Is "Redemption Song" 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 "Redemption Song"?

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 "Redemption Song" use?

Just 20 chords: A, Abmaj7, Bb, C, Cbmaj7, Cm7, Cmaj7, D, +12 more. Take it one section at a time.

What other Michael McDonald songs work for kids?

Try "REFLECTIONS", "I BELIEVE", "FOR ONCE IN MY LIFE". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.

Super Simple Piano

Redemption Song

· by Michael McDonald

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Lyrics

Doo doo doo doo (Ebmaj7)doo (F)doo,

doo doo doo doo (Cmaj7)doo (D)doo,

doo doo doo doo (Abmaj7)doo (Bb)doo (C)doo.

(G)Oh,

doo doo doo doo (Fmaj7)doo (G)doo,

doo doo doo doo (Dmaj7)doo (E)doo,

doo doo doo doo (Cbmaj7)doo (Db)doo (Eb)doo.

O’ (Bb)pate the pi rates, yeah they (Gm7)rob them;

sold them (Bb)off to the (Cm7)mer chant ship,

min utes af ter they took them pow er,

from the bot tom less pit.

tide.

But their hand was made kill strong proph hets

by the (Bb)hand of (Cm7)the Al might y.

They flour ish (Gm7)in this gen er a tion,

we’ve tri umph ant (Cm7)ly.

the book.

Won’t you help me sing

these songs of (Bb)free dom?

’Cause (Ebmaj7)all I (F)ev er had,

re (F)demp tion (Bb)song.

E man ci (Bb)pate your selves from men tal (Gm7)slav ’ry;

none but (Bb)our selves can (Cm7)free our minds.

Have no fear of a tom ic pow er,

’cause noth ing can stem the tide.

But How long will they kill our proph hets

while we (Bb)stand a (Cm7)side Al and look?

Some say it’s (Gm7)all this part er of it,

we’ve got to ful (Cm7)ly.

the book.

Won’t you help me sing

these songs of (Bb)free dom?

’Cause (Ebmaj7)all I (F)ev er had,

re (F)demp tion (Bb)song.

E man ci (Ebmaj7)Won’t you (F)help me sing

these songs of (Bb)free dom?

’Cause (Ebmaj7)all we (F)ev er had,

re (F)demp tion (Bb)song.

(Ebmaj7)All we (F)ev er had,

re (F)demp tion (Bb)song.

(Ebmaj7)All we’ll (F)ev er have,

re (F)demp tion (Bb)song.

(Ebmaj7)All we’ll (F)ev er have,

(F)re,

re demp tion (Bb)song.

Doo doo doo doo (Ebmaj7)doo (F)doo,

doo doo doo doo (Cmaj7)doo (D)doo,

doo doo doo doo (Abmaj7)doo (Bb)doo (C)doo.

Oh no, (G)oh no.

Doo doo doo doo (Fmaj7)doo (G)doo,

doo doo doo doo (Dmaj7)doo (E)doo,

doo doo doo doo (Cbmaj7)doo (Db)doo (Eb)doo.

Re,

demp tion song.

Redemption Song by Michael McDonald — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “Redemption Song” by Michael McDonald 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 Eb 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 "Redemption Song" 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 "Redemption Song"?: 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 "Redemption Song" use?: Just 20 chords: A, Abmaj7, Bb, C, Cbmaj7, Cm7, Cmaj7, D, +12 more. Take it one section at a time.
What other Michael McDonald songs work for kids?: Try "REFLECTIONS", "I BELIEVE", "FOR ONCE IN MY LIFE". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.