Little Jazz Bird

by George Gershwin

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Little Jazz Bird

Very Easy
George Gershwin90 BPM

Lyrics

(E)In to a cab a ret, (D)one fa tal day, a (Bb6)lit tle song bird (D7)flew;

(E)’found it so ver y gay, (D)he thought he’d stay, just to (B)get (Bb6)a (A7)bird’s (D7)eye (G)view.

When he (Em7)heard the jazz band (A7)play ing, he was (Em7)hap py as a (A7)lark;

to each (D)meas ure he kept (B)sway ing and he (A7)stayed til af ter (D7)dark.

Then (E)back to the land he knew, (D)thrilled through and through, he (Bb6)sailed on in the (D7)air;

(E)called all the oth er birds, (D)and in these words, start ed (B)gur (Bb6)gling (A7)then (D7)and (Bbmaj7)there:

(Ab)I’m a (G)lit tle jazz bird, and I’m (Am)tell ing you to (D7)be one (E9)too,

for a (G)lit tle jazz bird is in (Am)heav en when it’s (D7)sing ing (F#7)“blue.”

I say it (D7)with re gret,

(B)but you’re out of (Em)date;

you ain’t heard (A7)noth in’ yet,

(A7)till you syn co (D)pate.

When the (G)go ing is rough you will (Am)find your trou bles (D7)all have (E9)flown,

if you (G)war ble your stuff like the (Am)moan ing of a (D7)sax o (G7)phone.

Just try my (D)rec i pe,

(B)and I’m sure you’ll a (Em)gree

(D7)that a (Bm7)lit tle jazz bird is the (Am7)on ly kind of (Ab7)bird to (Bbmaj7)be!

(Abmaj7)I’m a (G)lit tle jazz bird, and I’m (Am)tell ing you to (D7)be one (E9)too,

for a (G)lit tle jazz bird is in (Am)heav en when it’s (D7)sing ing (F#7)“blue.”

I say it (D7)with re gret,

(B)but you’re out of (Em)date;

you ain’t heard (A7)noth in’ yet,

(A7)till you syn co (D)pate.

When the (G)go ing is rough you will (Am)find your trou bles (D7)all have (E9)flown,

if you (G)war ble your stuff like the (Am)moan ing of a (D7)sax o (G7)phone.

Just try my (D)rec i pe,

(B)and I’m sure you’ll a (Em)gree

(D7)that a (Bm7)lit tle jazz bird is the (Am7)on ly kind of (Ab7)bird to (Bbmaj7)be!

(Abmaj7)I’m a

Little Jazz Bird by George Gershwin — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “Little Jazz Bird” by George Gershwin 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 109 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 "Little Jazz Bird" 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 "Little Jazz Bird"?
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 George Gershwin songs work for kids?
Try "LITTLE JAZZ BIRD", "SWANEE", "WHO CARES?". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.