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Don't Ask The Lady What The Lady Did Before

· by Cy Coleman

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Lyrics

I’m no la dy, but now and then

I’ve got some thin’ that makes you yen.

I’m no la dy from way back when,

but (Eb)pinch those (Edim)pan a (Bb)tel las, (Gdim)fel (G7)las, (Cm7)while I (F7)preach a gain.

Don’t ask a la dy what (F#9)the (G7)la dy did be fore.

Ask what the (F7)la dy’s do in’ now.

Don’t poke a round in side (F#9)the (G9)la dy’s bu reau drawer.

What’s here to thrill ya

ain’t mem ’ra bi lia.

Why drag the laun dry out when you’re a bout to score?

My hen na lasts a month and not a mo ment more.

Don’t ask a la dy what (F#7)the (G9)la dy did be fore.

Ask what the (F7)la dy’s do in’ speak up and (G7)you’re a shoo in’ ask what the (F7)la dy’s do in’ now.

Don’t did dle with (Gm)chit chat

don’t fid dle with small talk.

What good is the fan cy foot work if it’s (C9)all talk?

The trou ble with (Cm7)guys is (F#9)once the (F7)ice is (E)thawed

they wan na know (Dm7)if the (G7)la dy’s been a (Cm7)broad!

ask what the la dy’s (Cm7)do

(F)in’

(Now) don’t ask how (Bb)well she’s do in’ what oth er (Bb)swell she’s do in’ ask what the (F7)hell she’s do in’ now.

Don't Ask The Lady What The Lady Did Before by Cy Coleman — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “Don't Ask The Lady What The Lady Did Before” by Cy Coleman 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 120 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 "Don't Ask The Lady What The Lady Did Before" 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 "Don't Ask The Lady What The Lady Did Before"?: 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 "Don't Ask The Lady What The Lady Did Before" use?: Just 24 chords: Bb, Bb7, C7, C9, Cm, Cm7, D7, Dm, +16 more. Take it one section at a time.
What other Cy Coleman songs work for kids?: Try "HERE'S TO US", "BIG SPENDER", "Big Spender". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.