The End Of The Innocence

by Don Henley

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Lyrics

Re mem ber when the days this were long and (F)rolled be neath a deep blue sky?

They’re Did n’t have a care in the world, for with (F)Mom my and Dad dy we e (G)stand lect in’ ed by.

But (C)“hap pi ly ev war er af mem ter” fails and we’ve been poi soned by these fair y tales.

The (C)law yers dwell on small all the de tails since (Am)Dad dy had to fly.

Ah, but (Am7)I know a (Em7)place where (Dm7)we can go (Am7)that’s still un (Fmaj7)touched by (G)men.

We’ll sit and (Em)watch the clouds roll by and the (Am7)tall grass (Fmaj7)wave in the (G)wind.

You can (C)lay your head back (F)on the ground and (Am7)let your hair fall (Dm7)all a round.

(C)Of fer up your (F)best de fense but (Am7)this is the end,

(Fmaj7)this is the end

of the (C)in no cence.

Oh beau ti ful, for spac this ious skies, but (F)now those skies are threat en ing.

They’re beat ing plow shares in to the swords for this (F)ti red old man that we e (G)each lect of ed king.

But (C)“hap pi Arm chair war riors of mem ten fail and we’ve been poi soned by these fair y tales.

The (C)law yers clean up long all the de tails since (Am)Dad dy had to lie.

Ah, But (Am7)I know a (Em7)place where (Dm7)we can go (Am7)and wash a (Fmaj7)way this (G)sin.

We’ll sit and (Em)watch the clouds roll by and the (Am7)tall grass (Fmaj7)wave in the (G)wind.

You can (C)lay your head back (F)on the ground and (Am7)let your hair fall (Dm7)all a round.

(C)Of fer up your (F)best de fense but (Am7)this is the end,

(Fmaj7)this is the end

of the (C)in no cence.

Just (C)lay your head back (F)on the ground and (Am7)let your hair fall (Dm7)all a round.

(C)Of fer up your (F)best de fense but (Am7)this is the end,

(Fmaj7)this is the end

of the (C)in no cence.

The End Of The Innocence by Don Henley — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “The End Of The Innocence” by Don Henley 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 116 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 End Of The Innocence" 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 End Of The Innocence"?
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.