What key is "Dead Skunk" in?

"Dead Skunk" by Loudon Wainwright III is in the key of G with a tempo of 100 BPM. Difficulty: easy.

Is "Dead Skunk" easy to play on piano?

Yes — this arrangement is rated easy, meaning it uses simple chord patterns and a manageable tempo. Most beginners can play through it in 1-3 practice sessions using our color-coded notes.

Can I play "Dead Skunk" without reading sheet music?

Yes. Our player offers a falling-notes mode (Synthesia-style) and a beginner mode with color-coded keys — both let you play along without reading traditional notation.

What chords are used in "Dead Skunk"?

This arrangement of "Dead Skunk" uses 4 chords: C, D, D7, G. Only a handful of chords — a great pick for early learners.

How long does it take to learn "Dead Skunk" on piano?

30–60 minutes for a basic playthrough using color-coded notes; 1–2 weeks of daily 15-min practice to perform smoothly hands-together.

Lyrics

Cross in’ the high way late last night,

he (C)should a looked left and he (G)should a looked right.

He did n’t see the sta tion wag on car.

The (C)skunk got squashed and there you are.

You got your dead

skunk in the (D)mid dle of the road, (C)dead skunk in the (G)mid dle of the road, dead

skunk in the (D)mid dle of the road, (C)sink in’ to high

heav (G)en.

Take a whiff on me.

That ain’t no rose.

Roll up your win dow and hold your nose.

You don’t have to look and you (D)don’t have to see, ’cause you can feel it in your ol (G)fac to ry.

You got your dead skunk in the (D)mid dle of the road,

dead skunk in the (G)mid dle of the road,

dead skunk in the (D)mid dle of the road and it’s stink in’ to high heav (G)en.

Now, you got your dead cat and you got (D)your dead dog.

On a (C)moon light night you got your (G)dead toad frog.

Got your dead rab bit and your (D)dead rac coon.

The (C)blood and the guts, they’re gon na (G)make you swoon.

You got your dead skunk

in the mid dle,

dead skunk in the (G)mid dle of the road.

Dead skunk in the (D)mid dle of the road

stink in’ to high heav (G)en.

dead skunk

in the mid dle,

dead skunk in the (G)mid dle of the road.

Dead skunk in the (D)mid dle of the road

stink in’ to high heav (G)en.

(G)en.

Dead Skunk by Loudon Wainwright III

Easy piano arrangement in the key of G at 100 BPM. Difficulty: easy. Color-coded notes — no sheet-reading skill required.

About “Dead Skunk”

What key is "Dead Skunk" in?: "Dead Skunk" by Loudon Wainwright III is in the key of G with a tempo of 100 BPM. Difficulty: easy.
Is "Dead Skunk" easy to play on piano?: Yes — this arrangement is rated easy, meaning it uses simple chord patterns and a manageable tempo. Most beginners can play through it in 1-3 practice sessions using our color-coded notes.
Can I play "Dead Skunk" without reading sheet music?: Yes. Our player offers a falling-notes mode (Synthesia-style) and a beginner mode with color-coded keys — both let you play along without reading traditional notation.
What chords are used in "Dead Skunk"?: This arrangement of "Dead Skunk" uses 4 chords: C, D, D7, G. Only a handful of chords — a great pick for early learners.
How long does it take to learn "Dead Skunk" on piano?: 30–60 minutes for a basic playthrough using color-coded notes; 1–2 weeks of daily 15-min practice to perform smoothly hands-together.