Basin Street Blues

by Louis Armstrong

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Lyrics

Won’t cha (C)come a (G7)long (D#dim)with (C)me

to the Mis sis (G)sip pi?

(C)We’ll take the boat to the land of (G7)dreams,

(C7)steam down the riv er down to (G7)New Or (C)leans.

The band’s there (G7)to (D#dim)meet (C)us,

old friends to (G)greet us,

(C)where all the light and the (Ab7)dark folks (G7)meet.

(D7)This is (Ab7)Ba (G7)sin (C)Street.

(C)Ba sin Street

(E7)is the street

where (A7)the e lite

al ways meet.

In (D9)New Or leans,

(G7)lan’ of dreams, (G)you’ll (C)nev er know how (Ebdim)nice it seems or (Dm7)just how (G7)much it (Dm7)real ly (G7)means.

(C)Glad to be,

(E7)yes sir ee, where (A7)wel come’s free,

(Bb7)dear to (A7)me, where (D7)I can lose

my Ba sin Street (C)blues.

(C)Ba sin Street

(E7)is the street where (A7)the e lite

al ways meet.

In (D9)New Or leans,

(G7)lan’ of dreams, (G)you’ll (C)nev er know how (Ebdim)nice it seems or (Dm7)just how (G7)much it (Dm7)real ly (G7)means.

(C)Glad to be,

(E7)yes sir ee, where (A7)wel come’s free,

(Bb7)dear to (A7)me, where (D7)I can lose

my Ba sin Street (C)blues.

(C)blues.

Basin Street Blues by Louis Armstrong — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “Basin Street Blues” by Louis Armstrong 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 C at 100 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 "Basin Street Blues" 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 "Basin Street Blues"?
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 Louis Armstrong songs work for kids?
Try "BABY, IT'S COLD OUTSIDE", "JUST A GIGOLO", "DREAM A LITTLE DREAM OF ME". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.