(C)When I was a boy I had a dream
(F)all a bout the things I’d like to be.
(G)Soon as I was in my bed (F)mu sic played in (G)side my head.
When I was a (G)boy I had a (C)dream.
(C)When I was a boy I learned to play,
(F)far find in ing out to the what night life and could drift real a ly way.
mean.
(G)Don’t Don’t wan wan na na work job on ’cause the it milk drives or me the cra bread, zy, (F)just just wan wan na na play sing, my “Do guit you (G)ar love in me, stead.
ba by?” When I was a (G)boy I had a (C)dream.
And (C)ra
(Em)di o (Am)waves
kept me (F)com
(Am)pa
ny,
(Ab)in (G)those (C)beau
(Em)ti ful (Am)days
when there (F)was
(Am)no
(Dm)mon ey.
When I was a (Bb9)boy
I had a (C)dream.
(C)When I was a boy I had a dream,
(F)far find in ing out to the what night life and could drift real a ly way.
mean.
(G)Don’t Don’t wan wan na na work job on ’cause the it milk drives or me the cra bread, zy, (F)just just wan wan na na play sing, my “Do guit you (G)ar love in me, stead.
ba by?” When I was a (G)boy I had a (C)dream.
And (C)ra
(Em)di o (Am)waves
kept me (F)com
(Am)pa
ny,
(Ab)in (G)those (C)beau
(Em)ti ful (Am)days
when there (F)was
(Am)no
(Dm)mon ey.
When I was a (Bb9)boy
I had a (C)dream.
When I was a (Bb9)boy.
When I Was A Boy — Piano Accompaniment (Falling Notes)
Free piano accompaniment for "When I Was A Boy" by Jeff Lynne's ELO in falling-notes (Synthesia) style. Watch the chord notes fall as you sing or play your instrument over the backing. Adjustable key + tempo. Original key C, 76 BPM.
Tip: Press play and sing the melody on top of the piano. If the original key (C) 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 “When I Was A Boy”
- What key is the piano accompaniment for "When I Was A Boy" by Jeff Lynne's ELO in?
- The backing track is in C at 76 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 "When I Was A Boy" 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 "When I Was A Boy"?
- Effectively yes — it's the piano-only backing for "When I Was A Boy", with no vocals. You can also slow it down to practice tricky verses, then bring it back to full tempo.
- Can I use "When I Was A Boy" 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 "When I Was A Boy"?
- Yes — registered users can download MIDI + MusicXML (open in any notation software). PDF sheet music is also available for the full arrangement.
- Who wrote "When I Was A Boy"?
- "When I Was A Boy" was originally performed by Jeff Lynne's ELO. This piano accompaniment is an arrangement of that song, designed for sing-along and play-along use.
- What other backing tracks by Jeff Lynne's ELO are available?
- Other accompaniments by Jeff Lynne's ELO: "When I Was A Boy". Same toggle-the-melody, change-the-key setup.
More piano songs by Jeff Lynne's ELO
See all Jeff Lynne's ELO songs →More songs you might like
When I Was A Boy
Jeff Lynne's ELO
Soaring
Jennifer Linn
Man Or Muppet
Jason Segel
Je t'aime... moi non plus
Serge Gainsbourg
Midnight Prayer
Jennifer Linn
The Mermaid's Call
Jeremy Siskind
Aurora
Naoko Ikeda
Monday Mornin' Blues
Mona Rejino
Foot-Stampin' Rag
Robert Kelley
Velvet Winter
Naoko Ikeda
Vibrant Red
Mona Rejino
Dream Catcher
Ernest J. Kramer