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Mama Look A Boo Boo

· by Harry Belafonte

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Lyrics

I won der why no bod y don’t like me.

Or is it de fact that I’m ug ly?

John?

Yes, I won der why no (C7)bo dy don’t like me.

Or is it de fact that I’m ug pu ly?

I leave my (Gm)whole (C7)house and go.

My chil dren (Gm)don’t want (C7)me no more.

Bad talk ren in (Gm)side de (C7)house dey bring, and should when I (Gm)talk they (C7)start to sing.

"Ma ma look a Boo boo", they shout.

(Gm)Their moth er tell dem, "Shut up your mout', (F)dat is your dad dy".

"Oh no, my (C7)dad dy can’t be ug ly, (F)so.

Shut your mout', go a way.

Ma ma, look a (C7)Boo boo dey".

"Shut your mout', go a way.

Ma ma, look a (C7)Boo boo dey".

I could n’t e ven di gest me sup per due chil to de chil dren’s be hav ior.

John?

Yes, So Pa?

be gan Come (C7)ques here a mo ment.

Bring de belt, ain’t you’re no too im pu dent.

John says it’s (Gm)James (C7)who ed first.

James tells de (Gm)sto ry (C7)in re verse.

I drag ren my (Gm)belt from (C7)off me waist.

You should hear dem (Gm)scream in’ (C7)round de place.

"Ma ma look a Boo boo", they shout.

(Gm)Their moth er tell dem, "Shut up your mout', (F)dat is your dad dy".

"Oh no, my (C7)dad dy can’t be ug ly, (F)so.

Shut your mout', go a way.

Ma ma, look a (C7)Boo boo dey".

"Shut your mout', go a way.

Ma ma, look a (C7)Boo boo dey".

(F)so.

Shut your mout', go a way.

Ma ma, look a (C7)Boo boo dey".

"Shut your mout', go a way.

Ma ma, look a (C7)Boo boo dey".

"Shut your mout', go a way.

Ma ma, look a (C7)Boo boo dey".

Mama Look A Boo Boo by Harry Belafonte — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “Mama Look A Boo Boo” by Harry Belafonte 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 168 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 "Mama Look A Boo Boo" 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 "Mama Look A Boo Boo"?: 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 "Mama Look A Boo Boo" use?: Just 3 chords: C7, F, Gm. Few enough that a child can recognize them quickly.
What other Harry Belafonte songs work for kids?: Try "DAY-O", "Silent Night", "Island In The Sun". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.