The Dutchman

· by Celtic Thunder

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Lyrics

The (F)Dutch man’s (F6)not the kind (Fmaj7)of man to (F)keep his thumb jammed (Fmaj7)in the dam (F6)love that holds

his dreams in,

but there’s a se cret on ly Mar g’ret knows.

When (F)Am ster dam is (F6)gold en nals in the (F)morn ing, (F6)Mar g’ret (Fmaj7)brings him (F6)break fast, and she be lieves love

him:

he thinks the tu lips bloom be neath the snow.

He’s the mad as (Gm)he can be, but (C7)Mar g’ret on ly (F)sees that (F)some times; some times she sees her un born (C7)chil dren in his eyes.

(Bb)name.

Let us (Gm)go to the (C9)banks of the (F)o cean,

where the (Gm)walls rise a bove the Zui der (F)zee.

Long a go

I (C9)used to be a young man,

but dear (Gm)Mar g’ret re mem bers that for me.

The (F)Dutch man (F6)still wears wood (Fmaj7)en shoes; his (F)cap and coat are (Fmaj7)patched with the (F6)love that Mar

g’ret’s sewn in.

Some times he thinks he’s still in Rot ter dam.

He (F)watch es tug boats (F6)down ca nals calls and (F)calls out (F6)to them (Fmaj7)when he (F6)thinks he knows she the cap love

tain,

’til Mar g’ret comes to take him home a gain.

Through the un for (Gm)giv ing streets that (C7)trip him, though she (F)holds his (F)arm.

times; Some times he thinks that he’s a (C7)lone and calls her eyes.

(Bb)name.

Let us (Gm)go to the (C9)banks of the (F)o cean,

where the (Gm)walls rise a bove the Zui der (F)zee.

Long a go

I (C9)used to be a young man,

but dear (Gm)Mar g’ret re mem bers that for me.

The

The (C7)Mar g’ret blows the can dle out.

Let us (Gm)go to the (C9)banks of the (F)o cean,

where the (Gm)walls rise a bove the Zui der (F)zee.

Long a go

I (C9)used to be a young man,

but dear (Gm)Mar g’ret re mem bers that

for me.

The Dutchman by Celtic Thunder — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “The Dutchman” by Celtic Thunder 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 152 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 Dutchman" 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 Dutchman"?: 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 Dutchman" use?: Just 11 chords: Bb, C7, C9, Dm7, F, F6, Fmaj7, Gm, +3 more. Take it one section at a time.
What other Celtic Thunder songs work for kids?: Try "MY LAND", "A PLACE IN THE CHOIR", "HOME FROM THE SEA". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.