The Midnight Special

by Lead Belly

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Lyrics

You get us in the (C7)morn in’

you hear the ding dong you (G)ring.

Now you look ter up on a ta ble

(C7)you see the same damn not (G)thing.

You find no food up on that ta ble,

noth ing of up in the pan.

hand.

But if you say a thing a bout it,

you’d be in trou ble with the (G)man.

(CN.C.)A let the mid night spe cial

shine her light on me,

a let the mid night spe cial

shine her ev er lov in’ (G)light on me.

(CN.C.)Well, if you’re ev er in (C7)Hous ton,

you’d bet ter walk on you (G)by.

Oh, you’d bet her not gam ble, boy, ble

(C7)I say you’d bet ter not (G)fight.

Well now, the sher iff, he’ll grab you and

his boys of will pull you down.

hand.

And then be fore you know it bout it,

you’re pen i ten ti a ry (G)bound.

(CN.C.)A let the mid night spe cial

shine her light on me,

a let the mid night spe cial

shine her ev er lov in’ (G)light on me.

(CN.C.)Here if comes ev Miss in (G)light on me.

The Midnight Special by Lead Belly — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “The Midnight Special” by Lead Belly 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 140 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 Midnight Special" 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 Midnight Special"?
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 Midnight Special" use?
Just 5 chords: C, C7, D, G, Gdom. Take it one section at a time.