Tom Dooley

· by Traditional

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Lyrics

(Bb)Hang down your (Eb)head, Tom (Bb)Doo ley,

hang down your head and (F7)cry.

You killed poor Lau ra Fos ter, poor boy, you’re go ing to (Bb)die.

I met her (Eb)on the (Bb)moun tain and there I took her (F7)life.

I met her on the moun tain, and I stabbed her with my (Bb)knife.

(Bb)Hang down your (Eb)head, Tom (Bb)Doo ley,

hang down your head and (F7)cry.

You killed poor Lau ra Fos ter, poor boy, you’re go ing to (Bb)die.

I This her (Eb)time to (Bb)mor row, and reck on where I’ll (F7)be?

I In some lone some val ley, and a hang on white oak (Bb)knife.

(Bb)tree.

Hang down your (Eb)head, Tom (Bb)Doo ley,

hang down your head and (F7)cry.

You killed poor Lau ra Fos ter, poor boy, you’re go ing to (Bb)die.

Tom Dooley by Traditional — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “Tom Dooley” by Traditional 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 Eb at 120 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 "Tom Dooley" 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 "Tom Dooley"?: 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.
What other Traditional songs work for kids?: Try "Bury Me Beneath the Willow", "DECK THE HALLS", "WE SHALL OVERCOME". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.