The Right Thing To Do

by Carly Simon

🎹 Loading song
Preparing player…
1
—
Play in Full ModesMore Songs for Kids

Lyrics

There’s (C)noth in’ you can do to turn me a way,

(Dm9)noth in’ an y (F)one can (Am7)say.

You’re (F#m7)with me now, and as (Em7)long as you stay,

lov in’ you’s the right thing to do.

(Dm7)Lov in’ you’s the (Fmaj7)right (Dm7)thing.

Oh, I (C)noth in’ you can do to turn me a way,

(Dm9)noth in’ an y (F)one can (Am7)say.

You’re (F#m7)with me now, and as (Em7)long as you stay,

lov in’ you’s the right thing to do.

(Dm7)Lov in’ you’s the (Fmaj7)right (Dm7)thing.

Oh,

I in’ you’s the (Fmaj7)right (Dm7)thing.

Oh, and it (Dm7)used to be for a while

that the (Am)riv er flowed right to my door,

(Dm7)mak ing me just a lit tle too (Cmaj9)free.

But now the (Am9)riv er does n’t seem to stop here (C7)an y more.

You in’ you’s the (Fmaj7)right (Dm7)thing.

Lov in’ you’s the right thing to (C)do,

is the right thing to do.

Noth ing you can ev er do would turn me a (C)way from you.

I love you now, and I love you now.

E ven though you’re ten thou sand miles a way, I’ll love you to mor row as I love you to day.

I’m in (Fmaj9)love, babe;

I’m in love with you, babe.

The right thing to do,

the right thing to do,

the right thing to do.

Let’s close now.

The Right Thing To Do by Carly Simon — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “The Right Thing To Do” by Carly Simon 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 100 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 Right Thing To Do" 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 Right Thing To Do"?
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 Right Thing To Do" use?
Just 20 chords: Am, Am7, Am9, B, Bb, C, C7, Cmaj, +12 more. Take it one section at a time.
What other Carly Simon songs work for kids?
Try "HAVEN'T GOT TIME FOR THE PAIN", "LET THE RIVER RUN", "SHOULDER TO SHOULDER". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.