Sloop John B

by The Beach Boys

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Lyrics

We (G)come out in the Sloop John B,

my grand fa ther and me.

A con sta ble Nas and he town we him do (D)roam,

drink ing all (G)night,

got in to me a (C)fight.

Well, I (G)feel so broke up

I wan na go (G)home.

So hoist up the John B sail,

see how the main sail set.

Call for the Cap tain a shore.

Let me go (D)home,

let me go (G)home.

I wan na go (C)home,

oh (Am7)yeah.

Well, I (G)feel so broke up

I wan na go (G)home.

The (G)first out mate, he he got drunk.

He broke in Cap tain’s trunk.

The Then sta he had and he come and of a (D)way.

Sher riff John (G)Stone,

why don’t leave me go (C)lone?

Well, I (G)feel so broke up

I wan na go (G)home.

So hoist up the John B sail,

see how the main sail set.

Call for the Cap tain a shore.

Let me go (D)home,

let me go (G)home.

I wan na go (C)home,

oh (Am7)yeah.

Well, I (G)feel so broke up

I wan na go (G)home.

The (G)home.

Sloop John B by The Beach Boys — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “Sloop John B” by The Beach Boys 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 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 "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 4 chords: Am7, C, D, G. Few enough that a child can recognize them quickly.
What other The Beach Boys songs work for kids?
Try "GOOD VIBRATIONS", "PET SOUNDS", "DO YOU WANT TO DANCE?". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.