When I Grow Up (To Be A Man)

by The Beach Boys

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Lyrics

When (G)I grow up to (C)be

a (G)man.

Will I (G)dig for the same things that a (D7)turn an me I on as a (G)kid?

Will I look back and say or that I (D)wish I had n’t done what I (G)did?

Will I joke a (Am7)round,

and still dig those (Bm7)sounds,

when (G)I grow up to (C)be

a (G)man?

Will I (G)look for the same things in a (D7)turn an that I did in a (G)girl?

Will I set tle down fast or will I (D)first I wan na trav el the (G)world?

Now I’m young and (Am7)free,

but how will it (Bm7)be,

when (G)I grow up to (C)be

a (G)man?

Will I (A)man?

(Dm7)Oo,

(A)oo,

(Dm7)oo.

Will my (G)man?

What will I (C)be,

when (G)I grow up to (C)be

a (G)man?

Won’t last for (C)ev er,

Won’t last for (C)ev er.

When I Grow Up (To Be A Man) by The Beach Boys — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “When I Grow Up (To Be A Man)” by The Beach Boys 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 120 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 (To Be A Man)" 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 (To Be A Man)"?
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 The Beach Boys songs work for kids?
Try "GOOD VIBRATIONS", "PET SOUNDS", "DO YOU WANT TO DANCE?". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.