The Downeaster "Alexa"

by Billy Joel

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Lyrics

Well I’m (C)on the Down (G)east er A lex a,

and I’m (C)cruis ing through (G)Block Is land Sound.

I have chart ered a course to the Vine yard.

But to night I am (G)Nan tuck et bound.

We took on (G)die sel back in Mon tauk yes ter day,

and left this morn ing there, but bell where, in Gar on di ner’s Bay.

Like all the lo cals here are I’ve what to sell my home,

too proud got to no is back worked on my land (Am)fin gers to the bone, so I could own my Down (G)east er A lex a,

and I (C)go where the (G)o cean is deep.

There are gi ants out there in the can yons.

And a good cap tain (G)can’t fall a sleep.

I I got (G)bills to pay and chil dren who need clothes.

I know there’s fish out as a bell bay God Gar an di ly knows.

They say these lo ters for a n’t man they used to be.

But proud ain’t to no is land worked for my is gers to the bone, so I could own who count on me.

So when you see my Down (G)east er A lex a,

and if you (C)work with the rod and the reel,

tell my wife I am (C)troll ing At lan tis,

and I (C)still have my (G)hands on the wheel.

Now I (G)Ya

Yo

Ya Ya (G)Ya

Yo

Ya Ya (G)Ya

Yo

Ya Ya (G)Ya

Yo

Ya Ya (Am)Yo.

The Downeaster "Alexa" by Billy Joel — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “The Downeaster "Alexa"” by Billy Joel 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 80 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 Downeaster "Alexa"" 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 Downeaster "Alexa""?
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 "The Downeaster "Alexa"" use?
Just 6 chords: Am, C, Dm, Em, F, G. Take it one section at a time.
What other Billy Joel songs work for kids?
Try "SCENES FROM AN ITALIAN RESTAURANT", "EVERYBODY HAS A DREAM", "CAPTAIN JACK". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.