Hello Mary Lou

by Ricky Nelson

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Lyrics

You (Bb)passed me (Bbmaj7)by one (Bb6)sun ny day, Be (Eb)flashed those big brown eyes my way, and (Bb)ooh, I want ed you for (Bbdim)ev er (F7)more.

Now (Bb)I’m not (Bbmaj7)one that (Bb6)gets a round, I (Eb)swear my feet stuck to the (Edim7)ground, and (Bb)though I (Gm)nev er (Eb)did meet (F)you be (Bb)fore.

I said, “Hel lo, Mar (F7)y (Bb)Lou,

good bye, heart.

Sweet (Bb)Mar y Lou, I’m (C7)so in love with (F7)you.

(Bb)Knew, (F7)Mar y (Bb)Lou,

we’d (D)nev (D7)er (Gm)part, so hel (C7)lo, Mar y (F7)Lou, good bye, (Bb)heart.”

(F7)I (Bb)saw your (Bbmaj7)lips, I (Bb6)heard your voice.

Be (Eb)lieve me, I just had no choice; wild (Bb)hors es could n’t make me (Bbdim)stay a (F7)way.

I (Bb)thought a (Bbmaj7)bout a (Bb6)moon lit night, my (Eb)arms a bout you good an’ (Edim7)tight; that’s (Bb)all I (Gm)had to (Eb)see for (F)me to (Bb)stay.

I said, “Hel lo, Mar (F7)y (Bb)Lou,

good bye, heart.

Sweet (Bb)Mar y Lou, I’m (C7)so in love with (F7)you.

(Bb)Knew, (F7)Mar y (Bb)Lou,

we’d (D)nev (D7)er (Gm)part, so hel (C7)lo, Mar y (F7)Lou, good bye, (Bb)heart.”

(F7)I (Bb)heart.”

Hello Mary Lou by Ricky Nelson — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “Hello Mary Lou” by Ricky Nelson 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 200 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 "Hello Mary Lou" 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 "Hello Mary Lou"?
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 "Hello Mary Lou" use?
Just 12 chords: Bb, Bb6, Bb7, Bbdim, Bbmaj7, C7, D7, Daug, +4 more. Take it one section at a time.
What other Ricky Nelson songs work for kids?
Try "TRAVELIN' MAN", "GARDEN PARTY", "LONESOME TOWN". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.