Is "Part Of The Plan" 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 "Part Of The Plan"?

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 "Part Of The Plan" use?

Just 7 chords: A, A7, Bm, D, Dmaj7, E7, G. Take it one section at a time.

What other Dan Fogelberg songs work for kids?

Try "LEADER OF THE BAND", "RHYTHM OF THE RAIN", "SAME OLD LANG SYNE". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.

Super Simple Piano

Part Of The Plan

· by Dan Fogelberg

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Lyrics

(D)I have these (A)mo ments all (G)stead y and strong; I’m (D)feel ing so (A)ho ly and (G)hum ble.

The (D)next thing I (A)know I’m all (G)wor ried and weak and I (D)feel my self (A)start ing to (G)crum ble.

The (Bm)mean ings get lost and the teach ings get tossed and you don’t know what you’re goin’ to do next.

You (Bm)wait for the sun but it nev er quite comes; and (G)some kind of mes sage comes (E7)through to you,

(G)some kind of mes sage comes

through,

and it says to you: (D)“Love when you (A)can,

(G)cry when you (A)have to; (D)be who you (A)must, that’s a (G)part of the (A)plan.

A (D)wait your ar (A)riv al with (G)sim ple sur (A)viv al and (Bm)one day we’ll all un (E7)der stand,

(G)one day we’ll all un (E7)der stand,

(G)one day we’ll all un (E7)der stand.”

(D)I had a (A)wom an who (G)gave me her soul, but (D)I was n’t (A)read y to (G)take it.

Her (D)heart was so (A)frag ile and (G)heav y to hold and and (D)I was a (A)fraid I might (G)break it.

Your (Bm)con science a wakes and you see your mis takes and you wish some one would you con fes sions.

The (Bm)days miss their mark and the night gets so dark and (G)some kind of mes sage comes (E7)through to you,

(G)some kind of mes sage shoots

through,

and it says to you: (D)“Love when you (A)can,

(G)cry when you (A)have to; (D)be who you (A)must, that’s a (G)part of the (A)plan.

A (D)wait your ar (A)riv al with (G)sim ple sur (A)viv al and (Bm)one day we’ll all un (E7)der stand,

(G)one day we’ll all un (E7)der stand,

(G)one day we’ll all un (E7)der stand.”

(D)There is no (A)E den or (G)heav en ly gates that (D)you’re gon na (A)make it to (G)one day.

But (D)all of the (A)an swers you (G)seek can be found in the (D)dreams that you (A)dream, on

the way.

Part Of The Plan by Dan Fogelberg — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “Part Of The Plan” by Dan Fogelberg 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 D 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 "Part Of The Plan" 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 "Part Of The Plan"?: 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 "Part Of The Plan" use?: Just 7 chords: A, A7, Bm, D, Dmaj7, E7, G. Take it one section at a time.
What other Dan Fogelberg songs work for kids?: Try "LEADER OF THE BAND", "RHYTHM OF THE RAIN", "SAME OLD LANG SYNE". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.