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
"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.
More piano songs by Dar Williams
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THE CHRISTIANS AND THE PAGANS
Dar Williams
AWAY IN A MANGER
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PRAY FOR ME
Michael W. Smith
MUSICA
Il Divo
RATHER BE
Clean Bandit feat. Jess Glynne
CITY OF NEW ORLEANS
Arlo Guthrie
HALLELUJAH
Leonard Cohen
SOULMATE
Natasha Bedingfield
A LOVE THAT WILL NEVER GROW OLD
Emmylou Harris
HOUSEHOLD OF FAITH
Steve Green
TERRAPIN STATION
Grateful Dead
STAND BY ME
Ben E. King