People Get Ready

by Curtis Mayfield

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Lyrics

(D)Peo ple, get (Bm7)read y.

There’s a (G)train a (A)com (D)ing.

You don’t need no (Bm7)bag gage, you just (G)get on (D)board.

All you need is (Bm7)faith to hear the (G)die sels (A)hum (D)ming.

(Em7)Don’t need no tick et, you just (G)thank the (D)Lord.

(D)Peo ple, get (Bm7)read y.

There’s a (G)train to (A)Jor (D)dan, You pick ing up (Bm7)pas gers you from (G)coast to (D)coast.

All you Faith is (Bm7)key, o pen the (G)doors and (A)board (D)them.

(Em7)There’s hope for all et, a the (G)loved the (D)most.

(G)There ain’t no (Bm7)room for the (G)hope less sin (A)ner who would hurt all (Bm7)man kind just to (G)save his (D)own.

Have pit y on (Bm7)those whose (G)choic es grow (A)thin so there’s (Bm)no hid ing (Em7)place from the (G)king dom’s (D)throne.

I’m get ting read y.

I’m get ting read y.

I’m get ting read y,

this time I’m (Cm7)read y.

People Get Ready by Curtis Mayfield — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “People Get Ready” by Curtis Mayfield 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 110 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 "People Get Ready" 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 Get Ready"?
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 Get Ready" use?
Just 10 chords: A, Ab, Bm, Bm7, Cm7, D, Eb, Em7, +2 more. Take it one section at a time.
What other Curtis Mayfield songs work for kids?
Try "SOMETHING HE CAN FEEL", "MOVE ON UP", "THE MAKINGS OF YOU". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.