Sitting On Top Of The World

by Doc Watson

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Lyrics

Was all the sum mer hold and all the fall, Can’t just try’n’ to (C7)find my lit as tle can Le a (G5)nore.

But now she’s gone

and I don’t (D5)wor ry.

Lord, I’m (G5)sit tin’ on (D5)top of the (G5)world.

Was in the spring nin’, hold one sum mer day Can’t just when she (C7)left me, she’s as gone can to a (G5)stay.

But now she’s gone

and I don’t (D5)wor ry.

Lord, I’m (G5)sit tin’ on (D5)top of the (G5)world.

And you come (G5)world.

Half the days tion I did n’t know your name.

Why should me I a (C7)wor ry or cry in (G5)vain?

And now she’s gone

and I don’t (D5)wor ry.

Lord, I’m (G5)sit tin’ on (D5)top of the (G5)world.

Went to the sta tion I did down in the yard,

gon’ get me you a (C7)freight train, work done got (G5)hard.

But now she’s gone

and I don’t (D5)wor ry.

Lord, I’m (G5)sit tin’ on (D5)top of the (G5)world.

Those lone some (G5)world.

Sitting On Top Of The World by Doc Watson — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “Sitting On Top Of The World” by Doc Watson 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 120 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.

Teacher’s notes

This arrangement is a great way to get comfortable with a pedal bass pattern in your left hand — you'll anchor on a repeated low note while your right hand moves through just four chords, which keeps things steady and rhythmic. The C to C7 switch is your smoothest move: you're only adding one note, so keep your hand shape relaxed and let that B-flat drop in naturally. The power chords on D and G will feel different from your open C shapes — they're just root and fifth, so lean into that bare, punchy sound rather than searching for a fuller voicing. At 120 BPM the tempo has a nice rolling momentum, but start at around 80 and lock your left-hand pedal tone in solidly before adding the right hand. The most common stumble I see is rushing through the chord changes to Dpow and Gpow because they sit in an unfamiliar position — loop those two bars slowly until the jump feels automatic. Once it clicks, this song will genuinely strengthen your ability to keep a steady bass pulse independent of what your right hand is doing, and that's a skill you'll use in everything you play from here on.

Frequently asked questions

Is "Sitting On Top Of The World" 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 "Sitting On Top Of The World"?
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 "Sitting On Top Of The World" use?
Just 4 chords: C, C7, Dpow, Gpow. Few enough that a child can recognize them quickly.