Hip To Be Square

by Huey Lewis & The News

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Lyrics

I (E)used to (E7)be a ren e gade.

I used (E7)to fool a round.

but I could (E7)n’t take the pun ish ment and (E)had (E7)to set tle down.

And now I’m play in’ it (G6)re al straight and, (E)yes, I cut my hair.

I (F#m7)You might think I’m cra zy, but (E)I don’t e ven care.

’Cause (Asus)I can tell what’s go in’ on: it’s hip to be (E)square.

It’s hip to be (E)square.

I (E)like my (E7)bands in bus’ ness suits.

I watch (E7)’em on T V.

I’m I work (E7)in’ out most ev ’ry day and (E)watch (E7)in’ what I eat.

They tell me that in’ it’s (G6)good for me, but (E)I don’t e ven care.

I (F#m7)know that it’s I’m cra zy, I (E)know that it’s no where, but (Asus)there is no de ny in’ that it’s hip to be (E)square.

It’s hip to be (E)square.

I It’s hip to be (E)square,

so hip to be (E)square.

It’s But don’t you try to (G6)fight it, an i (A)dea whose (Bm7)time has (E)come.

Don’t (F#m7)tell me that I’m cra zy.

Don’t (E)tell me I’m no where.

(Asus)Take it from me:

it’s hip to be (E)square.

It’s hip to be (E)square.

It’s hip to be (E)square,

so hip to be (E)square.

(E)Here, (E7)there and (A7)ev ’ry where,

(E)hip, (E7)hip, so (A7)hip to be square.

(E)Here, (E7)there and (A7)ev ’ry where,

(E)hip, (E7)hip...

(E)Here, (E7)there and (A7)ev ’ry where,

(E)hip, (E7)hip, so (A7)hip to be square.

(E)Here, (E7)there and (A7)ev ’ry where,

(E)hip, (E7)hip...

Hip To Be Square by Huey Lewis & The News — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “Hip To Be Square” by Huey Lewis & The News 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 E at 135 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 "Hip To Be Square" 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 "Hip To Be Square"?
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 "Hip To Be Square" use?
Just 8 chords: A, A7, Asus4, Bm7, E, E7, F#m7, G6. Take it one section at a time.
What other Huey Lewis & The News songs work for kids?
Try "THE POWER OF LOVE", "BUT IT'S ALRIGHT", "DOIN' IT". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.