Ships

· by Barry Manilow

🎹 Loading song

Preparing player…

1

—

Play in Full Modes More Songs for Kids

Lyrics

There’s We (Ab)walked to the (Dbmaj7)sea, just my (Eb)fa ther ’n’ (C7)me, and the (Fm)dogs played a (Ab)round on the (Dbmaj7)sand.

Win (Eb)ter (Ab)cold cut the (Dbmaj7)air, hang in’ (Eb)still ev ’ry (C7)where.

Dressed in (Fm)gray, did he (Ab)say, “Hold my (Dbmaj7)hand”?

I said, “Love’s eas ier when it’s (Db)far a way.”

We sat ’n’ watched a dis tant (Eb)light.

(Db)We’re (Eb)two (B)ships that (D#m)pass in the (E)night,

we both (B)smile and we (D#m)say it’s al (E)right.

We’re still (B)here, it’s just that (D#m7)we’re

out of (Emaj7)sight,

like those (G#m)ships that (F#)pass in the (Emaj7)night.

There’s a (Ab)boat on the (Dbmaj7)line where the (Eb)sea meets the (C7)sky; there’s an (Fm)oth er that (Ab)rides far be (Dbmaj7)hind.

And (Eb)it (Ab)seems you and (Dbmaj7)I are like (Eb)strang ers a (C7)wide ways a (Fm)part as we (Ab)drift on through (Dbmaj7)time.

He said, “It’s hard er now, we’re (Db)far a way.

We on ly read you when you (Eb)write.”

(Db)We’re (Eb)two (B)ships that (D#m)pass in the (E)night,

and we (B)smile when we (D#m)say it’s al (E)right.

We’re still (B)here, it’s just that (D#m7)we’re

out of (Emaj7)sight,

like those (G#m)ships that (F#)pass in the (Emaj7)night.

(Emaj7)night.

(Em7)We’re (A)just (F)ships that (Am7)pass in the (Bbmaj7)night,

and we (Dm7)smile when we (Am7)say it’s al (Bbmaj7)right.

We’re (A)still (F)here, it’s just that (Am7)we’re

out of (Bbmaj7)sight,

like (A)those (Dm)ships that (C)pass in the (Bbmaj7)night.

We’re just (F)ships that (Am7)pass in the (Bbmaj7)night,

and we (Dm7)smile when we (Am7)say it’s al (Bbmaj7)right.

We’re (A)still (F)here, it’s just that (Am7)we’re

out of (Bbmaj7)sight,

like (A)those (Dm)ships that (C)pass in the (Bbmaj7)night.

We’re just (F)ships that (Am7)pass in the (Bbmaj7)night...

Ships by Barry Manilow — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “Ships” by Barry Manilow 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 Db at 80 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 "Ships" 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 "Ships"?: 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 "Ships" use?: Just 26 chords: A, Ab, Ab7, Am7, B, Bbm, Bbmaj7, C, +18 more. Take it one section at a time.
What other Barry Manilow songs work for kids?: Try "THIS CAN'T BE REAL", "CAN'T SMILE WITHOUT YOU", "JUMP SHOUT BOOGIE". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.