Busy Doing Nothing

by Johnny Burke
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Lyrics

We’re (G)bu sy (Gaug)do in’ (G6)no (G7)thing, (Am7)work ing the (Eb)whole day (D#dim7)through, (Em)try (D)ing (Am)to (G)find (Am)lots (D)of (Em)things (D)not (Am)to (G)do.

(D7)We’re (G)bu sy (Gaug)go ing (G6)no (G7)where, (Am7)is n’t it (Eb7)just a (D7)crime?

We’d (Em)like to (C)be un (G)hap py, (Em)but we (Am7)nev er do (D7)have the (G)time.

I (Em7)have to (A7)watch the (D)ri (Bm7)ver to (Em7)see that it (A7)does n’t (D)stop, and (Em7)stick a (A7)round the (D)rose (Bm7)buds, so (Em7)they’ll know (A7)when to pop, and (G)keep the (Em7)cric kets (Am7)cheer (D7)ful, they’re (Am7)real ly a (D7)sol (D#dim)emn (G7)bunch.

(C)Hus (C6)tle!

(G)Bus (Em)tle!

And (Am7)on ly an (D7)hour for (G)lunch!

(D7)We’re (G)bu sy (Gaug)do in’ (G6)no (G7)thing, (Am7)work ing the (Eb)whole day (D#dim7)through,

(Em)try (D)ing (Am)to (G)find (Am)lots (D)of (Em)things (D)not (Am)to (G)do.

(D7)We’re (G)bu sy (Gaug)go ing (G6)no (G7)where, (Am7)is n’t it (Eb7)just a (D7)crime?

We’d (Em)like to (C)be un (G)hap py, (Em)but we (Am7)nev er do (D7)have the

(A7)wake (D)sun (Bm7)up, he’s (Em7)lia ble to (A7)sleep all (D)day,

(Em7)then in (A7)spect (D)rain (Bm7)bows, be (A7)bright and gay,

(G)must re (Em7)hearse the (Am7)song (D7)birds, to (Am7)see that they (D7)sing (D#dim)in (G7)key.

(Am7)nev er a (D7)mo ment (G)free!

(G)rest!

(D7)We’re (Em)bet ter (C)make it (G)snap py, (Em)there’s an (C)oth er (B7)hill to (Em)climb.

We’d (C)like to be un (G)hap py, (Em)but we (Am7)nev er do (D7)have the (G)time.

Busy Doing Nothing — Accompaniment Sheet Music (Classic Notation)

Classic piano notation for "Busy Doing Nothing" by Johnny Burke as an accompaniment / backing track. Both hands engraved at publisher quality in D — sing or play melody on top while the score follows along at 150 BPM. Click any note to jump there.

Tip: Press play and sing the melody on top of the piano. If the original key (D) sits too high or low for your voice, use the transpose control to shift the accompaniment into a comfortable range — the backing moves with you. Need a pitch reference? Tap the mic icon to bring the vocal melody in.

Try other practice modes:

About “Busy Doing Nothing

Is the engraved accompaniment score for "Busy Doing Nothing" suitable for a pianist?
Yes — both hands are notated in classic piano notation (treble + bass clefs, key D, real chord symbols), engraved server-side from the publisher MusicXML. A staff pianist or accompanist can read this directly from the screen or printed PDF and play the backing while you sing the melody.
What key is the piano accompaniment for "Busy Doing Nothing" by Johnny Burke in?
The backing track is in D at 150 BPM. If that doesn't sit in your vocal range, use the live transpose control to shift up or down semitones — the accompaniment moves with the new key automatically.
Can I sing over "Busy Doing Nothing" with this accompaniment?
Yes — that's exactly what it's built for. The vocal melody is muted by default so you can sing freely. Need a pitch reference? Tap the mic icon to bring the melody back in at a lower volume.
Is this a karaoke version of "Busy Doing Nothing"?
Effectively yes — it's the piano-only backing for "Busy Doing Nothing", with no vocals. You can also slow it down to practice tricky verses, then bring it back to full tempo.
Can I use "Busy Doing Nothing" as a backing track for my instrument?
Absolutely. Singers, guitarists, violinists, wind players, and instrumental practice in general all work — the piano holds the harmony so you can carry the melody on whatever instrument you play.
Can I download the accompaniment for "Busy Doing Nothing"?
Yes — registered users can download MIDI + MusicXML (open in any notation software). PDF sheet music is also available for the full arrangement.
Who wrote "Busy Doing Nothing"?
"Busy Doing Nothing" was originally performed by Johnny Burke. This piano accompaniment is an arrangement of that song, designed for sing-along and play-along use.
What is this accompaniment Sheet Music view?
Same engraver-grade rendering as the standard Sheet Music mode — both hands, classic piano notation, key of D, real chord symbols — but the audio is the karaoke / backing-track arrangement of "Busy Doing Nothing" with the lead melody removed. Perfect for singers, lead instruments, and ensemble practice.
Can I sing or play melody while the score follows along?
Yes. The backing track removes the melody so you can sing or play it on top while the chord changes and rhythm guide you. The engraved score scrolls in time with the audio so you never lose your place.
Is this the same notation a piano book would show?
Yes — treble + bass clefs, key signature, time signature, beams, dynamics, and chord symbols above the staff, all rendered from the original publisher MusicXML. Identical reading experience to a printed piano accompaniment book.

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