The Circle Game

by Joni Mitchell

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Lyrics

(C)Yes ter day a (F)child came out to (C)won der:

Though his caught a drag on (F)fly in side a (G7)jar,

And they (C)fear ful when the (F)sky was full of (Em)thun der

and till you (F)tear ful at the (C)fall ing (G6)of a (C)star.

And the sea sons, they go round (G7sus)and (C)round, and the paint ed po nies go up and (C)down.

We’re cap tive on the car ou sel of (C)time.

We can’t re turn, we can on ly look be (Em)hind from where we (F)came and go (C)round and round and (C6)round in the (Dm9)cir cle (C)game.

So the (C)Then the child moved (F)ten times round the (C)sea sons,

Though his skat ed o ver (F)ten clear fro zen (G7)streams.

there’ll be (C)Words like “when you’re (F)old er” must ap (Em)pease him,

and till you (F)prom is es of (C)some day (G6)make his (C)dreams.

And the sea sons, they go round (G7sus)and (C)round, and the paint ed po nies go up and (C)down.

We’re cap tive on the car ou sel of (C)time.

We can’t re turn, we can on ly look be (Em)hind from where we (F)came and go (C)round and round and (C6)round in the (Dm9)cir cle (C)game.

So the (C)game,

and go round and round and (Dm7)round in the (G13)cir cle (C)game.

The Circle Game by Joni Mitchell — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “The Circle Game” by Joni Mitchell 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 C at 120 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 "The Circle Game" 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 "The Circle Game"?
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.