Is it (B7)worth it,
a new win ter (Bbdim)coat and shoes for the wife,
and a bi cy cle (Cm)on the boy’s birth day.
It’s just a ru mour that was (G)spread a round town
by the wo men and (D)child ren, soon we’ll be (G)ship build ing.
Well, I ask you
the boy said (Bbdim)“Dad they’re gon na take me to task,
but I’ll be (Cm)back by Christ mas.” It’s just a ru mour that was (G)spread a round town
some bo dy said that some one got filled in,
for say ing that (D)peo ple get killed in
the re sult of (D)this ship build
(G)ing.
With all the (G7)will in the world
div ing for (Eb)dear
life,
when we could be div (G)ing for pearls.
It’s just a ru mour that was (G)spread a round town,
a te le gram on a (D)pic ture post card.
with in weeks they’ll be re (D)op en ing the ship yard
and no ti fy ing the (D)next of kin,
(G)once a gain.
It’s all we’re (G7)skilled
in,
we will be (Eb)ship build
ing.
With all the (Gm)will in the world
div ing for (Eb)dear
life,
when we could be div (Em)ing for pearls.
It’s all we’re (D)-ing for pearls.
When we could be div ing for pearls.
When we could be div (Em9)ing for pearls.
Shipbuilding — Piano Accompaniment Lead Sheet
Lead sheet view of the piano accompaniment for "Shipbuilding" by Elvis Costello: melody on the staff, chord symbols above, lyrics below. Ideal for singers, choirs, and band rehearsals. Original key G, 96 BPM.
Tip: Press play and sing the melody on top of the piano. If the original key (G) 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 “Shipbuilding”
- What key is the piano accompaniment for "Shipbuilding" by Elvis Costello in?
- The backing track is in G at 96 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 "Shipbuilding" 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 "Shipbuilding"?
- Effectively yes — it's the piano-only backing for "Shipbuilding", with no vocals. You can also slow it down to practice tricky verses, then bring it back to full tempo.
- Can I use "Shipbuilding" 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 "Shipbuilding"?
- Yes — registered users can download MIDI + MusicXML (open in any notation software). PDF sheet music is also available for the full arrangement.
- Who wrote "Shipbuilding"?
- "Shipbuilding" was originally performed by Elvis Costello. This piano accompaniment is an arrangement of that song, designed for sing-along and play-along use.
- What other backing tracks by Elvis Costello are available?
- Other accompaniments by Elvis Costello: "God Give Me Strength", "Oliver's Army", "She". Same toggle-the-melody, change-the-key setup.
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