Other arrangements of Chain Gang
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Huh.
Ha.
Huh.
I hear some thing say ing...
Huh.
Ha.
Huh.
Ha.
Huh.
Ha.
Huh.
Ha.
Ha.
Well, don’t you (G)know, that’s the sound of the (C)men work ing on the (G)chain
(Em)gang.
That’s the sound of the (C)men work ing on the (D6)chain
gang.
All day long, they’re sing ing...
Huh.
Ha.
Huh.
Ha.
Huh.
Ha.
Huh.
Ha.
Well, don’t you (G)know, that’s the sound of the (C)men work ing on the (G)chain
(Em)gang.
That’s the sound of the (C)men work ing on the (D6)chain
gang.
All day long, they (Em)work so hard ’til the (C)sun is go ing (D)down.
Work ing on the (Em)high ways and by ways and wear ing, wear ing (D)a frown.
You hear them moan ing their (Em)lives a way, then you hear (D)some bod y say.
That’s the sound of the (C)men work ing on the (G)chain
(Em)gang.
That’s the sound of the (C)men work ing on the (D6)chain
gang.
Can’t you hear them sing ing, “Hmm,
I’m go ing home one of (C)these days, I’m go ing home.
See my (G)wom an, whom I love so dear, but mean while, I’ve got to (D)work right here.” Well, don’t you (G)know, that’s the sound of the (C)men work ing on the (G)chain
(Em)gang.
That’s the sound of the (C)men work ing on the (D6)chain
gang.
All day long they’re sing ing...
Hmm, my, my, my, my, my, my, my, my (D)work is so hard.
Give me (G)wa ter, I’m thirs ty, my,
my (D)work is so hard.
Hmm, my, my, my, my, my, my, my, my (D)work is so hard.
Give me (G)wa ter, I’m thirs ty, my,
my (D)work is so hard.
Chain Gang — Visual Piano Sheet Music
1 person has learned this song
"Chain Gang" in visual bar notation — see every note as a colored bar on the staff. Easier to read than traditional sheet music. Scrolls automatically as you play. Key of G, 132 BPM.
Tip: Use the speed control to practice at 70% tempo first. Focus on tricky chord transitions before attempting the full arrangement.
Try other practice modes:
About “Chain Gang”
- Why does "Chain Gang" show as colored bars instead of notation?
- Bar Notation replaces traditional noteheads with colored horizontal bars on a simplified staff — each bar's vertical position is the pitch and its length is the duration. Much easier to read than classic sheet music while still showing the full arrangement of "Chain Gang".
- What key is "Chain Gang" by Sam Cooke played in?
- Chain Gang is arranged in the key of G on Super Simple Piano. You can transpose to any other key live in the player.
- What's the tempo (BPM) of "Chain Gang"?
- The arrangement plays at 132 BPM. Use the speed control (10-200%) to practice slower or play faster.
- Is "Chain Gang" 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 "Chain Gang"?
- Yes — registered users can download PDF sheet music, plus MIDI and MusicXML files for use in other notation software.
- Who composed "Chain Gang"?
- "Chain Gang" was originally performed by Sam Cooke. The Super Simple Piano arrangement is simplified for beginner-to-intermediate players.
- What chords are used in "Chain Gang"?
- This arrangement uses 5 chords: C, D, D6, Em, G.
- What other songs by Sam Cooke can I play here?
- Try "A CHANGE IS GONNA COME", "YOU SEND ME", "I'LL COME RUNNING BACK TO YOU". All are in our player with color-coded notes; pick the one matching your level.
- Is this real sheet music for "Chain Gang"?
- It's a simplified visual notation using colored bars instead of traditional notes. Each bar's vertical position shows the pitch and its length shows duration — much easier to read for beginners while still showing the complete arrangement of "Chain Gang".
- Can I see all the notes in "Chain Gang"?
- Yes! The Bar Sheet shows every note in the arrangement as a colored bar. The sheet scrolls automatically during playback, or you can scroll manually to study any section. The song is in the key of G at 132 BPM.
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