Stagger Lee

by Lloyd Price

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Lyrics

The (Bb)night was clear

and the (Gm)moon was yel low, and the (Cm)leaves came tum (F7)bling (F)down.

I was (F)stand ing

on the (Bb7)cor ner

when I (Eb7)heard my bull dog bark.

He was (Bb)bark ing at the two men who were (F7)gam bling in the (Bb)dark.

It was (F7)Stag ger Lee and (Bb7)Bil ly

two (Eb7)men who gam ble late.

Stag ger (Bb)Lee threw sev en, Bil ly (F7)swore that he threw (Bb)eight.

Stag ger (F)stand ing

on the (Bb7)cor ner

when I (Eb7)heard my bull dog bark.

He was (Bb)bark ing at the two men who were (F7)gam bling in the (Bb)dark.

It was (F7)Stag ger Lee

and (Bb7)Bil ly

two (Eb7)men who

gam ble late.

Stag ger (Bb)Lee threw sev en, Bil ly (F7)swore that

he threw (Bb)eight.

Stag ger (Bb)wife.”

Stag ger (F)Lee

shot (Bb7)Bil ly.

Oh, he (Eb7)shot that poor boy so bad,

’til the (Bb)bul let came through Bil ly, and it (F7)broke the bar

ten der’s (Bb)glass.

(Spoken:) Look (F7)out now.

(Bb)Go, Stag ger Lee.

(Bb7)Go, Stag ger Lee.

(Eb7)Go, Stag ger Lee.

Go, Stag ger Lee.

(Bb)Go, Stag ger Lee.

(F7)Go, Stag ger Lee.

(Bb)Go, Stag ger Lee.

Go.

Stagger Lee by Lloyd Price — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “Stagger Lee” by Lloyd Price 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 Eb 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 "Stagger Lee" 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 "Stagger Lee"?
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.