Don't Take Your Guns To Town

· by Johnny Cash

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Lyrics

A (C)young cow boy named Bil ly Joe grew (G)rest less on the farm.

A boy filled with wan der lust who (G)real ly meant no (C)harm.

He (F)changed his clothes and shined his boots and combed his dark hair down,

and his (C)moth er cried as he walked out: “Don’t (F)take your guns to (C)town, son.

(F)Leave your guns at (C)home, Bill.

Don’t (F)take your guns to (C)town.”

He laughed and kissed his mom and said, “Your Bil ly Joe’s a (C)man.

He the I can shoot as quick and straight as any y bod y can.

But I (F)would n’t shoot with out a cause; I’d gun no bod y down.”

But she (C)cried a gain as he rode a way: “Don’t (F)take your guns to (C)town, Son.

(F)Leave your guns at (C)home, Bill.

Don’t (F)take your guns to (C)town.”

He sang a song as on he rode, his guns hung at his (C)hips.

and the rode in to a cat tle town, a smile up on his lips.

He I (F)stopped and walked in to a bar, and laid his mon ey down,

but his (C)moth er’s words as ech oed a gain: “Don’t (F)take your guns to (C)town, Son.

(F)Leave your guns at (C)home, Bill.

Don’t (F)take your guns to (C)town.”

He (C)town.”

Don't Take Your Guns To Town by Johnny Cash — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “Don't Take Your Guns To Town” 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 C at 120 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 "Don't Take Your Guns To Town" 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 Take Your Guns To Town"?: 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.