Time Passages

by Al Stewart

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Lyrics

(Ab)It was (Bb)late in De cem ber.

Now, The (Ab)sky turned to snow.

The All ’round, the day and was (Cm)go ing (Bb)down (Ab)slow.

Night, like a (Bb)riv er, be (Ab)gin ning to flow.

Well, it’s I felt the beat of my mind (Bb)go (Ab)drift ing in to (Eb)time (Bb)pas sag es.

Years some go fall ing in the (F)fad ing light.

(Eb)Time (Bb)pas sag es.

Buy me a tick et on the (Gm)last train (Bb)home to night.

Well, (Bb)I’m not the kind ing.

Now, to (Ab)live in the past.

They’re years run too short thing.

the (Cm)days ing (Bb)too (Ab)fast.

The things you (Bb)lean on are (Ab)things that don’t last.

You it’s just now and then but my line (Bb)gets (Ab)cast in to these (Eb)time (Bb)pas sag es.

There’s know thing back there that you (F)left be hind.

Oh, (Eb)time (Bb)pas sag es.

Buy me a tick et on the (Gm)last train (Bb)home to night.

Well,

Hear the ech oes and (Abm6)feel your self start ing to turn.

Don’t know why you should feel that there’s some thing to learn.

It’s just a game that you play.

(Ab)Well, the

Time Passages by Al Stewart — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “Time Passages” by Al Stewart 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 Ab at 100 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 "Time Passages" 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 Passages"?
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 Passages" use?
Just 9 chords: Ab, Abm6, Bb, Cb, Cm, Eb, F, Gm, +1 more. Take it one section at a time.
What other Al Stewart songs work for kids?
Try "YEAR OF THE CAT". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.