Thriller

by Michael Jackson

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Lyrics

It’s close to mid night, and (C#m7)some thin’ e vil’s lurk in’ in the dark.

Un der the moon light you (C#m7)see a sight that al most stops your heart.

You try to scream,

but ter ror takes the sound be fore you make it.

You start to freeze

as hor ror looks you right be tween the eyes.

(Amaj7)You’re par a lyzed.

’Cause this is (C#m)thrill (E)er,

thrill (F#)er (C#m7)night, and (F#7)no one’s gon na save you from the beast a bout to strike.

You know, it’s (C#m)thrill (E)er,

thrill (F#)er (C#m7)night.

You’re (F#7)fight ing for your life in side a kill er thrill er to (C#m7)night.

You hear the door slam and (C#m7)re al ize there’s no where left to run.

You feel the cold hand, and (C#m7)won der if you’ll ev er see the sun.

You close your eyes

and hope that this is just i mag i na tion.

But all the while,

you hear the crea ture creep in’ up be hind.

(Amaj7)You’re out of time.

’Cause this is (C#m)thrill (E)er,

thrill (F#)er (C#m7)night.

There (F#7)ain’t no sec ond chance a gainst the thing with for ty eyes.

You know, it’s (C#m)thrill (E)er,

thrill (F#)er (C#m7)night.

You’re (F#7)fight ing for your life in side a kill er thrill er to (C#m7)night.

kill er thrill er to (C#m7)night.

Night crea tures call and the dead start to walk in (Amaj9)their mas quer ade.

(C#m7)There’s no es cap in’ the (E)jaws of the a lien this (A#)time.

(Amaj7)This is the end of your (G#7sus)life.

kill er dill er, chill er, thrill er here to (A)night.

’Cause this is (C#m)thrill (E)er,

thrill (F#)er (C#m7)night, girl, (F#7)I can thrill you more than an y ghost would dare to try.

(C#m)Thrill (E)er,

thrill (F#)er (C#m7)night, so (F#7)let me hold you tight and share a kill er, thrill er.

I’m gon na thrill you to night.

I’m gon na thrill you to night,

I’m gon na thrill you to night.

I’m gon na thrill you to night.

I’m gon na thrill you to night.

I’m gon na thrill you to night.

Thriller by Michael Jackson — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “Thriller by Michael Jackson 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 120 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.

Teacher’s notes

This arrangement will seriously level up your seventh-chord vocabulary — you're juggling seventeen chords here, many of them extended shapes like Amaj9, F#m7, and G#m7, so spend your first few sessions just drilling the chord changes hands-separate until each shape feels automatic under your fingers. The key of C# keeps you on the black keys most of the time, which actually helps your hand position stay relaxed and curved, but watch the transitions into the natural-key chords like A and C — those shifts can trip you up at tempo. At 120 BPM the groove needs to feel locked in, so practice with a metronome at 80 first and really nail the syncopated rhythms in your right hand before speeding up. Pay special attention to the G#7-to-C#m movement; it's the dramatic backbone of the whole piece, and once you own that V7–i resolution, you'll feel it click everywhere in minor-key playing. Loop the trickiest four-bar sections until they're effortless, then connect them — this is the song that'll make extended chords feel like home.

Frequently asked questions

Is "Thriller" 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 "Thriller"?
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 "Thriller" use?
Just 17 chords: A, A#m7, A7, Amaj7, Amaj9, B, C, C#m, +9 more. Take it one section at a time.
What other Michael Jackson songs work for kids?
Try "MAN IN THE MIRROR", "YOU ROCK MY WORLD", "LOVING YOU". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.