Lightly Row is a popular song that uses a range of only 5 notes. This makes it very easy to play the piano because you can easily play it with one hand.
Here are the lyrics of the song:
Lightly row, lightly row,
On the crystalline waves we go!
Smooth glide, smooth glide,
In the silent tide.
May the winds and the waters be
Ming-led with our me-lo-dy.
Sing and float, sing and float
In our little boat!
Hyphens are used to separate words of 2 or more syllables. This makes it easier to match the lyrics to the melody.
This song can only be played with the right or left hand. The note range is between middle C and upper G. Try this piece first on the right hand. Then play it 8 notes (an octave) lower in the left hand. If you’re feeling brave, play both hands together an octave apart. This is called playing in unison.
Here are the Lightly Row notes:
AGE, FDD,
CDEFGGG,
AGE, FDD,
CEGG E.
DDDDDEF
EEEEEF G.
AGE, FDD
CEGG E.
There are 8 lines in the song. Which lines are identical? Notice on the first line that the first 3 notes are GE E. This pattern then repeats one note below. Then you play FD D. This is called a descending pattern. It is a very useful way to learn and remember piano music.