The Moon Is A Harsh Mistress

· by Jimmy Webb

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Lyrics

See her (G)how she (Em7)flies,

gold en (G)sails a cross the (C)sky.

the Come e nough to (Am)touch,

but the care ful if you (C)try.

Though she (D)looks as warm as (Em)gold,

the (G)moon’s a harsh

(Am7sus)mis

(Am7)tress.

The moon can be so (C)cold.

Once the (G)sun did (Em7)shine;

gold good (G)Lord, it felt so (C)fine,

the moon a phan tom (Am)rose

through the moun tains and the (C)pines.

Though And (D)then the dark ness (Em)fell.

The (G)moon’s a harsh

(Am7sus)mis

(Am7)tress;

it’s hard to love her (C)well.

Once the (G)sun did

I (Bb7)fell out of her (Eb)eyes;

I

fell out of her (Cm7)heart.

I (Cm7)fell down (Bb)on my (Ebmaj7)face;

I (Bb)tripped and I missed my (Eb)star.

I

(F)fell and fell a (Gm)lone.

The (Bb)moon’s a harsh

(Cm7sus)mis

(Cm7)tress;

the sky is made of (Bb)stone.

The moon’s a harsh

(Eb)mis

(Eb)tress;

she’s (Eb)hard to call your (Bb)own.

The Moon Is A Harsh Mistress by Jimmy Webb — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “The Moon Is A Harsh Mistress” by Jimmy Webb 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 50 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 Moon Is A Harsh Mistress" 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 Moon Is A Harsh Mistress"?: 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 Moon Is A Harsh Mistress" use?: Just 22 chords: Am, Am7, Bb, Bb7, Bbm7, C, Cm7, D, +14 more. Take it one section at a time.
What other Jimmy Webb songs work for kids?: Try "THE WORST THAT COULD HAPPEN". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.