The Show Must Go On

by Queen

Loading song
Fetching song
1
—
Play in Full ModesMore Songs for Kids
Lyrics

Emp ty (Bm)spac es,

what are we (Bsus)liv ing for?

A ban doned (G)plac es,

I guess we (Em)know the score.

(Em7)On and on,

does (F#sus)an y bod y (F#)know what we are (Em)look ing for?

An oth er (Bm)he ro,

an oth er (Bsus)mind less crime be hind the (G)cur tain

in the (Em)pan to mime,

(Em7)hold the line,

does (F#sus)an y bod y (F#)want to take it an y (Em)more?

The show must go (Bm)on,

the show must go (G)on.

In (Em7)side my heart is (Em6)break ing, my (F#sus)make up may be (F#)flak ing, but my (Em)smile

still (Bm)stays on.

What ev er (C#m)hap pens,

I leave it all to chance, an oth er (A)heart ache,

an oth er (F#m)failed ro mance.

(F#m7)On and on,

does (G#sus)an y bod y (G#)know what we are (F#m)liv ing for?

I (F#m)guess I’m (C#m)learn ing,

I must be (C#sus)warm er now.

I’ll (C#m)soon be (A)turn ing

’round the (F#m)cor ner now.

Out (F#m7)side the dawn is (F#m6)break ing, but (G#sus)in side in the (G#)dark I’m ach ing (F#m)to be free.

The show must go (Bm)on,

the show must go (G)on.

Ooh, in (Em7)side my heart is (Em6)break ing, my (F#sus)make up may be (F#)flak ing, but my (Em)smile

still (Bm)stays on.

Yeah,

yeah.

Ooh, (Em7)oh, ooh, (Em6)oh.

My soul is (G)paint ed like the (Em)wings of but ter (Am)flies,

(F)fair y tales of yes ter day will (Em7)grow, but nev er die,

I can fly.

(Dsus)My friends,

(CN.C.)the show must go (Bm)on,

yeah,

the show must go (G)on.

I’ll (Em7)face it with a grin,

I’m (F#sus)nev er giv ing in, on

with the show.

Ooh, (G)I’ll (Em7)top the bill, I’ll (Em6)o ver kill, I (F#sus)have to find the will to car ry on,

(Em7)show.

The Show Must Go On by Queen — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “The Show Must Go On” by Queen 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 B at 84 BPM, a medium-difficulty arrangement — try slowing the tempo down using the BPM control.

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 Show Must Go On" 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 Show Must Go On"?
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 Show Must Go On" use?
Just 25 chords: A, Am, Bm, Bsus2, Bsus4, C, C#m, C#m7, +17 more. Take it one section at a time.
What other Queen songs work for kids?
Try "BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY", "BICYCLE RACE", "SOMEBODY TO LOVE". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.