When I Grow Up

by Tim Minchin

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Lyrics

When I grow up,

I will be (Bb)tall e nough to reach the branch es (Bbm)that I need to reach to climb the (F)trees you get to (C)climb when you’re grown (Bb)up.

And when I grow up,

I will be (Bb)smart e nough to ans wer all the (Bbm)ques tions that you need to know the (F)ans wers to be (C)fore you’re grown up.

And when I grow up I will (F)eat sweets ev ’ry day on the (Gm7)way to work and I will go to (F)bed late ev ’ry night.

And I will wake up, And I will wake up when the (F)sun comes up and I will watch car (Gm7)toons un til my eyes go square and (C7sus4)I won’t care ’cause (A7)I’ll be all grown up

when (Dm7)I grow (Bbmaj9)up.

When I grow up, (When I grow (C)up.

When I grow up.) I will be (Bbmaj7)strong e nough to car ry all the (G)heav y things you have to haul a (F)round with you when (C)you’re a grown up.

And when I grow up, (When I grow (C)up, when I grow up.) I will be (Bbmaj7)brave e nough to fight the crea tures (G)that you have to fight be neath the (F)bed each night to (C)be a (C)grown up.

And when I grow up, (Bbmaj9)up.

When I grow up,

I will be (Bb)brave e nough to fight the crea tures (Bbm)that you have to fight be neath the (F)bed each night to (C)be a grown up.

(When I grow Just be cause you find that life’s not fair it (F)does n’t mean that you just have to grin and bear it.

(Gm7)If you al ways take it on the chin and wear it (F)noth ing will change.

(When I grow (Bb)Just be cause I find my self in this sto ry it (F)does n’t mean that ev ’ry thing is writ ten for me.

(Gm7)If I think the end ing is fixed al read y I (C11)might as well be say ing I (A7)think that it’s O.

K.

And (A)that’s not (Dm)right!

When I Grow Up by Tim Minchin — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “When I Grow Up” by Tim Minchin 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 Bb at 74 BPM, a slightly more challenging arrangement — practice each phrase slowly first.

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 "When I Grow Up" 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 "When I Grow Up"?
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.