Be Italian

by Maury Yeston

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Lyrics

Be I (Am)tal ian,

(E7)be I (Am)tal ian.

(E7)Take a (Am)chance and try to steal a fier y kiss.

(A7)Be I (Dm)tal ian,

be I (Am)tal ian.

When you (Am)hold me don’t just (E7)hold me but hold this!

Please be (Am)gen tle,

(E7)sen ti (Am)men tal.

(E7)Go a (Am)head and try to give my cheek a pat.

(A7)But be (Dm)dar ing,

and un (Am)car ing.

When you (Am)pinch me try to (E7)hold me but hold this!

Please be (E7)pinch me where there’s (Am)fat!

(B7)Be a sing er!

Be a lov er!

Pick the (Em)flow er now be fore this chance is past.

Be I (Am)tal ian,

be I (Em)tal ian!

Live to (Em)day as if it may be (B7)come your (Em)last!

Be Italian by Maury Yeston — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “Be Italian” by Maury Yeston 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 68 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 "Be Italian" 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 "Be Italian"?
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 Maury Yeston songs work for kids?
Try "How Will I Know?", "Shimmy Like They Do in Paree", "Godspeed Titanic (Sail On)". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.