Time In A Bottle

by Jim Croce

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Lyrics

If (Dm)I could save (Dm)time in a (Dm7)bot tle,

the (Gm6)first thing that (Gm)I’d (A7)like (Gm7)to (A7)do

(A7)is to (Dm)save ev ’ry (Dm7)day till e (Bb)ter ni ty (Gm7)pass then es a (Dm)way just to (Gm6)spend them with (A7)you.

If (Dm)I could make (Dm)days last for (Dm7)ev er,

if (Gm6)words could make (Gm)wish (A7)es (Gm7)come (A7)true,

(A7)is I’d (Dm)save ev ’ry (Dm7)day like a (Bb)treas ure and (Gm7)pass then es a (Dm)gain I would (Gm6)spend them with (A7)you.

If But there (D)nev er seems to (Dmaj7)be e nough time to (D6)do the things you (D)want to do once you (G)find them.

I’ve (D)looked a round e (Dmaj7)nough to know that (D6)you’re the one I (D)want to go through (G)time with.

If (Dm)I had a (Dm)box just for (Dm7)wish es

and (Gm6)dreams that had (Gm)nev (A7)er (Gm7)come (A7)true,

the (Dm)box would be (Dm7)emp ty ex (Bb)cept for the (Gm7)mem ’ry of (Dm)how they were (Gm6)an swered by (A7)you.

But there

Time In A Bottle by Jim Croce — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “Time In A Bottle” by Jim Croce 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 144 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 "Time In A Bottle" 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 "Time In A Bottle"?
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 "Time In A Bottle" use?
Just 14 chords: A, A7, Bb, D, D6, Dm, Dm6, Dm7, +6 more. Take it one section at a time.
What other Jim Croce songs work for kids?
Try "YOU DON'T MESS AROUND WITH JIM", "WORKIN' AT THE CAR WASH BLUES", "I'LL HAVE TO SAY I LOVE YOU IN A SONG". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.