One Jump Ahead

· by Alan Menken

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Lyrics

Got ta keep one jump a (Bb7)head of the bread (A7)line.

One swing a (Gm7)head of the sword.

I steal (Db)on ly what I (C)can’t af ford.

And that’s (A)ev ’ry thing.

One jump a (Bb7)head of the law (A7)men.

That’t all, and (Gm7)that’s of no joke.

These guys I’ll (Db)don’t ap pre ci (C)ate I’m (F)broke.

(Bb)Riff (C7)raff!

(Bb)Street (C7)rat!

(Dm)Scoun (F)drel!

(F)Take that!

(Gm)Just (C7)a (Gm7)lit (C)tle (Fsus)snack, (F)guys.

(Em7)Rip him (A)o pen, (Dsus)take (Dm)it (A)back, (Dm)guys.

(Bb7)I can take a hint, got ta face the facts.

(E7)I could use a friend or (A)two!

True!

(Dm)Oh, it’s sad, A lad din’s hit the bot tom.

(Dm)He’s be come a one man rise in (G9)crime.

(Cm)I’d blame par ents ’cept he has n’t got ’em.

(E7)Got ta eat to live, got ta steal to eat.

Tell you all a bout it when I got the (A)time.

(E7)oth er wise we’d get a (A)long.

Wrong!

One jump a (C7)head of the hoof (B7)beats.

One hop a (A7)head of the hump.

One trick a (Eb7)head of dis as (D7)ter.

They’re quick, but (E7)I’m much fast er.

Here goes, (C)bet ter throw my hand in, wish me hap py land in’.

All I got ta do is (CN.C.)jump.

One Jump Ahead by Alan Menken — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “One Jump Ahead” 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 G at 200 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 "One Jump Ahead" 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 "One Jump Ahead"?: 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.