When I Grow Up
View chords used in this chart
F C
When I grow up
Bb
I will be tall enough to reach the branches
Bbm F
That I need to reach to climb the trees
C Bb
You get to climb when you're grown up
F C
And when I grow up
Bb
I will be smart enough to answer all
Bbm
The questions that you need to know
F C Bb
The answers to before you're grown up
Bbsus2
And when I grow up
F
I will eat sweets every day
Gm
On the way to work and I will
F
Go to bed late every night
Bbsus2
And I will wake up
F
When the sun comes up and I
Gm
Will watch cartoons until my eyes go square
Edim C or Bbm C7 Bb
And I won't care 'cause I'll be all grown up
F
When I grow up
F C
When I grow up (when I grow up, when I grow up)
Bb
I will be strong enough to carry all
Bbm
The heavy things you have to haul
F C Bb
Around with you when you're a grown up
F C
When I grow up (when I grow up, when I grow up)
Bb
I will be brave enough to fight the creatures
Bbm F
That you have to fight beneath the bed
C Bb
Each night to be a grown up
Bsus2
And when I grow up
F
I will have treats every day
Gm
And I'll play with things that mum pretends
F
That mums don't think are fun
Bbsus2
And I will wake up
F
When the sun comes up and I
Gm
Will spend all day just lying in the sun
Edim C or Bbm C7 Bb
And I won't burn 'cause I'll be all grown up
F
When I grow up
F C Bb Bbm F C Bb
(Miss Honey:)
F C
When I grow up
Bb
I will be brave enough to fight the creatures
Bbm F
That you have to fight beneath the bed
C Bb
Each night to be a grown up
When I grow up
(Matilda)
Bbsus2
Just because you find that life's not fair it
F
Doesn't mean that you just have to grin and bear it
Gm
If you always take it on the chin and wear it
Bb
Nothing will change
(When I grow up)
Bbsus2
Just because you find yourself in this story
F
It doesn't mean that everything is written for me
Gm
If I think the ending is fixed already
Bbdim
I might as well be saying I think that it's OK
How to play When I Grow Up
Use the controls above to change the key and text size. Follow the highlighted chords while listening, then practice each section slowly before playing at the original tempo.
What is the starting chord?
The first identified chord is F. You can transpose without leaving the page.
Can I play it on guitar or keyboard?
Yes. The chord progression works on acoustic guitar, electric guitar and keyboard. Adapt the voicings to your instrument and level.