Reeling In The Years

by Steely Dan

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Lyrics

(D)Your (Bm7)ev in’ er me last in’ sum mer, you can see it fad (A)in’ fast, so (D)you grab a piece (A)of some thin’ that (Bm7)you think is gon (A)na last.

Well, (C#dim)you would n’t e ven know (Cm)a dia mond if (Bm)you held it in (A)your hand; (D)the things you think (A)are pre cious I (Bm7)can’t un der stand.

Are you reel in’ in the (Gmaj9)years,

stow in’ a way the (A)time?

Are you gath er in’ up the (Gmaj9)tears,

have you had e nough of (A)mine?

Are you reel in’ in the (Gmaj9)years,

stow in’ a way the (A)time?

Are you gath er in’ up the (Gmaj9)tears,

have you had e nough of (F#m7)mine?

You (D)been (Bm7)tell in’ a me you’re a gen ius and since you were sev (A)en teen; so (D)in all the time (A)I’ve known you I (Bm7)still don’t know what (A)you mean.

Af (C#dim)The week n’t end ven at (Cm)the col lege did (Bm)n’t turn out like (A)you planned; (D)the things that pass (A)for knowl edge I (Bm7)can’t un der stand.

Are you reel in’ in the (Gmaj9)years,

stow in’ a way the (A)time?

Are you gath er in’ up the (Gmaj9)tears,

have you had e nough of (A)mine?

Are you reel in’ in the (Gmaj9)years,

stow in’ a way the (A)time?

Are you gath er in’ up the (Gmaj9)tears,

have you had e nough of (F#m7)mine?

You (D)I

(F#m7)mine?

Reeling In The Years by Steely Dan — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “Reeling In The Years” by Steely Dan 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 A 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 "Reeling In The Years" 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 "Reeling In The Years"?
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 "Reeling In The Years" use?
Just 9 chords: A, Bm, Bm7, C, C#dim, Cm, D, F#m7, +1 more. Take it one section at a time.
What other Steely Dan songs work for kids?
Try "RIKKI DON'T LOSE THAT NUMBER", "DEACON BLUES", "KID CHARLEMAGNE". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.