Scarlet Begonias

· by Grateful Dead

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Lyrics

1.

(C)I was walk ing ’round Gros ve nor (G)Square,

not a (C)chill to the win ter but a nip to the (G)air.

From the oth er di (C)rec (G)tion, (F)she was call ing my (C)eye.

It could be an il lu (G)sion, (F)but I might as well (C)try, might as well (G)try.

2.

had (C)I was walk ing ’round Gros ve nor (G)Square,

not a (C)chill to the win ter but a nip to the (G)air.

From the oth er di (C)rec (G)tion, (F)she was call ing my (C)eye.

It could be an il lu (G)sion, (F)but I might as well (C)try, might as well (G)try.

3.

the

Well, I (D)ain’t of ten right, but I’ve nev er been wrong.

(G)Sel dom turns out the way it (F)does in the (C)song.

(D)Once in a while, you get shown the light in the (G)strang est of plac es if you (F)look at it (C)right.

Well, there (C)ain’t noth ing wrong with the ing way she (G)moves,

or (C)scar let be go nias or a touch of the (G)blues.

And there’s noth ing (C)wrong (G)with the (F)look that’s in her (C)eye.

I had to learn the (C)hard (G)way (F)in to let her pass (C)by, let her pass (G)by.

The (C)wind in the wil lows play ing “Tea for (G)Two,”

the (C)sky was be yel low and the sun of was (G)blue.

Stran gers stop ping (C)stran (G)gers, the (F)just to shake their (C)hand.

Ev ’ry bod y is (C)play (G)ing (F)in the “heart of gold” (C)band, “heart of gold” (G)by.

The (G)band.

Scarlet Begonias by Grateful Dead — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “Scarlet Begonias” by Grateful Dead 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 170 BPM, a comfortable easy-level arrangement perfect for first-time learners.

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 "Scarlet Begonias" 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 "Scarlet Begonias"?: 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.
What other Grateful Dead songs work for kids?: Try "UNCLE JOHN'S BAND", "THE MUSIC NEVER STOPPED", "SUGAR MAGNOLIA". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.