The Last Thing On My Mind

by Tom Paxton

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Lyrics

It’s a (C)les son too (F)late for the (C)learn ing,

(F)made of (C)sand,

(G)made of (C)sand.

In the wink of an (F)eye my soul is (C)turn ing

(F)in your (C)hand,

(G)in your (C)hand.

Are you (G)go

ing a way

with no (F)word

of fare (C)well?

Will there (F)be

not a (C)trace

left be (G)hind?

Well, I (C)could have loved you (F)bet ter, did n’t (C)mean to be un kind.

You know (G)that

was the last thing (G7)on my (C)mind.

As we (C)les

son too (F)late

for the (C)learn ing,

(F)made of (C)sand,

(G)made of (C)sand.

In the wink

of an (F)eye my soul is (C)turn ing

(F)in your (C)hand,

(G)in your (C)hand.

Are you (G)go

ing a way with no (F)word of fare (C)well?

Will there (F)be not a (C)trace left be (G)hind?

Well, I (C)could have loved you (F)bet ter, did n’t (C)mean to be un kind.

You know (G)that was the last thing (G7)on my (C)mind.

As we (C)mind.

The Last Thing On My Mind by Tom Paxton — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “The Last Thing On My Mind” by Tom Paxton 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 Last Thing On My Mind" 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 Last Thing On My Mind"?
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 Last Thing On My Mind" use?
Just 5 chords: C, C9, F, G, G7. Take it one section at a time.