Matthew

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

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Lyrics

I had an un cle name of (Am)Mat thew.

He was his fa ther’s on ly (G)boy.

Born just south of Col by, (Am)Kan sas,

he was his moth er’s pride and (G)joy.

Yes, and (G)joy was (G)just a (C)thing that (G)he was (Am)raised on.

(D)Love was just a way to live or (G)die.

Gold is (G)just a (C)wind y (G)Kan sas (Am)wheat field,

(D)blue is just a Kan sas sum mer (G)sky.

And all the sto ries that he (Am)told me

back when I was just a (G)lad.

They All the mem ’ries that he (Am)gave me,

a all the good times that he (G)had.

Grow in’ up a Kan sas (Am)farm boy,

life is most ly hav in’ (G)fun,

rid ing on his dad dy’s (Am)shoul ders

be hind a mule be neath the (G)sun.

Yes, and (G)joy was (G)just a (C)thing that (G)he was (Am)raised on.

(D)Love was just a way to live or (G)die.

Gold is (G)just a (C)wind y (G)Kan sas (Am)wheat field,

(D)blue is just a Kan sas sum mer (G)sky.

And Well, I guess there were some (Am)hard times,

and I’m told some years were (G)lean.

He had a storm in for ty (Am)sev en;

a twist er came and stripped ’em (G)clean.

He the farm and lost his (Am)fam ’ly.

He the wheat, he lost his (G)home.

But he found the fam ’ly (Am)Bi ble,

a faith as sol id as a (G)stone.

Yes, and (G)sun.

Yes, and (G)sky.

Yes, and joy was (G)just a (C)thing that (G)he was (Am)raised on.

(D)Love was just a way to live or (G)die.

Gold is (G)just a (C)wind y (G)Kan sas (Am)wheat field,

(D)blue

is just a Kan sas

sum mer (G)sky.

Matthew — Piano Lead Sheet

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"Matthew" lead sheet with chords, melody, and lyrics. Play the melody while following chord symbols above. Perfect for sing-along or accompaniment. Key of G, 160 BPM.

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

About “Matthew”

Where are the chord symbols for "Matthew" displayed?
Lead Sheet shows chord symbols (like Am, G7, C) above the melody line with lyrics below. Every chord change highlights in real time as the song plays, so you can play the melody with the right hand and follow chord shapes with the left. "Matthew" is in G.
What key is "Matthew" by John Denver played in?
Matthew 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 "Matthew"?
The arrangement plays at 160 BPM. Use the speed control (10-200%) to practice slower or play faster.
Is "Matthew" 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 "Matthew"?
Yes — registered users can download PDF sheet music, plus MIDI and MusicXML files for use in other notation software.
Who composed "Matthew"?
"Matthew" was originally performed by John Denver. The Super Simple Piano arrangement is simplified for beginner-to-intermediate players.
What other songs by John Denver can I play here?
Try "Rocky Mountain High", "Thank God I'm a Country Boy", "Follow Me". All are in our player with color-coded notes; pick the one matching your level.
Does "Matthew" have chords and lyrics?
Yes! The Lead Sheet shows the melody with chord symbols (like Am, G, C) and full lyrics. Perfect for singing along or playing with a band. "Matthew" is in the key of G at 160 BPM.
What chords are in "Matthew"?
Open the Lead Sheet to see all chord symbols displayed above the melody line. The song is in the key of G, so you'll find chords common to that key. Each chord highlights in real time as the song plays.