Other arrangements of When I Was A Boy
Pick a learning view.
I won’t for get when Pe ter (G)Pan came to my house, took my (C69)hand.
I said I was a boy.
when I’m (G)glad he did n’t check.
And I learned to fly; I learned to fight.
I lived a whole life in one (C69)night.
We saved each oth er’s lives out on the pi rate deck.
And And I re mem ber that night (Bm7)when leav in’ a late night with some (D)friends and I hear some bod y tell me it’s not safe; some one should (Dsus4)help me.
I need to find me a nice man to walk me (Gsus2)home.
When I was a boy,
I scared the pants off of my (C69)mom, climbed what I could climb up on.
that I walked.
And I don’t know how I sur vived.
I guess I knew the tricks that all (C69)im plants boys to put in; knew.
they got im plants to re move.
And you
can walk
me home,
ting
but I was a
boy, too.
I was a kid that would would (G)like, just a small boy on her (C69)bike, rid when ing top less.
Yeah, when I (G)nev er cared who saw.
And My neigh bor came out side to say, The “Get your shirt.” I said, “No (C69)way.
It’s catch the last time; I’m not break ing an y law.”
And, and now I’m in this cloth ing (Bm7)store, a and the signs say less is (D)more.
More that’s tight means more to see, me more for them, not more for (Dsus4)me.
me.
And That can’t help me climb a tree ten sec onds (Gsus2)flat.
When I was a boy,
my see that pic ture?
That was (C69)me, grass stained shirt and dust y knees.
that I walked.
And I know things have got ta change.
Now They got pills to sell; they’ve got (C69)im plants dom to put in; do.
they got im plants to re move.
But I am not
for get
ness,
that I was a boy, too.
girl, too.
And you were just like me.
And (Dsus4)I was just
like you.
When I Was A Boy — Simple Sheet Music
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"When I Was A Boy" 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 G, 100 BPM.
Tip: Start at 50% speed to get comfortable with the fingering, then work your way up to full tempo.
Try other practice modes:
About “When I Was A Boy”
- How does Simplified Piano Arrangement differ from full sheet music for "When I Was A Boy"?
- 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 "When I Was A Boy" by Dar Williams played in?
- When I Was A Boy 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 "When I Was A Boy"?
- The arrangement plays at 100 BPM. Use the speed control (10-200%) to practice slower or play faster.
- Is "When I Was A Boy" 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 "When I Was A Boy"?
- Yes — registered users can download PDF sheet music, plus MIDI and MusicXML files for use in other notation software.
- Who composed "When I Was A Boy"?
- "When I Was A Boy" was originally performed by Dar Williams. The Super Simple Piano arrangement is simplified for beginner-to-intermediate players.
- What chords are used in "When I Was A Boy"?
- This arrangement uses 6 chords: Bm7, C6, D, Dsus4, G, Gsus2.
- What other songs by Dar Williams can I play here?
- Try "THE CHRISTIANS AND THE PAGANS". 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 "When I Was A Boy". Key of G, 100 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.