I Was Country When Country Wasn't Cool

by Barbara Mandrell

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Lyrics

I re mem ber (G)wear ing straight leg (G6)Le vis, flan nel shirts, e ven (G6)when they (G)weren’t (Cmaj7)in style.

I re (C)mem ber (G)sing ing with Roy Rog ers (G)at the mov ies, when the (G6)West (G)was (Cmaj7)real ly (C6)wild.

I was (F)lis t’ning to the Op ry, when (G)all of my friends were dig ging (C)rock and roll, and (E)rhy thm and blues.

(F)I was (Dm)coun try,

when (Dm7)coun try was n’t (C)cool.

I re (C)mem ber (G)wear ing straight leg (G6)Le vis, flan nel shirts, e ven (G6)when they (G)weren’t (Cmaj7)in style.

I re (C)mem ber (G)sing ing with Roy Rog ers (G)at the mov ies, when the (G6)West (G)was (Cmaj7)real ly (C6)wild.

I was (F)lis t’ning to the Op ry, when (G)all of my friends were dig ging (C)rock and roll, and (E)rhy thm and blues.

(F)I was (Dm)coun try,

when (Dm7)coun try was n’t (C)cool.

I re (C)mem ber (C6)Ooh,

(C)I was (G)coun try,

when coun try (G6)was n’t (C)cool.

I was (G)coun try

(G)from my hat down (G6)to my (C)boots.

(F)I still act

and (G)look the same; what you (C)see ain’t (E)noth in’ new.

(F)I was (Dm)coun try,

when (Dm7)coun try was n’t (C)cool.

(C)cool.

Yeah, (C)I was (Dm7)coun try,

when (Dm7)coun try was n’t (C)cool.

I Was Country When Country Wasn't Cool by Barbara Mandrell — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “I Was Country When Country Wasn't Cool” by Barbara Mandrell 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 92 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 "I Was Country When Country Wasn't Cool" 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 "I Was Country When Country Wasn't Cool"?
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 "I Was Country When Country Wasn't Cool" use?
Just 11 chords: Am, C, C6, C7, Cmaj7, Dm, Dm7, E, +3 more. Take it one section at a time.
What other Barbara Mandrell songs work for kids?
Try "IT MUST HAVE BEEN THE MISTLETOE". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.