Perfectly Good Guitar

by John Hiatt

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Lyrics

He (Em)threw one down from the (G)top of the stairs, three, his (Am)beau ti ful n’t wom en were (C)stand in’ ev ’ry (D)where, they (Em)all got wet when he (G)smashed burst that a thing, but (Am)off in the dark you could (D)hear some bod y (G)sing: Oh, it (Am)breaks my heart to (Em)see those stars (G)smash in’ a (C)per fect ly (D)good gui (Em)tar.

I (Am)don’t know who they (Em)think they (D)are (G)smash ing a (C)per fect ly (D)good

gui tar.

It (Em)start ed back from in (G)nine teen six ty three, his (Am)ma ma would gui buy him that (C)new red Har mo (D)ny.

He (Em)set tled for when a (G)sun ly with a crack, but (Am)he’s still the try in’ to (D)break his ma ma’s (G)back.

Oh, it (Am)breaks my heart to (Em)see those stars

(G)smash in’ a (C)per fect ly (D)good gui (Em)tar.

I (Am)don’t know who they (Em)think they (D)are

(G)smash ing a (C)per fect ly (D)good

gui tar.

It

While he loved that gui tar just (G)like a girl friend, but (Am)ev ’ry good thing (C)comes to an (D)end.

Now (Em)he just sits in his (G)room all day,

(Am)whis tl in’ ev ’ry note he ev er (G)played.

There

Late at night, the (G)end of the road, he (Am)wish es he still had that (C)old gui tar to (D)hold.

He’d (Em)rock it like a (G)ba by in his arms,

(Am)nev er let it come to an y (G)harm.

Oh, it (Am)breaks my heart to (Em)see those stars

(G)smash in’ a (C)per fect ly (D)good gui (Em)tar.

I (Am)don’t know who they (Em)think they (D)are

(G)smash ing a (C)per fect ly (D)good,

(Em)good

gui tar.

Perfectly Good Guitar by John Hiatt — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “Perfectly Good Guitar” by John Hiatt 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 100 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 "Perfectly Good Guitar" 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 "Perfectly Good Guitar"?
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.