What key is "First Of May" in?

"First Of May" by Bee Gees is in the key of D with a tempo of 80 BPM. Difficulty: easy.

Is "First Of May" 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 "First Of May" 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 "First Of May"?

This arrangement of "First Of May" uses 6 chords: A, D, D7, Em7, F#m, G.

How long does it take to learn "First Of May" on piano?

1–3 short practice sessions for the basics; 2–3 weeks to perform confidently with both hands.

What other songs by Bee Gees can I play here?

Try "EMOTION", "SECRET LOVE", "YOU WIN AGAIN". All are available in our player with color-coded notes; pick the one matching your level.

Lyrics

When (D)I was small and Christ mas (F#m)trees were tall,

we (G)used to love while (D)oth ers used to (A)play.

Don’t (D)ask me why, but time has (F#m)passed us by;

the (G)some one else moved (D)in from far a (A)way.

Now (G)we are tall and Christ mas (D)trees are small,

and (Em7)you don’t ask the time of (D)day.

But (G)you and I, our love will (D)nev er die,

but (Em7)guess who’ll cry come first of (D)May.

The (D)ap ple tree that grew for (F#m)you and me,

I (G)watched the ap ples (D)fall ing one by (A)one.

And (D)I re call the mo ment (F#m)of them all,

the (G)day I kissed your (D)cheek and you were (A)gone.

Now (G)we are tall and Christ mas (D)trees are small,

and (Em7)you don’t ask the time of (D)day.

But (G)you and I, our love will (D)nev er die,

but (Em7)guess who’ll cry come first of (D)May.

The (D)May.

First Of May by Bee Gees

20 people have learned this song

Easy piano arrangement in the key of D at 80 BPM. Difficulty: easy. Color-coded notes — no sheet-reading skill required.

Teacher’s notes

This arrangement is a lovely way to develop your sense of lyrical, singing melody in the right hand while your left hand holds steady with an octave bass pattern — keep those octaves relaxed, wrist loose, no tension.

At 80 BPM in the key of D, the tempo is gentle enough to really focus on smooth chord transitions, but watch the move from D7 to G and especially into F#m — that F#m shape tends to trip up newer players, so isolate it: practice just the Em7–F#m–A progression in a loop until your fingers land without hesitation.

Start hands-separate, left hand first to lock in that octave rhythm, then layer the melody on top.

Use a touch of sustain pedal on the longer melodic phrases to keep things warm and connected, but lift cleanly on each chord change so nothing blurs.

This is the piece that'll make your octave bass feel like second nature — once it's automatic, everything else flows.

About “First Of May”

What key is "First Of May" in?: "First Of May" by Bee Gees is in the key of D with a tempo of 80 BPM. Difficulty: easy.
Is "First Of May" 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 "First Of May" 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 "First Of May"?: This arrangement of "First Of May" uses 6 chords: A, D, D7, Em7, F#m, G.
How long does it take to learn "First Of May" on piano?: 1–3 short practice sessions for the basics; 2–3 weeks to perform confidently with both hands.
What other songs by Bee Gees can I play here?: Try "EMOTION", "SECRET LOVE", "YOU WIN AGAIN". All are available in our player with color-coded notes; pick the one matching your level.