Sugar Magnolia

by Grateful Dead

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Lyrics

(A)Sug ar Mag no lia, blos soms (Bm)bloom (A)ing, heads all emp ty and (E)I don’t (A)care.

Saw my ba by (C#m)down by the (F#m)riv er; knew she’d have to come (D)up soon for (A)air.

Sweet blos som, come on un der the (D)wil (A)low.

We can have high times (E)if you’ll a bide.

We can dis cov er (C#m)the won ders of (F#m)na ture, (E)roll ing in the rush es (D)down by the (A)riv er side.

(D)She’s got ev ’ry (G)thing de light ful, she’s got ev ’ry (A)thing I (D)need.

Takes the wheel when I’m see ing (D)dou ble, pays my tick et (E)when I (A)speed.

Well, she comes skim ming through rays of (D)vio (A)let; she can (G)wade in a (E)drop of (A)dew.

She don’t come and (C#m)I don’t (F#m)fol low; (E)waits back stage while (D)I sing to (A)you.

Well, she can dance a Ca jun (A)rhy thm, jump like a Wil (G)lys in (E)four wheel drive.

She’s a sum mer love in the (C#m)spring, fall and (F#m)win ter.

(E)She can make hap py an y man a (A)live.

Sug ar Mag no lia,

ring ing that blue bell,

caught up in sun light.

Come on out (E)sing ing; I’ll (G)walk you in the (D)sun shine.

Come on, hon ey, come a long with (A)me.

(D)She’s got ev ’ry (G)thing de light ful, she’s got ev ’ry (A)thing I (D)need.

A breeze in the pines in the (G)sum mer night (D)moon light, cra zy in the sun light, (E)yes, in (A)deed.

Some times when the cuck oo’s (D)cry (A)ing, when the moon is (Bm)half way (A)down, some times when the (E)night is (B)dy ing, I take me out and I (F#m)wan der a (E)round,

I wan der (A)’round.

The sun shine day dream.

(F#)Walk ing in the (E)tall trees.

Go ing where the wind goes.

(E)Bloom ing like a (B)red rose.

Breath ing more free ly.

(E)Ride out sing ing; I’ll walk you in the morn ing sun shine.

(F#)Sun shine (E)day dream.

(Do do do do, (B)do do do, do do do (E)do.)

(Do do do do, (B)do do do, do do do (E)do.)

Sugar Magnolia by Grateful Dead — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “Sugar Magnolia by Grateful Dead 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 A at 160 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 "Sugar Magnolia" 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 "Sugar Magnolia"?
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 "Sugar Magnolia" use?
Just 9 chords: A, B, Bm, C#m, D, E, F#, F#m, +1 more. Take it one section at a time.
What other Grateful Dead songs work for kids?
Try "UNCLE JOHN'S BAND", "THE MUSIC NEVER STOPPED", "BOX OF RAIN". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.