Super Simple Piano

Log in Start free

If We Make It Through December

· by Merle Haggard

Loading song

Fetching song

1

—

Play in Full Modes More Songs for Kids

Lyrics

If we make it through De (Bb)cem ber,

ev ’ry thing’s gon na be all (Bbm6)right, I (F)know.

It’s the cold est time of (Gm7)win ter,

and I (Gm7)shiv er when I (C7)see the fall ing (F)snow.

If we (F7)make it through De (Bb)cem ber,

got plans to be in a warm er town come (F)sum mer time,

may be (F7)e ven Cal i (Gm7)for nia.

If we (Gm7)make it through De (C7)cem ber, we’ll (Gb7)be (F)fine.

(CN.C.)Got laid off down at the fac t’ry,

and their (Gm7)tim ing’s not the great est in the (F)world.

Heav en knows

I’ve been (Gm7)work ing hard,

want ed Christ mas to be right for Dad dy’s girl.

(F7)I don’t mean to hate De (Bb)cem ber,

it’s meant to be the hap py (Bbm6)time of (F)year.

And my (F7)lit tle girl don’t (Gm7)un der stand

why (Gm7)Dad dy can’t af ford no Christ (Gb7)mas (F)here.

(CN.C.)If we make it through De (F)fine.

If We Make It Through December by Merle Haggard — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “If We Make It Through December” by Merle Haggard 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 Bb 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 "If We Make It Through December" 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 "If We Make It Through December"?: 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 "If We Make It Through December" use?: Just 13 chords: Bb, Bb6, Bbm6, C, C7, Eb, F, F6, +5 more. Take it one section at a time.
What other Merle Haggard songs work for kids?: Try "BIG CITY", "OKIE FROM MUSKOGEE", "Okie From Muskogee". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.