Cotton Fields

by Huddie Ledbetter

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Lyrics

When I (F)was a lit tle (F7)ba by, my moth er n’t (Bb)rocked me in y the (F)cra dle in them old, old cot ton (F#dim7)fields at (C7)home.

When I (F)was a lit tle (F7)ba by, my moth er n’t (Bb)rocked me in y the (F)cra dle in (C7)them (F)old,

old (C7)cot ton fields at (F)home.

Oh, when (F7)them (Bb)cot ton bolls got rot ten you could n’t (F)pick ver y much cot ton in them old

cot ton fields at (C7)home.

It was (F)down

in Lou’ si (F7)an a, just a (Bb)mile from Tex ar (F)kan a and (C7)them (F)old,

old

(C7)cot ton fields at (F)home.

It may (F)sound a lit tle (F7)fun ny.

but you did n’t (Bb)make you ver y much (F)mon ey in them old,

old

cot ton (F#dim7)fields at (C7)home.

It may (F)sound a lit tle (F7)fun ny, but you did n’t (Bb)make you ver y much (F)mon ey in (C7)them (F)old,

old

(C7)cot ton fields at (F)home.

Oh, when (F7)them (Bb)cot ton bolls got rot ten you could n’t (F)pick ver y much cot ton in them old

cot ton fields at (C7)home.

It was (F)down in Lou’ si (F7)an a, just a (Bb)mile from Tex ar (F)kan a and (C7)them (F)old, old

(C7)cot ton fields at (F)home.

I was (F)home.

Cotton Fields by Huddie Ledbetter — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “Cotton Fields” by Huddie Ledbetter 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 Bb at 100 BPM, a medium-difficulty arrangement — try slowing the tempo down using the BPM control.

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 "Cotton Fields" 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 "Cotton Fields"?
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.
How many chords does "Cotton Fields" use?
Just 6 chords: Bb, C7, F, F#dim7, F7, Gm7. Take it one section at a time.
What other Huddie Ledbetter songs work for kids?
Try "BLACK BETTY". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.