Is "Mama Said" 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 Said"?

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 Said" use?

Just 11 chords: Am, C, C7, D7, Dm7, E, E7, Em, +3 more. Take it one section at a time.

What other The Shirelles songs work for kids?

Try "DEDICATED TO THE ONE I LOVE", "WILL YOU LOVE ME TOMORROW", "WILL YOU LOVE ME TOMORROW". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.

Super Simple Piano

Mama Said

· by The Shirelles

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Lyrics

Ma ma said there’ll be (Am)days like this, there’ll be (F)days like this, Ma ma (C)said.

(F)(Ma ma said, (G7)Ma ma (C)said.) Ma ma said there’ll be (Am)days like this, there’ll be (F)days like this, my Ma ma (C)said.

(F)(Ma ma said, (G7)Ma ma (C)said.) I went walk ing the (Am)oth er day,

ev ’ry (G7)thing was go ing (C)fine;

I (C)met a lit tle boy named (Am)Bil ly Joe, and then I (F)al most (G7)lost my (C)mind.

Ma ma said there’ll be (Am)days like this, there’ll be (F)days like this, Ma ma (C)said.

(F)(Ma ma said, (G7)Ma ma (C)said.) Ma ma said there’ll be (Am)days like this, there’ll be (F)days like this, my Ma ma (C)said.

(F)(Ma ma said, (G7)Ma ma (C)said.) I went walk ing the (Am)oth er day,

ev ’ry (G7)thing was go ing (C)fine;

I (C)met a lit tle boy named (Am)Bil ly Joe, and then I (F)al most (G7)lost my (C)mind.

(C)said.

My eyes are wide o pen,

but all that I can see (E7)is

chap el bells are (D7)call in’ for (G7sus)ev ’ry one but a (G7)me.

But I don’t wor ry, ’cause Ma ma said there’ll be (Am)days like this, there’ll be (F)days like this, Ma ma (C)said.

(F)(Ma ma said, (G7)Ma ma (C)said.) Ma ma said there’ll be (Am)days like this, there’ll be (F)days like this, my Ma ma (C)said.

And then she (F)said some one will look at

like I’m look ing at you, one (E7)day.

Then I might (D7)find

I (G7sus)don’t want it an y old (G7)way.

So I don’t wor ry, ’cause Ma ma said there’ll be (Am)days like this, there’ll be (F)days like this, Ma ma (C)said.

(F)(Ma ma said, (G7)Ma ma (C)said.) Ma ma said there’ll be (Am)days like this, there’ll be (F)days like this, my Ma ma (C)said.

Ma ma said, (E)Ma ma (Am)said, “Hey!

Don’t you wor ry.” Ma ma said, (E)Ma ma (Am)said, “Hey!

Don’t you wor ry now.” Ma ma said, (E)Ma ma (Am)said, “Hey!

Hey!” (C)said.

Mama Said by The Shirelles — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “Mama Said” by The Shirelles 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 C at 140 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 "Mama Said" 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 Said"?: 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 Said" use?: Just 11 chords: Am, C, C7, D7, Dm7, E, E7, Em, +3 more. Take it one section at a time.
What other The Shirelles songs work for kids?: Try "DEDICATED TO THE ONE I LOVE", "WILL YOU LOVE ME TOMORROW", "WILL YOU LOVE ME TOMORROW". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.