Other arrangements of First Of May
Pick a learning view.
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 — Simple Sheet Music
20 people have learned this song
"First Of May" in simplified sheet music format — the bridge between beginner modes and real sheet music. Color-coded notes with lyrics scrolling horizontally. Perfect for learning to read music. Key of D, 80 BPM.
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.
Try other practice modes:
About “First Of May”
- How does Simplified Piano Arrangement differ from full sheet music for "First Of May"?
- Simplified Arrangement keeps the melody and chords on a simplified staff with lyrics, color-coded for easy recognition. It's a learner-bridge between Beginner mode and the classic engraved Sheet Music — same song, less visual density.
- What key is "First Of May" by Bee Gees played in?
- First Of May is arranged in the key of D on Super Simple Piano. You can transpose to any other key live in the player.
- What's the tempo (BPM) of "First Of May"?
- The arrangement plays at 80 BPM. Use the speed control (10-200%) to practice slower or play faster.
- Is "First Of May" easy to play on piano?
- Yes — this is one of our beginner-friendly arrangements with simplified chords and color-coded notes.
- Can I download sheet music for "First Of May"?
- Yes — registered users can download PDF sheet music, plus MIDI and MusicXML files for use in other notation software.
- Who composed "First Of May"?
- "First Of May" was originally performed by Bee Gees. The Super Simple Piano arrangement is simplified for beginner-to-intermediate players.
- What chords are used in "First Of May"?
- This arrangement uses 6 chords: A, D, D7, Em7, F#m, G.
- What other songs by Bee Gees can I play here?
- Try "EMOTION", "SECRET LOVE", "YOU WIN AGAIN". All are in our player with color-coded notes; pick the one matching your level.
- Is Simple Sheet good for learning to read sheet music?
- Yes! Simple Sheet bridges the gap between beginner color-coded modes and traditional notation. Notes are displayed on a simplified staff with colors, lyrics, and chords — helping you build music reading skills gradually while still enjoying "First Of May". Key of D, 80 BPM.
- What's the difference between Simple Sheet and Lead Sheet?
- Simple Sheet shows a more streamlined, horizontally scrolling view with color-coded notes on a staff and lyrics below — like a simplified version of real sheet music. Lead Sheet shows melody with chord symbols above and full lyrics. Simple Sheet is the next step toward reading traditional notation.
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