Wooden Ships

by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young

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Lyrics

If you (Em7)smile at me, I will (Am7)un der stand ’cause that is some thin’ ev ’ry bod y ev ’ry where does in the same

(Em7)lan guage.

I can see by your coat, my friend, you’re from the oth er side.

There’s just one thing I got to know, can you (Am7)tell me, please,

who won?

(Em7)Say, can I have some of your pur ple ber ries?

(Am7)Yes, I’ve been eat ing them

for six or sev en weeks now.

Have n’t got sick once.

Prob ’ly keep us both a live.

(Em)Wood en ships on the wa ter (G)ver (A)y (D)free and eas y.

(Em)Eas y, you know the way it’s sup (G)posed (A)to (D)be.

(Em)Sil ver peo ple on the shore line, (G)let (A)us (D)be.

Talk in’ ’bout (Cmaj7)ver y free and (Em)eas y.

(Em)Hor ror grips us as we (G)watch (A)you (D)die.

(Em)All we can do is ech o your (G)an (A)guished (D)cries,

(Em)stare as all hu man (G)feel (A)ings (D)die.

We are (Cmaj7)leav ing, you don’t (Em)need us.

(Em)Go,

take your sis ter, then (G)by (A)the (D)hand

(Em)lead her a way from this (G)for (A)eign (D)land,

(Em)far a way,

where we might (G)laugh (A)a (D)gain.

We are (Cmaj7)leav ing, you don’t (Em)need

us.

And it’s a fair wind

blow in’ warm out of the south (Em7)o ver my shoul der.

Guess I’ll set a course and go.

Wooden Ships by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “Wooden Ships” by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young 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 E at 90 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 "Wooden Ships" 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 "Wooden Ships"?
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.