Is "If You're Gonna Play In Texas" 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 You're Gonna Play In Texas"?

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 You're Gonna Play In Texas" use?

Just 4 chords: A, D, E, F#m. Few enough that a child can recognize them quickly.

What other Alabama songs work for kids?

Try "ANGELS AMONG US", "I'M IN A HURRY", "CHRISTMAS IN DIXIE". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.

Super Simple Piano

If You're Gonna Play In Texas

· by Alabama

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Lyrics

If you’re gon na play in (E)Tex as, you (D)got ta have a fid dle in the (A)band.

That lead gui tar is hot, but not for a Lou (D)i si an a man.

So, (F#m)ros in up that (E)bow for “Fad ed Love” and let’s all (A)dance.

If you’re gon na play in (E)Tex as, you (D)got ta have a fid dle in the (F#m)band.

I re mem ber down in (E)Hous ton, we were (D)put tin’ on a (A)show, when a cow boy in the back stood up and (D)yelled, pened up “Cot ton Eyed case.

He said we love what you’re doin’, step, you (D)boys, you don’t na get us wrong.

Well, There’s just some thin’ (E)miss in’ in your (A)song.

If you’re gon na play in (E)Tex as, you (D)got ta have a fid dle in the (A)band.

That lead gui tar is hot, but not for a Lou (D)i si an a man.

So, (F#m)ros in up that (E)bow for “Fad ed Love” and let’s all (A)dance.

If you’re gon na play in (E)Tex as, you (D)got ta have a fid dle in the (F#m)band.

So, we dust ed off our (E)boots and put our (D)cow boy hats on (A)straight.

Them a Tex ans raised the roof when Jeff and (D)o pened up “Cot his Eyed case.

You say y’all all wan na two step, you (D)say you wan na do si do.

Well, here’s your fid dlin’ (E)song be fore we (A)go.

If you’re gon na play in (E)Tex as, you (D)got ta have a fid dle in the (A)band.

That lead gui tar is hot, but not for a Lou (D)i si an a man.

So, (F#m)ros in up that (E)bow for “Fad ed Love” and let’s all (A)dance.

If you’re gon na play in (E)Tex as, you (D)got ta have a fid dle in the (F#m)band.

So, we (A)band.

If you’re (A)band.

If you’re gon na play in (E)Tex as, you (D)got ta have a fid dle in the (A)band.

That lead gui tar is hot, but not for a Lou (D)i si an a man.

So, (F#m)ros in up that (E)bow for “Fad ed Love” and let’s all (A)dance.

If you’re gon na play in (E)Tex as, you (D)got ta have a fid dle in the (A)band.

That lead gui tar is hot, but not for a Lou (D)i si an a man.

So, (F#m)ros in up that (E)bow for “Fad ed Love” and let’s all (A)dance.

If you’re gon na play in (E)Tex as, you (D)got ta have a fid dle in the (A)band.

(A)band.

If You're Gonna Play In Texas by Alabama — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “If You're Gonna Play In Texas” by Alabama 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 A at 224 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 "If You're Gonna Play In Texas" 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 You're Gonna Play In Texas"?: 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 You're Gonna Play In Texas" use?: Just 4 chords: A, D, E, F#m. Few enough that a child can recognize them quickly.
What other Alabama songs work for kids?: Try "ANGELS AMONG US", "I'M IN A HURRY", "CHRISTMAS IN DIXIE". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.