Goodnight Saigon

by Billy Joel
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How to Play This Song

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

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Lyrics

We met as (Dm)soul mates

on (G7)Par ris (C)Is land.

We (C)left as (Dm)in mates

from (G7)an a (C)sy lum.

And we were (Em)sharp,

as sharp as (Em)knives,

and we were (Dm)so gung ho to (Dm)lay down our lives.

We came in (Dm)spas tic

like (G7)tame less (C)hors es.

We (C)left in (Dm)plas tic

as (G7)num bered (C)corps es.

And we learned (Em)fast

to trav el (Em)light,

our arms were (Dm)so gung ho to (Dm)lay down our lives.

We came in (Dm)heav y but our (Dm)bel lies were tight.

We had no (Dm)home front,

we (G7)had no (C)soft soap.

They (C)sent us (Dm)Play boy,

they (G7)gave us (C)Bob Hope.

We dug in (Em)deep

and shot on (Em)sight,

and prayed to (Dm)Je sus Christ with (Dm)all of our might.

We had no (Dm)cam ’ras

to (G7)shoot the (C)land scape.

We (C)passed the (Dm)hash pipe

and (G7)played our (C)Doors tapes.

And it was (Em)dark,

so dark at (Em)night.

And we held (Dm)on to each oth er like (Dm)broth er to broth er.

We (Bb)prom ised our moth ers we’d write.

(C)And we would (F)all

go (Bb)down

to (C)geth er.

(C)We said we’d (F)all

go (Bb)down

to (C)geth er.

(C)Yes, we would (F)all

go (Bb)down

to (G9)geth er.

Re mem ber (Dm)Char lie,

re (G7)mem ber (C)Bak er,

they (C)left their (Dm)child hood

on (G7)ev ’ry (C)a cre.

And who was (Em)wrong?

And who was (Em)right?

It did n’t (Dm)mat ter in the (Dm)thick of the fight.

(Am)We

(G)held the (C)day

(Dm)in the (E)palm

(Dm)of our (E)hand.

(Am)They

(G)ruled the (C)night,

(Dm)and the (E)night

(Dm)seemed to (G9)last as long as

Goodnight Saigon β€” Simple Sheet Music

19 people have learned this song

"Goodnight Saigon" in simplified sheet music format β€” the bridge between beginner modes and real sheet music. Color-coded notes with lyrics scrolling horizontally. Perfect for learning to read music. Key of C, 60 BPM.

Tip: Start at 50% speed to get comfortable with the fingering, then work your way up to full tempo.

About β€œGoodnight Saigon”

How does Simplified Piano Arrangement differ from full sheet music for "Goodnight Saigon"?
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 β€” same song, less visual density.
What key is "Goodnight Saigon" by Billy Joel played in?
Goodnight Saigon 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 "Goodnight Saigon"?
The arrangement plays at 60 BPM. Use the speed control (10-200%) to practice slower or play faster.
Is "Goodnight Saigon" easy to play on piano?
Yes β€” this is one of our beginner-friendly arrangements with simplified chords and color-coded notes.
Can I download sheet music for "Goodnight Saigon"?
Yes β€” registered users can download PDF sheet music, plus MIDI and MusicXML files for use in other notation software.
Who composed "Goodnight Saigon"?
"Goodnight Saigon" was originally performed by Billy Joel. The Super Simple Piano arrangement is simplified for beginner-to-intermediate players.
What chords are used in "Goodnight Saigon"?
This arrangement uses 15 chords: Am, Bb, Bbmaj7, C, D, Dm, Dm7, E, +7 more.
What other songs by Billy Joel can I play here?
Try "SCENES FROM AN ITALIAN RESTAURANT", "EVERYBODY HAS A DREAM", "CAPTAIN JACK". 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 β€” helping you build music reading skills gradually while still enjoying "Goodnight Saigon". Key of C, 60 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 β€” 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.