I Won't Dance

by Jerome Kern

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Lyrics

I won’t (C#dim)dance!

Don’t (Dm7)ask me; I won’t (C#dim)dance!

Don’t (Dm7)ask me; I won’t (C#dim)dance,

ma (Dm7)dame, with (C)you,

My heart won’t (F)let my feet do (Fm)things they should do!

You know (C#dim)what?

You’re (Dm7)love ly.

And so (C#dim)what?

I’m (Dm7)love ly!

But oh, (C#dim)what

you (Dm7)do to (C)me!

I’m like an (F)o cean wave that’s (Fm)bumped on the shore;

I feel so (F)ab so lute ly (Fm)stumped on the floor!

(Ab)When you dance; you’re charm ing and you’re (Ab7)gen tle,

(Db)’spec ially when you do the “Con ti (Db7)nen tal.”

(B7)But this feel ing is n’t pure ly (C7)men tal;

for, heav en (Am)rest us,

I’m not as (Fmaj7)bes tos.

And that’s why I won’t (C#dim)dance!

Why (Dm7)should I?

I won’t (C#dim)dance!

How (Dm7)could I?

I won’t (C#dim)dance!

Mer (Dm7)ci beau (C)coup!

I know that (F)mu sic leads the (Fm)way to ro mance:

(CN.C.)So if I hold you in my (G7)arms, I won’t (C)dance.

I Won't Dance by Jerome Kern — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “I Won't Dance” by Jerome Kern 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 140 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 Won't Dance" 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 Won't Dance"?
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 Jerome Kern songs work for kids?
Try "SMOKE GETS IN YOUR EYES", "NOBODY ELSE BUT ME", "WHY DO I LOVE YOU?". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.