Casey Jones

by Grateful Dead
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Learn a simple version, phrase by phrase: the melody, then easy chords.

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Lyrics

(C)Driv ing that train,

(F)high on co caine,

(F)Ca sey Jones, you’d bet (Fsus)ter (F)watch (Fmaj7)your (C)speed.

Trou ble a head,

(F)trou ble be hind,

(F)and you know that no (Fsus)tion (F)just crossed my (C)mind.

This old a head, en is gine trou (D)makes it on time, Got (F)leaves Cen tral Sta tion ’bout a (G)quar ter to nine.

(C)Hits Riv er Junc tion at (D)sev en teen to; at a quar ter to ten, you know it’s (Am)trav ’lin a (G7)gain.

(C)Driv ing that train,

(F)high on co caine,

(F)Ca sey Jones, you’d bet (Fsus)ter (F)watch (Fmaj7)your (C)speed.

Trou ble a head,

(F)trou ble be hind,

(F)and you know that no (Fsus)tion (F)just crossed my (C)mind.

Trou ble with you en is the trou (D)la dy in red, Got (F)take my ad vice, but you’d be (G)bet ter off dead.

(C)Switch man’s the sleep ing, Train (D)Hun dred and Two The is fire the wrong screams you and the (Am)head ed for (G7)you.

(Am)en gine just (G7)gleams.

(C)Driv ing that train,

high on co caine,

Ca sey Jones, you’d bet ter (F)watch your (C)speed.

Trou ble a head,

trou ble be hind,

and you know that no tion (F)just crossed my (C)mind.

(C)Driv ing that train,

high on co caine,

Ca sey Jones, you’d bet ter (F)watch your (C)speed.

Trou ble a head,

trou ble be hind,

and you know that no tion (F)just crossed my (C)mind.

(F)just crossed my mind.

(A7)And you know that (D7)no tion (G7)just crossed my (C)mind.

Casey Jones — Falling Notes Piano Tutorial

11 people have learned this song

Watch "Casey Jones" by Grateful Dead in falling notes style — like Synthesia. Color-coded notes fall onto the keyboard in real time. Practice left hand, right hand, or both. Key of C, 96 BPM.

Tip: Use the speed control to practice at 70% tempo first. Focus on tricky chord transitions before attempting the full arrangement.

About “Casey Jones”

Can I learn "Casey Jones" with falling notes like Synthesia?
Yes — Falling Notes mode shows colored note shapes dropping onto a virtual keyboard, the same visual style as Synthesia or piano-tile games. Each note's column matches the piano key you press. Works for "Casey Jones" with hands-separate practice in C at 96 BPM.
What key is "Casey Jones" by Grateful Dead played in?
Casey Jones is arranged in the key of C on Super Simple Piano. You can transpose to any other key live in the player.
What's the tempo (BPM) of "Casey Jones"?
The arrangement plays at 96 BPM. Use the speed control (10-200%) to practice slower or play faster.
Is "Casey Jones" easy to play on piano?
This is a medium-difficulty arrangement. Most players can learn it within a few practice sessions using the speed control.
Can I download sheet music for "Casey Jones"?
Yes — registered users can download PDF sheet music, plus MIDI and MusicXML files for use in other notation software.
Who composed "Casey Jones"?
"Casey Jones" was originally performed by Grateful Dead. The Super Simple Piano arrangement is simplified for beginner-to-intermediate players.
What chords are used in "Casey Jones"?
This arrangement uses 13 chords: A7, Am, Bb, C, Csus2, D, D7, E7, +5 more.
What other songs by Grateful Dead can I play here?
Try "UNCLE JOHN'S BAND", "THE MUSIC NEVER STOPPED", "SUGAR MAGNOLIA". All are in our player with color-coded notes; pick the one matching your level.
Can I practice left and right hand separately for "Casey Jones"?
Yes! Our Top Down mode lets you isolate the left hand (bass clef), right hand (treble clef), or play both together. This makes it easy to master "Casey Jones" one hand at a time before combining them.
What is falling notes style for "Casey Jones"?
Falling notes (also known as Synthesia or piano waterfall) shows color-coded rectangles falling from the top of the screen onto a virtual keyboard. Each note's position matches the piano key you need to press. "Casey Jones" is in the key of C at 96 BPM.