How 'Ya Gonna Keep 'Em Down On The Farm?

by Nora Bayes

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Lyrics

(Bb)How 'ya gon na (Bb)keep 'em, (F7)down on the farm,

Af ter they've seen (F)Pa (Bb)ree?

(Bb)How 'ya gon na keep 'em (Db7)a way (C7)from (G#dim)Broad (F)way; (C7)Jazz in' a 'roun', And (F)paint in' the town?

(Bb)How 'ya gon na keep 'em (Bbdim)a (F7)way from harm?

That's a mys ter (D)y;

They'll nev er want to see a rake or plow,

And who the deuce can par ley (C7)vous a cow.

(Bb)How 'ya gon na (Bb)keep 'em (F7)down on the farm,

(Cm7)Af ter they've seen Pa (Bb)ree?

(Bb)How 'ya gon na (Bb)keep 'em, (F7)down on the farm,

Af ter they've seen (F)Pa (Bb)ree?

(Bb)How 'ya gon na keep 'em (Db7)a way (C7)from (G#dim)Broad (F)way; (C7)Jazz in' a 'roun', And (F)paint in' the town?

(Bb)How 'ya gon na keep 'em (Bbdim)a (F7)way from harm?

That's a mys ter (D)y;

Im ag ine Reu ben when he meets his pa,

He'll kiss his cheek and hol ler (C7)“oo la la!”

(Bb)How 'ya gon na (Bb)keep 'em (F7)down on the farm,

(Cm7)Af ter they've seen Pa (Bb)ree?

(Bb)ree?

How 'Ya Gonna Keep 'Em Down On The Farm? by Nora Bayes — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “How 'Ya Gonna Keep 'Em Down On The Farm?” by Nora Bayes 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 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 "How 'Ya Gonna Keep 'Em Down On The Farm?" 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 "How 'Ya Gonna Keep 'Em Down On The Farm?"?
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.