The Hanging Tree

by James Newton Howard

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Lyrics

Are (CN.C.)you, are you

com ing to the tree?

They strung up a man they say who mur dered three.

Strange things did hap pen here, no strang er would it be if we (A5)met at mid night in the hang ing tree.

Are you, are you com ing to the tree?

Where dead man called out (Am)for his love to flee.

Strange things did (Asus)hap pen here, no strang er would it be if we (F)met at mid night in the hang ing tree.

Are you, are you com ing to the tree?

Where I told you to run so we’d both be free.

(A5)Strange things did (F)hap pen here, no (A5)strang er would it (Asus)be if we (Am)met at (Asus2)mid night (A5)in the hang ing tree.

Are (A7)you, are (Asus)you (Am)com ing to the (E5)tree?

Wear a (Am)neck lace of (D5)hope

(G5)side by side with (A5)me.

(A7)Strange things did (F)hap pen here, no (A5)strang er would it (D)be if we (A5)met at (D5)mid night (E5)in the hang ing (A5)tree.

Are you, are (D5)you

(A5)com ing to the (E)tree?

Where I (Am)told you to (Dm)run so (G)we’d both be (Am)free.

Strange things did (F)hap pen here, no (Am)strang er would it (D)be if we (Am)met at (Dm)mid night (E5)in the hang ing (A5)tree.

Are (Am)you, are (Dm)you

(Am)com ing to the (E)tree?

Where they (Am)strung up a (Dm)man they (G)say who mur dered (Am)three.

Strange things did (F)hap pen here, no (Am)strang er would it (D)be if we (Am)met at (Dm)mid night (E5)in the hang ing (Am)tree.

Are you, are (Dm)you

(Am)com ing to the (E)tree?

(Am)Dead man (Dm)called out (G)for his love to (Am)flee.

Strange things did (F)hap pen here, no (Am)strang er would it (D)be if we (Am)met at (Dm)mid night (E5)in the hang ing (Am)tree.

Ah.

(Am)Ah.

(Am)Ah.

(G)Ah.

Ah.

(Am)Ah.

Ah.

(Am)Ah.

Ah.

(Am)Ah.

Ah.

(G)Ah.

The Hanging Tree by James Newton Howard — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “The Hanging Tree” by James Newton Howard 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 100 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 Hanging Tree" 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 Hanging Tree"?
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.