Paper In Fire

by John Mellencamp

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Lyrics

She is had a dream

and, boy, it was a (B5)good one.

So she chased af ter her (E)dream that’s with his much ly life de sire.

But when she got too (E)close to her went ex pec (B5)ta tions,

well, the (A)dream burned up burn up like pa per in fire.

Pa per in (D)fire, stink in’ up the (B5)ash trays.

Pa per in (A)fire smok in’ up the (E)al ley ways.

Who’s to say the way a man should (E)spend his days.

Do you let them (A)smol der

like pa per in fire?

He is want ed love

and, right with no in (B5)volve ment.

So So he chase er the (E)wind; that’s all at sil ly from re quired

But and the days of (E)van i ty went on for (B5)ev er.

And he (A)saw his days to brown like pa per in fire.

Pa per in (D)fire, stink in’ up the (B5)ash trays.

Pa per in (A)fire smok in’ up the (E)al ley ways.

Who’s to say the way a man should (E)spend his days.

Do you let them (A)smol der

like pa per in fire?

like pa per in fire?

like pa per in fire?

Pa per in (D)fire, stink in’ up the (B5)ash trays.

Pa per in (A)fire, smok in’ up the (E)al ley ways.

Who’s to (A)say the way a man should (E)spend his days.

Do you let them (A)smol der,

like pa per in fire?

Pa per in (B5)fire.

Pa per in (B5)fire.

Paper In Fire by John Mellencamp — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “Paper In Fire by John Mellencamp 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 B at 120 BPM, a medium-difficulty arrangement — try slowing the tempo down using the BPM control.

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 "Paper In Fire" 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 "Paper In Fire"?
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 "Paper In Fire" use?
Just 5 chords: A, B7, Bpow, D, E. Take it one section at a time.
What other John Mellencamp songs work for kids?
Try "I NEED A LOVER", "RAIN ON THE SCARECROW", "CHECK IT OUT". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.