Tom Dooley

by Traditional
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Up nextBury Me Beneath the Willow
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Learn a simple version, phrase by phrase: the melody, then easy chords.

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Other arrangements of Tom Dooley

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Sheet MusicBar NotationSimple SheetLead SheetKaraoke · LyricsEasy NotesFalling Notes
Lyrics

(Bb)Hang down your (Eb)head, Tom (Bb)Doo ley,

hang down your head and (F7)cry.

You killed poor Lau ra Fos ter, poor boy, you’re go ing to (Bb)die.

I met her (Eb)on the (Bb)moun tain and there I took her (F7)life.

I met her on the moun tain, and I stabbed her with my (Bb)knife.

(Bb)Hang down your (Eb)head, Tom (Bb)Doo ley,

hang down your head and (F7)cry.

You killed poor Lau ra Fos ter, poor boy, you’re go ing to (Bb)die.

I This her (Eb)time to (Bb)mor row, and reck on where I’ll (F7)be?

I In some lone some val ley, and a hang on white oak (Bb)knife.

(Bb)tree.

Hang down your (Eb)head, Tom (Bb)Doo ley,

hang down your head and (F7)cry.

You killed poor Lau ra Fos ter, poor boy, you’re go ing to (Bb)die.

Tom Dooley — Simple Sheet Music

7 people have learned this song

"Tom Dooley" 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 Bb, 120 BPM.

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

Try other practice modes:

Falling NotesBeginnerLead SheetBar SheetKaraoke

About “Tom Dooley”

How does Simplified Piano Arrangement differ from full sheet music for "Tom Dooley"?
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 "Tom Dooley" by Traditional played in?
Tom Dooley is arranged in the key of Bb on Super Simple Piano. You can transpose to any other key live in the player.
What's the tempo (BPM) of "Tom Dooley"?
The arrangement plays at 120 BPM. Use the speed control (10-200%) to practice slower or play faster.
Is "Tom Dooley" 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 "Tom Dooley"?
Yes — registered users can download PDF sheet music, plus MIDI and MusicXML files for use in other notation software.
Who composed "Tom Dooley"?
"Tom Dooley" was originally performed by Traditional. The Super Simple Piano arrangement is simplified for beginner-to-intermediate players.
What other songs by Traditional can I play here?
Try "Bury Me Beneath the Willow", "DECK THE HALLS", "WE SHALL OVERCOME". 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 "Tom Dooley". Key of Bb, 120 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.