You Can Sleep While I Drive

by Melissa Etheridge

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Lyrics

Come on, (Dm)ba by, let’s get out of this (C)town.

I got a (Dm)full tank of gas with the (C)top rolled down.

There’s a (Bb)chill in my bones, I don’t want to (Am)be left a (F)lone,

so, ba by, you can sleep while I drive.

I’ll pack my (Dm)bag and load up my gui tar.

In my (Dm)pock et I’ll car ry my harp.

I got some (Bb)mon ey I’ve saved, e nough to (Am)get un der (F)way,

and, (Bb)ba by, you can (F)sleep while I drive.

We’ll go through (Dm)Tuc son, up to San ta Fe,

and (Dm)Bar b’ra in Nash ville says we’re (C)wel come to stay.

I’ll buy you (Bb)glass es in Tex as, a hat from New Or (F)leans, and in the (Bb)morn ing you can (F)tell me your dreams.

You know I’ve (G7)seen it be fore, this mist that (F)cov ers your (C)eyes.

You’ve been (G7)look ing for some thing that’s (F)not in your life.

My in (Bb)ten tions are true, won’t you (Am)take me with (F)you?

And, (Bb)ba by, you can (F)sleep while I drive.

(Am)Oh,

is it oth er arms you want to (Am)hold

(C)you?

The strang er, the (Bb)lov er, you’re free.

Can’t you (Am)get that with (F)me?

Come on, (Dm)ba by, let’s get out of this (C)town.

I got a (Dm)full tank of gas, with the (C)top rolled down.

If you won’t (Bb)take me with you, I’ll go be (Am)fore night is (F)through,

and, (Bb)ba by, you can (F)sleep while I drive.

You Can Sleep While I Drive by Melissa Etheridge — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “You Can Sleep While I Drive” by Melissa Etheridge 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 C at 100 BPM, a comfortable easy-level arrangement perfect for first-time learners.

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 "You Can Sleep While I Drive" 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 "You Can Sleep While I Drive"?
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.