Daddy Sang Bass

by Johnny Cash

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Lyrics

(C)I re (F)mem ber when I was a lad, (F7)times were (Bb)hard and things were (F)bad.

But there’s a sil ver lin ing be hind ev ’ry (G)cloud.

Just poor (F)peo ple, that’s what we (F7)were, try’n to make a (Bb)liv in’ out of black land (F)dirt.

We’d get to geth er in a fam ’ly (Bb)cir cle, sing in’ (F)loud.

Dad dy sang bass, Ma ma sang (F7)ten or.

Me and lit tle (Bb)broth er would join right in there.

(F)Sing in’ seems to (Dm)help a trou bled (G)soul.

One of these (F)days and it won’t be (F7)long, I’ll re (Bb)join them in a (F)song.

I’m gon na join the fam ’ly (C7)cir cle at the (Bb)throne.

(C)No, the (F)cir cle

won’t be (F7)brok en

by and (Bb)by, Lord, by and (F)by.

Dad dy’ll sing bass, Ma ma’ll sing (F7)ten or.

Me and lit tle (Bb)broth er will join right in there, in the (F)sky, Lord,

in the (Bb)sky.

I re (F)mem ber when I was a lad, (F7)times were (Bb)hard and things were (F)bad.

But there’s a sil ver lin ing be hind ev ’ry (G)cloud.

Just poor (F)peo ple, that’s what we (F7)were, try’n to make a (Bb)liv in’ out of black land (F)dirt.

We’d get to geth er in a fam ’ly (Bb)cir cle, sing in’ (F)loud.

Dad dy sang bass, Ma ma sang (F7)ten or.

Me and lit tle (Bb)broth er would join right in there.

(F)Sing in’ seems to (Dm)help a trou bled (G)soul.

One of these (F)days and it won’t be (F7)long, I’ll re (Bb)join them in a (F)song.

I’m gon na join the fam ’ly (C7)cir cle at the (Bb)throne.

(C)No, the (F)cir cle

won’t be (F7)brok en

by and (Bb)by, Lord, by and (F)by.

Dad dy’ll sing bass, Ma ma’ll sing (F7)ten or.

Me and lit tle (Bb)broth er will join right in there, in the (F)sky, Lord,

in the (Bb)sky.

I re (Bb)sky.

(Dm7)In the (F)sky, Lord,

in the (Bb)sky.

(Dm7)In the (F)sky, Lord, (C#5)in the (F)sky.

Daddy Sang Bass by Johnny Cash — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “Daddy Sang Bass 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 Bb 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 "Daddy Sang Bass" 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 "Daddy Sang Bass"?
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.