Swanee

by George Gershwin

🎹 Loading song
Preparing player…
1
Play in Full ModesMore Songs for Kids

Lyrics

I’ve been a (Bbm)way from you a (Fm)long time.

I nev er (G7)thought I’d (Bbm7)miss you (Fm)so.

(Bb)Some how I (Fm)feel

(Bb)your love was (Fm)real.

(Fm)Near you I long to (C)be.

The birds are (Bbm)sing ing, it is (Fm)song time,

the ban jos (G7)strum min’ (Bbm7)soft and (Fm)low.

(Bb)I know that (Fm)you

(Bb)yearn for me (Fm)too.

(Fm)Swan ee, I long to (C)be.

you’re call ing (Fm)me.

(F)Swan

ee,

(F)how I love you, how I love you, (Bb)my

(Gm7)dear (C9)old (F)Swan ee;

(C)I’d (F)give (C7)the (F)world

(Db7)to

(C9)be

(Gm)a (D7)mong (Db7)the (C9)folks

(C7)in

(F)D I X I (C7)E ven though my (F)mam

my’s

(F)wait ing for me, pray ing for me (Bb)down

(Gm7)by (C9)the (F)Swan ee.

(C)The (F)folks (C7)up (F)north

(F)will

(Bb)see me (Bb)no more

(F#dim)when (C7)I go to the Swan ee shore.

(F)Swan

ee,

(F)how I love you, how I love you, (Bb)my

(Gm7)dear (C9)old (F)Swan ee;

(C)I’d (F)give (C7)the (F)world

(Db7)to

(C9)be

(Gm)a (D7)mong (Db7)the (C9)folks

(C7)in

(F)D I X I (C7)E ven though my (F)mam

my’s

(F)wait ing for me, pray ing for me (Bb)down

(Gm7)by (C9)the (F)Swan ee.

(C)The (F)folks (C7)up (F)north

(F)will

(Bb)see me (Bb)no more

(F#dim)when (C7)I go to the Swan ee shore.

(I’ll be hap py, I’ll be hap py.) (C7)Swan ee,

(F)Swan ee,

(C7)I am com ing back to (F)Swan ee,

(C7)Mam my,

(F)Mam my,

I (F)love the (G9)old (C7)folks at (F)home.

(C7)Swan ee,

(F)Swan ee,

(C7)I am com ing back to (F)Swan ee,

(C7)Mam my,

(F)Mam my,

I (F)love the (G9)old (C7)folks at (F)home.

(F)home.

Swanee by George Gershwin — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “Swanee by George Gershwin 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 Bb at 196 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 "Swanee" 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 "Swanee"?
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 "Swanee" use?
Just 21 chords: Bb, Bb7, Bbm, Bbm7, Bdim7, C, C7, C9, +13 more. Take it one section at a time.
What other George Gershwin songs work for kids?
Try "LITTLE JAZZ BIRD", "WHO CARES?", "Prelude No.1". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.