The Man On The Flying Trapeze

by George Leybourne

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Lyrics

Oh, (G)once I was hap py, but (C)now I’m for (Am)lorn,

(D7)like an old coat that is (G)tat tered and torn.

Wher Left in this wide world to (C)fret and to (Am)mourn, be o (D7)trayed by a maid in her (G)teens.

Oh, the (Em)girl that I loved, she was hand some be low, and I tried all I knew her to (B)please,

but (Em)I could not please her one quar ter so well as the (A7)man on the fly ing tra peze.

(D7)Oh!

He’d (G)fly through the air with the (C)great est of (Am)ease, a (D7)dar ing young man on the (G)fly ing tra peze.

His move ments were grace ful, all (C)girls he could (Am)please, and (D7)my love he pur loined a (G)way.

Now, the (G)young man by name was Se (C)ñor Bo ni (Am)Slang,

(D7)tall, big and hand some, as (G)well made as Chang.

Wher e’er he ap peared how the (C)hall loud ly (Am)rang with o (D7)va tions from all peo ple (G)there.

He’d the (Em)smile from the bar on the peo ple be low, and I one night he smiled on my (B)love.

She (Em)winked back at him and she shout ed, “Bra vo!” as he (A7)hung by his nose from a bove.

(D7)Oh!

She (G)floats through the air with the (C)great est of (Am)ease; you’d (D7)think her a man on the (G)fly ing tra peze.

She does all the work ful, while (C)he takes his (Am)ease, and (D7)that’s what’s be came of my (G)love.

Her the

The Man On The Flying Trapeze by George Leybourne — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “The Man On The Flying Trapeze by George Leybourne 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 G at 144 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 On The Flying Trapeze" 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 On The Flying Trapeze"?
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.