Keep It Gay

by Mel Brooks

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Lyrics

The thea ter’s so ob sessed with (Am7)dra mas so de (D7)pressed, it’s (Cmaj7)hard to (Bm7)sell a (A#dim7)tick et (D9)on Broad (G6)way.

(Am7)Shows should be more (D7)pret ty, (Bm7)shows should be more (E7)wit ty, (A7sus)shows should be more...

(A7)what’s the word...

Gay?

Exactly!

No mat ter (G)what

(Gmaj9)you

(G6)do on the (Gmaj7)stage

keep it (G6)light,

keep it (Gdim7)bright,

keep it (Am7)gay.

Wheth er it’s (Am)mur

(E)der,

(Am7)may hem or (D)rage,

don’t com (Am7)plain,

it’s a (D9)pain,

keep it (G6)gay.

(B)Peo ple want (E7)laugh ter when (Am)they see a show,

the (Em7)last thing they’re (A7)af ter’s a (C#7)lit an y of (D7)woe.

A hap py (G6)end

(Gmaj9)ing

will (G)pep up (F9)your (E7)play.

(Am7)Oed i pus won’t (D)bomb

if he (G6)winds (F#)up (F7)with (E7)mom.

Keep it (Am7)gay!

Keep it (D)gay!

Keep it (G6)gay!

If at the (Bbmaj9)end

you

(Bbmaj7)want them to cheer, keep it (Bbdim7)gay, keep it gay, keep it (Cm)gay!

(G7)Wheth er it’s (Cm(maj7))Ham

let, O (F7)thel lo or Lear, keep it (Cm7)gay, keep it (F7)gay, keep it (Bb6)gay!

(G7)Com ed y’s joy ous, a (Cm)con stant de light.

(Gm7)Dra mas an noy us, and ru in our night.

So keep your (Bb)Strind

bergs and (Bb)Ib sens at (G7)bay.

Keep it (Cm7)gay!

gay!

gay!

gay!

(Cm9)gay!

gay!

(F13)gay!

(F)Keep it (Bb)gay!

Keep It Gay by Mel Brooks — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “Keep It Gay” by Mel Brooks 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 G at 90 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 "Keep It Gay" 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 "Keep It Gay"?
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 Mel Brooks songs work for kids?
Try "Springtime For Hitler (from 'The Producers')", "Along Came Bialy", "Der Guten Tag Hop-Clop". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.