The Man Who Sold The World

· by David Bowie

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Lyrics

We passed up on the (A7)stair,

we spoke of was and when.

Al though I was n’t there

he said I was his friend,

which came as some sur prise.

I spoke in to his (A7)eyes, I thought you died a (Dm)lone,

a long, long time a go.

Oh no,

not me,

I (Bbm)nev er lost con trol.

You’re face

to face

with the (Bbm)man who sold the world.

The Man Who Sold The World by David Bowie — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “The Man Who Sold The World” by David Bowie 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 Bb at 116 BPM, a slightly more challenging arrangement — practice each phrase slowly first.

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 Who Sold The World" 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 Who Sold The World"?: 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 Man Who Sold The World" use?: Just 5 chords: A7, Bbm, C, Dm, F. Take it one section at a time.
What other David Bowie songs work for kids?: Try "Changes", "UNDER PRESSURE", "YOUNG AMERICANS". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.