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Intermediate violin sheet music for "A Life Story" by Bruce Cockburn, in A minor at about 136 BPM. Transcribed from the track by Songscription. Available as an easy beginner, intermediate, or advanced arrangement.

Intermediate Violin Sheet Music for "A Life Story" by Bruce Cockburn

Preview of the intermediate violin sheet music arrangement for “A Life Story” by Bruce Cockburn.

A Life Story by Bruce Cockburn
Violin Sheet Music

Treble clefMid-staff range

The violin part reads from treble clef, arranged to sit naturally for the instrument.

Difficulty

Intermediate

For players comfortable with the basics.

Inside the music
Signature

Music DNA

Genrefolk · acoustic · contemporary folk
Moodmelancholic · reflective
Signaturegentle acoustic folk ballad
A minor
Key
136
BPM
4/4
Time
Chords

The progression

Em
Emin/5
Am7
Dm7
Cmaj7
Amin9
Csus4
G13
Form

Structure & dynamics

IntroVersePre-chorusChorusVersePre-chorusChorusBridgeFinal chorusOutro
Instrumentation

What's in the mix

acoustic guitar
fingerpicked, warm, central
male lead vocals
warm, slightly gravelly, intimate, storytelling style
harmonica
melancholic, expressive, melodic counter‑voice
electric bass
soft, supportive, low‑mid
light drums
brushes, subtle, steady 4/4 pulse
Album & artist
ALBUM

Joy Will Find a Way (1975)

Recorded in Toronto in the summer of 1975, this album continues the warm, acoustic folk direction of Cockburn's early work. The songs carry a reflective, hopeful quality, as the title suggests.

All of Joy Will Find a Way
Artist

Bruce Cockburn

Bruce Cockburn is a Canadian singer-songwriter from Ottawa who has been recording since the early 1970s. His music moves across folk, rock, jazz, and world music, and his lyrics frequently address spiritual themes, environmental concerns, and political injustice. He has long been one of Canada's most respected guitarists, and his catalog stretches across more than two dozen studio albums.

All Bruce Cockburn songs
How it works

From a recording to your part in three steps

  1. Step 1
    Bring the recording

    Paste a YouTube link or upload an audio file, the studio cut, a live take, or a cover.

  2. Step 2
    We transcribe it

    Our model listens and arranges this exact performance for violin, at your chosen level.

  3. Step 3
    Play & export

    Read it on screen, transpose, slow it down, and export the sheet music when it feels right.

Ready to play it?

Start from any recording, your violin sheet music in minutes.

FAQ

Good to know

What key is "A Life Story" in?

"A Life Story" by Bruce Cockburn is in A minor.

What is the tempo of "A Life Story"?

"A Life Story" plays at around 136 BPM in 4/4 time.

What chords are in "A Life Story"?

The core progression is Em, Emin/5, Am7, Dm7, Cmaj7, and Amin9, built around the A minor tonal center.

What instruments play on "A Life Story"?

The recording features acoustic guitar, electric bass, light drums, harmonica, and male lead vocals.

Can I get "A Life Story" violin sheet music?

Yes. This is the intermediate violin sheet music arrangement of "A Life Story" by Bruce Cockburn, transcribed by Songscription.

Is "A Life Story" violin sheet music easy to play?

"A Life Story" violin sheet music comes in beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels, so there is an easy version to start with. At 136 BPM in A minor with 16 chords to navigate, the part sits at a comfortable intermediate level. You can switch levels on this page before you save it.

Is there an easy, beginner version of "A Life Story" violin sheet music?

Yes. The beginner violin sheet music for "A Life Story" simplifies the busiest passages and rhythms while keeping the melody, so it is the easiest way to start. The intermediate and advanced arrangements are one tap away when you want more of the original.

What album is "A Life Story" on?

"A Life Story" appears on Joy Will Find a Way (1975).

How does Songscription turn a song into sheet music?

Give it a recording, a YouTube link or an audio file, and its AI transcribes that performance into notation for the instrument and level you choose.

Can I get sheet music for a live or cover version?

Yes. The score is generated from whatever recording you pick, so a live take, a remix, or a cover each match that exact performance.

What instruments and formats are available?

Piano, guitar, violin, trumpet, sax, bass, drums, vocals and more, as standard sheet music, a piano roll, or guitar tabs.

Is Songscription free to use?

You can try it free, with no credit card needed.

Can I download the sheet music as a PDF?

Yes. You get a downloadable PDF, plus in-app playback and the option to transpose or adjust the arrangement before you print.

How accurate is the transcription?

It is produced by AI trained on millions of bars of music, and you can play it back and fine-tune any details before you download.

Is this transcription licensed?

Yes. We have licensed this track from its publisher, so we are permitted to transcribe it and provide the sheet music to you.

Transcribed from licensed catalogs by AI trained on millions of bars of music.

Made with in California.