Wagon Wheel

by Darius Rucker

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Lyrics

(A)Head in’ down south cold to the (E)land in of the pines, land, I I’m (F#m)thumb in’ my way fid out of North (D)old Car o line.

My (A)Starin’ up the road gui tar, and (E)pray to God I ban see head lights.

I (A)made it down the coast ters keep in (E)sev en teen hours.

Lost Pick (F#m)in’ me a bou pok quet of dog (D)had wood flowers.

town.

And I’m a (A)hop in’ for Ra back leigh, I can (E)see my ba old by to night.

(D)more.

So, rock me, ma ma, like a (E)wag on wheel.

Rock me, ma ma, an y (D)way you feel.

Hey,

ma ma, rock me.

Rock me, ma ma, like the (E)wind and the rain.

Rock me, ma ma, like a (D)south bound train.

Hey,

ma ma, rock me.

(A)Run nin’ from the cold to the (E)up in New the Eng land, I was (F#m)born to be a fid dler in an (D)old time string band.

My (A)ba by plays the gui tar, and (E)pray I pick a ban jo now.

lights.

Oh, (A)north it coun try win ters keep a (E)get tin’ me down.

Lost my (F#m)mon ey play in’ pok er, so I (D)had to leave town.

And But I (A)ain’t in’ turn in’ back leigh, I to (E)liv in’ that old life to no (D)more.

So, rock me, ma ma, like a (E)wag on wheel.

Rock me, ma ma, an y (D)way you feel.

Hey,

ma ma, rock me.

Rock me, ma ma, like the (E)wind and the rain.

Rock me, ma ma, like a (D)south bound train.

Hey,

ma ma, rock me.

(A)Walk in’ through the South (E)out of Ro a noke, I caught a (F#m)truck er out of Phil ly, had a (D)nice long toke.

But (A)he’s a head in’ west from the (E)Cum ber land Gap to (D)John son Cit y, Ten nes see.

I got, I got ta move on be fore the sun.

I hear my (F#m)ba by call in’ my name and I (D)know that she’s the on ly one.

And (A)if I die in Ra leigh, at (E)least I will die free.

So, rock me, ma ma, like a (E)wag on wheel.

Rock me, ma ma, an y (D)way you feel.

(A)Hey,

ma ma, rock me.

Oh, rock me, ma ma, like the (E)wind and the rain.

Rock me, ma ma, like a (D)south bound train.

Hey,

ma ma, rock me.

Oh, so rock me, ma ma, like a (E)wag on wheel.

Rock me, ma ma, an y (D)way you feel.

Hey,

ma ma, rock me.

Rock me, ma ma, like the (E)wind and the rain.

Rock me, ma ma, like a (D)south bound train.

Hey,

ma ma, rock me.

Wagon Wheel by Darius Rucker — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “Wagon Wheel” by Darius Rucker 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 A at 142 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 "Wagon Wheel" 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 "Wagon Wheel"?
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.