Sloop John B.

by Barry McGuire

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Lyrics

We (G)came on the Sloop John B.,

my grand fa ther and me.

’Round Nas sau town

we did (D)roam.

(D7)Drink in’ all (G)night,

had man y a (C)fight.

I (G)feel so broke up, I wan na go (G)home.

So hoist up the John B.

sails,

and clean up the John B.

rails.

Oh, cap tain, please come a board and sail me back (D7)home.

The sloop, the John (G)B.

can trav el the (C)sea,

next (G)time with out me.

I (D7)wan na go (G)home.

The (G)first mate, he got so drunk,

he broke o pen my trunk.

Poor sea sick me

on the (D)foam.

(D7)O ceans are (G)grand,

but give me the (C)land.

I (G)feel so broke up, I wan na go (G)home.

So hoist up the John B.

sails,

and clean up the John B.

rails.

Oh, cap tain, please come a board and sail me back (D7)home.

The sloop, the John (G)B.

can trav el the (C)sea,

next (G)time with out me.

I (D7)wan na go (G)home.

Sloop John B. by Barry McGuire — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “Sloop John B.” by Barry McGuire 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 110 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 "Sloop John B." 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 "Sloop John B."?
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 "Sloop John B." use?
Just 7 chords: C, C6, Cm, D, D7, G, G7. Take it one section at a time.
What other Barry McGuire songs work for kids?
Try "EVE OF DESTRUCTION". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.