to the sun.

Ah, in to the sun,

burn, (burn,) burn,

(Csus)burn.

(F)Noth ing man,

(Csus)Noth ing man.

(F)Is n’t it some thin’?

(Bb6/9)Noth ing (Csus)man.

(F)Noth ing man,

(Csus)Noth ing man.

(F)Could a been some thin,

(Bb6/9)noth ing (Csus)man.

(Csus)man.

Oh,

(Bb6/9)oh,

(Bb6/9)oh.

Nothingman by Pearl Jam — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “Nothingman by Pearl Jam 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 Bb at 74 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 "Nothingman" 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 "Nothingman"?
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 "Nothingman" use?
Just 7 chords: Bb6, Bbsus2, Csus4, Dm, Dm7, Dmin, F. Take it one section at a time.
What other Pearl Jam songs work for kids?
Try "ELDERLY WOMAN BEHIND THE COUNTER IN A SMALL TOWN", "SIRENS", "BLACK". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.