Roots Before Branches

· by Glee Cast

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Lyrics

(A)Hey,

yeah, hey.

So (F#m)man y things to do and (F#m7)say

but (F#m)I can’t seem to find my (F#m7)way, but I (Dsus2)wan na know how.

I (F#m)know I’m meant for some thing (F#m7)else,

but (F#m)first I’ve got to find my (F#m7)self, but I my (Dsus2)don’t on know how.

There’s al ways Oh, a (Bm)why do I reach for the stars

when I don’t have (D)wings

to car ry me that far?

Got ta have (Dmaj7)roots

be fore (F#m)branch es,

to (Dmaj7)know who I am be fore I (A)know who I (E)wan na be.

And (Dmaj7)faith

to take (F#m)chanc es

to (Dmaj7)live like I see

a (Bm)place in this (E)world

for me.

(F#m)Ooh.

Hey.

(F#m)Some times I don’t wan na (F#m7)feel

but (F#m)and for get the pain is (F#m7)real; put my (Dsus2)head in the clouds.

I (F#m)start to run and then I (F#m7)fall,

but (F#m)think ing I can’t get it (F#m7)all with out my (Dsus2)feet on the ground.

There’s al ways Oh, a (Bm)seed do be fore there’s a rose.

The more that it (D)rains,

the more ry I will grow.

Got ta have (Dmaj7)roots

be fore (F#m)branch es,

to (Dmaj7)know who I am be fore I (A)know who I (E)wan na be.

And (Dmaj7)faith

to take (F#m)chanc es

to (Dmaj7)live like I see

a (Bm)place in this (E)world

for me.

(F#m)Ooh.

Hey.

(Bm)place in this (E)world

for me.

(F#m)Oh.

What ev er comes, I know how to (E)take it, learn to be strong; I won’t have to (B)fake it.

Oh, you’re un der (F#)stand ing.

Oh,

but we can come and do what’s best, roam in north and south, east and west,

but I’ll

(B)still be stand (E)ing.

(F#m)I’m stand (E)ing, if I have (Dmaj7)roots

be fore (F#m)branch es,

to (Dmaj7)know who I am be fore I (A)know who I’m (E)gon na be.

And (Dmaj7)faith,

oh, to take (F#m)chanc es

to (Dmaj7)live like I see

a (Bm)place in this (E)world...

(Bm)place in this (E)world

for (F#m)me.

Oh.

I’ve got to have (F#m)roots

be fore (A)branch es.

(F#m)Oh,

(E)yeah.

Roots Before Branches by Glee Cast — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “Roots Before Branches” by Glee Cast 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 60 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 "Roots Before Branches" 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 "Roots Before Branches"?: 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 "Roots Before Branches" use?: Just 11 chords: A, B, Bm, Bsus4, D, Dmaj7, Dsus2, E, +3 more. Take it one section at a time.
What other Glee Cast songs work for kids?: Try "ABC", "YOU CAN'T STOP THE BEAT", "THE TIME OF MY LIFE". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.