What key is "Stagger Lee" in?

"Stagger Lee" by Lloyd Price is in the key of Bb with a tempo of 100 BPM. Difficulty: easy.

Is "Stagger Lee" 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 "Stagger Lee" 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.

How long does it take to learn "Stagger Lee" on piano?

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

What other songs by Lloyd Price can I play here?

Try "PERSONALITY", "STAGGER LEE", "(You've Got) Personality". All are available in our player with color-coded notes; pick the one matching your level.

Lyrics

The (Bb)night was clear

and the (Gm)moon was yel low, and the (Cm)leaves came tum (F7)bling (F)down.

I was (F)stand ing

on the (Bb7)cor ner

when I (Eb7)heard my bull dog bark.

He was (Bb)bark ing at the two men who were (F7)gam bling in the (Bb)dark.

It was (F7)Stag ger Lee and (Bb7)Bil ly

two (Eb7)men who gam ble late.

Stag ger (Bb)Lee threw sev en, Bil ly (F7)swore that he threw (Bb)eight.

Stag ger (F)stand ing

on the (Bb7)cor ner

when I (Eb7)heard my bull dog bark.

He was (Bb)bark ing at the two men who were (F7)gam bling in the (Bb)dark.

It was (F7)Stag ger Lee

and (Bb7)Bil ly

two (Eb7)men who

gam ble late.

Stag ger (Bb)Lee threw sev en, Bil ly (F7)swore that

he threw (Bb)eight.

Stag ger (Bb)wife.”

Stag ger (F)Lee

shot (Bb7)Bil ly.

Oh, he (Eb7)shot that poor boy so bad,

’til the (Bb)bul let came through Bil ly, and it (F7)broke the bar

ten der’s (Bb)glass.

(Spoken:) Look (F7)out now.

(Bb)Go, Stag ger Lee.

(Bb7)Go, Stag ger Lee.

(Eb7)Go, Stag ger Lee.

Go, Stag ger Lee.

(Bb)Go, Stag ger Lee.

(F7)Go, Stag ger Lee.

(Bb)Go, Stag ger Lee.

Go.

Stagger Lee by Lloyd Price

4 people have learned this song

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

Learn how to accompany it· the chords and what each hand plays, on Super Simple Chords ↗

About “Stagger Lee”

What key is "Stagger Lee" in?: "Stagger Lee" by Lloyd Price is in the key of Bb with a tempo of 100 BPM. Difficulty: easy.
Is "Stagger Lee" 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 "Stagger Lee" 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.
How long does it take to learn "Stagger Lee" on piano?: 1–3 short practice sessions for the basics; 2–3 weeks to perform confidently with both hands.
What other songs by Lloyd Price can I play here?: Try "PERSONALITY", "STAGGER LEE", "(You've Got) Personality". All are available in our player with color-coded notes; pick the one matching your level.