On A Slow Boat To China

by Frank Loesser

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Lyrics

(Bb)I’d (Dm7)love to (G7)get you on a (Cm)slow boat to (C#dim7)Chi na,

(Bb)all to my (D7)self,

a (Eb)lone.

(Cm)Get you and (C#dim7)keep you in my (Bb)arms

ev er (D)more,

(C7)leave

(Gm7)all your (C9)lov ers

(Cm7)weep ing on the (F9)far a (Gb9)way (F9)shore.

(Bb)Out

(Dm7)on the (G7)brin y

with a (Cm)moon

big and (C#dim7)shin y,

(Bb)melt

ing your (D7)heart

of (Eb)stone,

(Cm7)I’d

love to (Ab7)get you

(A7)on a (Bb)slow

(Ab7)boat to (G7)Chi na,

(C7)all

to my (Cm7)self,

(B)a

(Bb)lone.

(Bb)I’d

(Dm7)love to (G7)get you

on a (Cm)slow

boat to (C#dim7)Chi na,

(Bb)all

to my (D7)self,

a (Eb)lone.

(Cm)Get

you and (C#dim7)keep you

in my (Bb)arms

ev er (D)more,

(C7)leave

(Gm7)all your (C9)(lov lies)

(Cm7)weep ing on the (F9)far a (Gb9)way (F9)shore.

(Bb)Out

(Dm7)on the (G7)brin y

with a (Cm)moon big and (C#dim7)shin y,

(Bb)melt ing your (D7)heart

of (Eb)stone,

(Cm7)I’d love to (Ab7)get you

(A7)on a (Bb)slow (Ab7)boat to (G7)Chi na,

(C7)all to my (Cm7)self, (B)a

(Bb)lone.

(Bb)lone.

There is no (Bb)verse

to this song,

’cause I don’t (Bb)want to wait a (Edim7)mo ment too long

(Cm7)to (F7)say that (Bb)lone.

On A Slow Boat To China by Frank Loesser — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “On A Slow Boat To China” by Frank Loesser 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 100 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 "On A Slow Boat To China" 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 "On A Slow Boat To China"?
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 "On A Slow Boat To China" use?
Just 19 chords: A7, Ab7, B7, Bb, C, C#dim7, C7, C9, +11 more. Take it one section at a time.
What other Frank Loesser songs work for kids?
Try "I'VE NEVER BEEN IN LOVE BEFORE", "Sit Down You're Rockin' The Boat (from 'Guys and Dolls')", "I Don't Want To Walk Without You". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.