The Ugly Duckling

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

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Lyrics

There (Gm)once was an (C7)ug ly (F)duck ling (F#dim)with (C7)feath ers all stub by and (F)brown.

And the (Gm)oth er (C7)birds in (F)so man y (F7)words said (Gm7)“Quack!

get (A7)out of (Dm)town.

Get out,

get out,

get (C7)out of (F)town."

And he (Bb)went with a (F)quack and a (Gm7)wad dle and a (F)quack, in a (C7)flur ry of ei der (F)down.

That (Gm)poor lit tle (C7)ug ly (F)duck ling (F#dim)went (C7)wan der ing far by and (F)near.

But at (Gm)ev ’ry (C7)place they (F)said to his (F7)face “Now, (Gm7)quack!

get (A7)out of (Dm)here.

Get out,

get out,

get (C7)out of (F)here."

And he (Bb)went with a (F)quack and a (Gm7)wad dle and a (F)quack, and a (C7)ver y un hap py (F)tear.

That

(Bb)All through the Win ter time he (Bb)hid him self a way, a (Bb)shamed to show his face, a (G)fraid of what oth ers might say.

(Bb)All through the win ter in his (C)lone ly clump of weed, till the flock of swans spied him there and (C7)ver y soon a greed “You’re a (Bb)ver y fine swan in (C)deed.”

(F#dim7)I’m (Gm)not such an (C7)ug ly (F)duck ling, (F#dim)no (C7)feath ers all stub by and (F)brown.

For in (Gm)fact these (C7)birds in (F)so man y (F7)words said

“The (A7)best in (Dm)town.”

The best,

the best,

the (C7)best in (F)town.

Not a (Bb)quack, not a (F)quack, not a (Gm7)wad dle or a (F)quack, but a (F)glide and a whis tle and a (C)snow y white back and a (C7)head so no ble and (F#dim7)high.

Say (Gm)who’s an (C7)ug ly (F)duck ling?

(C)Not (Bb)I!

The Ugly Duckling — Simple Sheet Music

2 people have learned this song

"The Ugly Duckling" 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 F, 136 BPM.

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

About “The Ugly Duckling”

How does Simplified Piano Arrangement differ from full sheet music for "The Ugly Duckling"?
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 "The Ugly Duckling" by Frank Loesser played in?
The Ugly Duckling is arranged in the key of F on Super Simple Piano. You can transpose to any other key live in the player.
What's the tempo (BPM) of "The Ugly Duckling"?
The arrangement plays at 136 BPM. Use the speed control (10-200%) to practice slower or play faster.
Is "The Ugly Duckling" 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 "The Ugly Duckling"?
Yes — registered users can download PDF sheet music, plus MIDI and MusicXML files for use in other notation software.
Who composed "The Ugly Duckling"?
"The Ugly Duckling" was originally performed by Frank Loesser. The Super Simple Piano arrangement is simplified for beginner-to-intermediate players.
What other songs by Frank Loesser can I play here?
Try "ON A SLOW BOAT TO CHINA", "I'VE NEVER BEEN IN LOVE BEFORE", "Sit Down You're Rockin' The Boat (from 'Guys and Dolls')". 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 "The Ugly Duckling". Key of F, 136 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.