When The Going Gets Tough, The Tough Get Going

by Billy Ocean

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Lyrics

Yeah

Oh (Eb)woh du du (Cm)da

I got some thing to (Cm)tell you,

I got some thing to (Ab)say.

I’m gon na (Eb)put this dream in (Cm)mo tion, nev er let (Eb)noth ing stand in my (Ab)way.

When the going gets tough,

the (Bb)tough get (Eb)go ing.

I’m gon na (Cm)get my a self ’cross the er, that’s the noth price in’s gon I’m na will ing to pay.

Your I’m gon love’s na make like you a slow stand train and de com liv ing, er, and give me love it in the old fash ioned (Ab)way, woh.

(Bb)Dar (Cm)lin’, I’ll (Ab)climb an y moun tain; (Bb)dar (Cm)lin’, I’ll (Ab)do an y thing.

Ooh (ooh), can (Cm)I touch ya (can I (Bb)touch ya) and (Eb)do the things that lov ers do?

Ooh (ooh), wan (Cm)na hold ya (wan na (Bb)hold ya): I (Eb)got to get it through to you.

Oh, when the (Eb)go ing gets tough, (Cm)(the tough get going): When the go ing gets rough, (the tough get rough): Hey (Ab)hey hey hey hey.

(Bb)Oh, (Eb)ba by.

I’m gon na

Woh woh oh oh oh.

Yeah yeah yeah.

(Bb)Dar (Cm)lin’, I’ll (Ab)climb an y moun tain; (Bb)dar (Cm)lin’, I’ll (Ab)swim ev ’ry sea.

(Bb)Dar (Cm)lin’, I’ll (Ab)reach for the heav en; (Bb)dar (Cm)lin’, with (Ab)you lov in’ (Bb)me, (CN.C.)ooh

(ooh).

Ooh, can I (Cm)touch ya (can I (Bb)touch ya) and (Eb)do the things that lov ers do?

Ooh (ooh), wan na (Cm)hold ya (wan na (Bb)hold ya): I (Eb)got to get it through to you.

When the go ing gets tough, (Cm)(go ing gets tough) go and get rough.

(Ab)(Go ing gets rough.) When the go ing gets tough, (Cm)(go ing gets tough) go and get rough.

(Ab)(Go ing gets rough.) When the go ing gets tough...

When The Going Gets Tough, The Tough Get Going by Billy Ocean — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “When The Going Gets Tough, The Tough Get Going” by Billy Ocean 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 132 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 "When The Going Gets Tough, The Tough Get Going" 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 The Going Gets Tough, The Tough Get Going"?
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.