Sledgehammer

· by Peter Gabriel

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Lyrics

You could have a (Eb7)steam train

if you’d just lay down your tracks.

You could have an aer o plane

fly ing

if you bring your blue sky back.

All you do is (Cm7)call me,

I’ll be an y thing you (Eb7)need.

You could have a big dip per

go ing up and down, all a round the bends.

bee.

You could have a bump er car

bump ing,

this a muse ment as nev er ends.

be.

I want to (Cm7)be

your sledge ham mer.

Why don’t you (Eb)call my name?

(Db)Ah, oh, let me (Eb)be your sledge ham mer.

This will (Eb)be my tes ti mo ny.

Hey,

hey.

Show me ’round your fruit cage per

go ’cause I will be your a hon ey bends.

bee.

O pen up your fruit cage car

bump ing,

where the fruit is as sweet as can be.

I want to (Cm7)be

your sledge ham mer.

Why don’t you (Eb)call my name?

(Db)Ah, you’d bet ter (Eb)call the sledge ham mer.

This will (Eb)be my tes ti mo ny.

Hey,

hey.

Show me ’round your (Db)Hey,

I’m your sledge ham mer.

Let there (Eb)be no doubt a bout it.

Sledge,

sledge.

sledge ham mer.

I’ve kicked the hab it, (kicked the hab it, kicked the hab it,)

shed my skin,

(shed my skin.)

This is the new stuff,

(this is the new stuff,) I go danc ing in, (we go (Abm7)danc ing in.) Won’t you you.

show for me,

(show for me,) I will show for you,

(show for you.)

Show for me,

(show for me,) I will show for you,

(Abm7)yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.

I do mean you.

show for me,

(show for me,) I will show for you,

(show for you.)

Show for me,

(show for me,) I will show for you,

(Abm7)yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.

I do mean (Eb5)you.

Sledgehammer by Peter Gabriel — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “Sledgehammer” by Peter Gabriel 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 Ab at 96 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 "Sledgehammer" 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 "Sledgehammer"?: 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 "Sledgehammer" use?: Just 11 chords: Ab7, Abm7, Abpow, C, Cb, Cm7, Db, Eb, +3 more. Take it one section at a time.
What other Peter Gabriel songs work for kids?: Try "IN YOUR EYES", "COME TALK TO ME", "Down To Earth". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.