A Boy Named Sue

· by Johnny Cash

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Lyrics

Well, my daddy left home when I was three, and (Eb)didn’t leave much for Ma and me.

Just (F7)old guitar and an empty bottle of (Bb)booze.

Now, I don’t blame him because he run and hid, but (Eb)meanest thing that he ever did was be (F7)fore he left, he went and named me (Bb)Sue.

Well, he must have thought it quite a joke, and (Eb)got lots of laughs from lot of folks.

It (F7)seemed I had to fight my whole life (Bb)through.

Some gal would giggle and I’d get red.

And (Eb)some a guy would and I’d his head, I (F7)tell you, life ain’t easy for boy named (Bb)Sue.

Well, daddy left home when I was three, and (Eb)didn’t leave much for Ma and me.

Just (F7)old guitar and an empty bottle of (Bb)booze.

Now, I don’t blame him because he run and hid, but (Eb)meanest thing that he ever did was be (F7)fore he left, he went and named me (Bb)Sue.

Well, he must have thought it quite a joke, and (Eb)got lots of laughs from lot of folks.

It (F7)seemed I had to fight my whole life (Bb)through.

Some gal would giggle and I’d get red.

And (Eb)some a guy would and I’d his head, I (F7)tell you, life ain’t easy for boy named (Bb)Sue.

Well, (Bb)Sue.

A Boy Named Sue by Johnny Cash — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “A Boy Named Sue” by Johnny Cash in our color-coded kid songbook view — every note is colored by pitch (red C, orange D, yellow E, green F, blue G, purple A, pink B) and the lyrics sit directly under each note, so children can sing along while they play. The song is in the key of Eb at 188 BPM, a comfortable easy-level arrangement perfect for first-time learners.

Tips for parents & teachers

Start at 50% tempo using the BPM control. Speed up only when your child can play through without stopping.
Turn on the metronome from the top bar to build steady rhythm.
Use the segmented OFF / C / 1 button to toggle note labels on the staff and keys — kids learn note names faster with letters showing.
Tap a measure number on the timeline to jump to a specific section for repeat practice.

Frequently asked questions

Is "A Boy Named Sue" good for a child learning piano?: Yes — this color-coded arrangement is designed for ages 4-12. Each note is colored by pitch so kids match colors to keys, no music reading required. Lyrics sit under every note for sing-along play.
What age can start with "A Boy Named Sue"?: Children as young as 4 can follow the color-coded notes. By age 6-7 most kids can play through the song themselves with light guidance. Parent help is recommended for the first few sessions.
Do we need a piano teacher to use this?: No — the color-coded format is designed to be self-explanatory. Parents with no music background can supervise. Teachers can also use it as an introductory lesson tool.
Can we print the sheet music?: Yes — tap "Download Sheet Music" above for a free printable PDF with the same color-coded notes that appear on screen.
What other Johnny Cash songs work for kids?: Try "GOD'S GONNA CUT YOU DOWN", "IF YOU COULD READ MY MIND", "HELP ME". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.