Once And For All

by Alan Menken

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Lyrics

There’s (Am)change com in’ (Dm)once and for (Am)all.

You (B)makes the front (G7)page,

and (Bb)man, you is (C7)ma jor (F)news.

To (Am)mor row they’ll (Dm)see what we (Am)are.

And (G7)sure as a (G7)star,

we (Bb)ain’t come this far

to (Dm)lose!

(Dm)This is the (Gm6)sto ry we (Dm6)need ed to (Gm6)write that’s been (Dm)kept out of (Gm6)sight, but no (Gm6)more!

(Dm)In a few (Gm6)ho urs, by (Dm6)dawn’s ear ly (Gm6)light, we’ll be (Dm)read y to (Gm6)fight us a (Gm6)war.

(Fm)This time we’re (Bbm6)in it to (Fm6)stay.

(Fm)Talk a bout (Bbm6)seiz ing the (Bbm6)day!

(Am)Write it in (Dm6)ink or in (Am6)blood, it’s the (Dm6)same ei ther (Am)way.

(A7sus)They’re gon (CN.C.)na damn well pay!

(Dm)See ol’ man (Gm6)Pul it zer (Dm6)snug in his (Gm6)bed, he don’t (Dm)care if we’re (Gm6)dead or a (Gm6)live.

(Dm)Three sat in (Gm6)pil lows are (Dm6)un der his (Gm6)head while we’re (Dm)beg gin’ for (Gm6)bread to sur (Gm6)vive.

(Fm)Joe, you can (Bbm6)stop count in’ (Fm6)sheep.

(Fm)We’re gon na (Bbm6)sing ya to (Bbm6)sleep.

(Am)You got your (Dm6)thugs with their (Am6)sticks and their (Dm6)slugs, yeah, but (Am)way.

(A7sus)They’re gon (CN.C.)na damn well pay!

(Am)we got a (Dm6)prom ise to (Am6)keep.

(Gm7)Once and for all, if they don’t mind their man ners, we’ll (Eb)bleed ’em.

Bleed ’em.

(Cm7)Once and for all we won’t (D7sus)car ry no (D7)ban ners that (Gm)don’t spell (D)“Free (Gm)dom!” (Ab)Fi n’lly we’se rais in’ the stakes!

(A)This time, what ev er it (D7)takes!

(Ebmaj7)This time the un ion a wakes, (F)once and for (F6)all!

(Dm)This is for (Gm6)kids shin in’ (Dm6)shoes on the (Gm6)street with no (Dm)shoes on their (Gm6)feet ev ’ry (Gm6)day.

(Dm)This is for (Gm6)guys sweat in’ (Dm6)blood in the (Gm6)shops while the (Dm)boss es and (Gm6)cops look a (Gm6)way.

(Fm)I’m see in’ (Bbm6)kids stand in’ (Fm6)tall,

(Fm)glar in’ and (Bbm6)rar in’ to (Bbm6)go.

(Am)Ar mies of (Dm6)guys who are (Am6)sick of the (Dm6)lies get tin’ (Am)read y to (Dm6)rise to the (Am6)call!

(Gm)Once (Cm6)and for (Cm6)all.

and for all.

(Gm)Once (Cm6)and for (Cm6)all.

and for all.

(Gm)Once (Cm6)and for (Gm6)all.

(Cm6)and for (Gm)all.

There’s (D)change com in’ (Em)once and for (Bm)all.

You’re (A7)get tin’ too (A7)old,

too (Dsus)weak to be (D)hold in’ (G)on.

A (D)new world is (Em)gun nin’ for (Bm)you,

and (A7)Joe, we is (A7)too,

’til (Dsus)once and for (D7sus)all

(D)you’re

(Em)gone!

(Em)Once (Am6)and for (Em6)all!

(Em)Once (Am6)and for (Em6)all!

(Em)Once (Am6)and for (Em6)all!

Once (Em6)and (Am6)for (Em)all!

Once And For All by Alan Menken — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “Once And For All” by Alan Menken 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 124 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 "Once And For All" 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 "Once And For All"?
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 Alan Menken songs work for kids?
Try "A GUY LIKE YOU", "I SEE THE LIGHT", "ARABIAN NIGHTS". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.