The Man In Black

by Johnny Cash

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Lyrics

(G7)Well, you (C)won der black why I al ways dress in black,

why you nev er see the col ors on my (D)back,

and (F)why does my ap (C)pear ance ness seem to (F)have a som ber (C)tone.

Well, there’s a (D)rea son for the things that I have (G)on.

Ah, I (C)wear the black for the poor and the beat en down

liv in’ in the hope less, hun gry side of (D)town.

I (F)wear the black for the (C)pris ’ner who has (F)long paid for his (C)crime,

but is (D)there be cause he’s a (D7)vic tim of the (G)times.

I (C)wear the black for I those who nev er read

or you lis tened to the words that Je sus (D)said

a (F)bout the road to (C)hap pi ness through to (F)love and char i (C)ty.

Why, you’d (D)think He’s talk ing straight to you and (G)me.

Ah, we’re (C)do ing might y the fine, I the do sup pose,

in our “streak of light ning” cars and fan cy (D)clothes:

but (F)just so we’re re the (C)mind ed of the (F)ones who are held (C)back

Up is (D)front there ought a a (D7)be a man in (G)black.

I

I (C)wear it nev for the sick and lone ly old,

for the reck less one whose bad trip left them (D)cold;

I un (F)wear the black in (Em)mourn ing move for the (Dm)lives that could have (C)been.

Each (D)week we lose a (D7)hun dred fine young (G)men.

Ah, I (C)wear it for the thou sands who have died

be liev ing that the Lord was on their (D)side.

And I (F)wear it for an (Em)oth er lit hun dred (Dm)thou sand (G7)who have (C)died

be (D)liev ing that we (D7)all were on their (G)side.

Well, there’s (C)things that nev er the will be right, I know,

and the things need chang ing ev ’ry where you (D)go.

But un (F)til we start to (Em)make a move to the (Dm)make a few things (C)right,

you’ll (D)nev er see me (D7)wear a suit of (G)white.

Oh, I’d (C)love to wear a rain bow ev ’ry day,

and tell the world that ev ’ry thing’s o (D)kay,

but I’ll (F)try to car ry (Em)off a lit tle dred (Dm)dark ness (G7)on my (C)back.

’Til (D)things are bright er, (D7)all were on their (G)side.

Well, there’s I’m the man in (C)black.

The Man In Black by Johnny Cash — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “The Man In Black by Johnny Cash 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 120 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 Man In Black" 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 Man In Black"?
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.