Shilo

by Neil Diamond

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Lyrics

(C)Young child (G7sus)with (C)dreams,

(F)dream (Fmaj7)ev (F6)’ry (F)dream (F6)on (F)your (C)own.

I When chil dren (Dm)play,

seems like you end up (F)a (C)lone.

Pa pa says out, he’d love to be with you

if he had the time.

So you turn to the (F)on ly friend you can (G)find,

there in your (Em)mind:

(C)Shi lo, when (Csus)I was young

I used to (Csus)call your name.

When no one (Csus)else would come,

Shi lo, you (Csus)al ways came.

And we’d play.

(C)Young girl (G7sus)with (C)fire,

(F)some (Fmaj7)thing (F6)said (F)she (F6)un (F)der (C)stood.

I want ed to (Dm)fly.

She made me feel like (F)I (C)could.

Held my hand and and I let her take me

She blind as a child.

All I saw was the (F)way that she made me (G)smile,

she made me (Em)smile.

(C)Shi lo, when (Csus)I was young

I used to (Csus)call your name.

When no one (Csus)else would come,

Shi lo, you (Csus)al ways came.

And you’d play.

(C)Young girl (G7sus)with stay.

(C)day.

Shilo by Neil Diamond — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “Shilo” by Neil Diamond 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 C at 100 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 "Shilo" 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 "Shilo"?
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 "Shilo" use?
Just 9 chords: C, Csus4, Dm, Em, F, F6, Fmaj7, G, +1 more. Take it one section at a time.
What other Neil Diamond songs work for kids?
Try "ALONE AGAIN NATURALLY", "I AM...I SAID", "HELLO AGAIN". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.