People Ain't No Good

by Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds

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Lyrics

Peo ple just (C)ain’t no good.

I think that’s well (C)un der stood.

You can see it ev ’ry (C)where you look.

Peo ple just ain’t no (G)good.

We were mar ried un der (C)cher ry trees;

un der blos soms we (C)made our vows.

All the blos soms come day (C)sail ing down

and through the streets and through the (G)play grounds.

The sun would stream (C)on the sheets;

wok en by soms the (C)morn ing bird.

We’d the buy the Sun day (C)news pa pers

and nev er read a sin gle (G)word.

grounds.

The sun would stream Peo ple, they (C)ain’t

(G)no

(F)good.

(F)Peo ple, they (C)ain’t

(G)no

(F)good.

(F)Peo ple, they (C)ain’t

(G)no

(F)good.

Sea sons came

and (C)sea sons went.

The win ter stripped tling the the (C)blos soms bare.

A dif f’rent tree she now the (C)lines the streets,

shak ing its fists in the (G)air.

The win ter slammed us like a (C)fist.

sons went.

The win dows rat tling in the (C)gales, soms bare.

A dif to which she drew the (C)cur tains streets,

made out of her wed ding (G)veils.

The win ter slammed us like a Peo ple, they (F)good

at

(G)all.

To our (C)love send a doz en white (F)lil ies.

To our (C)love a send a cof fin of (F)wood.

To our (C)love let all the pink eyed (F)pi geons coo

that (Dm)peo ple, they just ain’t no (G)good.

To our (C)love send a back all the (F)let ters.

To our (C)love, a val en tine fin of (F)blood.

To our (C)love let all the jilt ed (F)lov ers cry

that (Dm)peo ple, they just ain’t no (G)good.

To our (G)good.

It ain’t that in their (C)hearts they’re bad.

They can com fort you; some (C)e ven try.

They nurse you when you’re (C)ill of health.

ba by.

They Peo ple bur y you when you (G)go and die.

It ain’t that in their (C)hearts they’re bad.

They’d stick by fort you; you (C)if they could.

Ah, but that’s just you’re (C)bull, of health.

ba by.

They Peo ple just y ain’t no you (G)good.

and die.

It ain’t that in their

Peo ple, they (C)ain’t

(G)no

(F)good.

(F)Peo ple, they (C)ain’t

(G)no

(F)good.

(F)Peo ple, they (C)ain’t

(G)no

(F)good

at

(G)all.

Peo ple, they (C)ain’t

(G)no

(F)good.

(F)Peo ple, they (C)ain’t

(G)no

(F)good.

(F)Peo ple, they (C)ain’t

(G)no

(F)good

at

(G)all.

Peo ple, they (F)good

at

(G)all.

People Ain't No Good by Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “People Ain't No Good by Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds 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 C at 105 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 "People Ain't No Good" 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 "People Ain't No Good"?
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 "People Ain't No Good" use?
Just 5 chords: C, Dm, F, G, G7. Take it one section at a time.
What other Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds songs work for kids?
Try "People Ain't No Good". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.