Mama Says (From Footloose)

by Tom Snow

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Lyrics

(F)Ev ’ry thing I (Bb)ev er (F)learned that (Bb)gets me (Eb)through the (Bb)worst, I (C7)learned at my ma ma’s (Bb7)knee.

Now an y time I’m (Bb)turned a (F)round I (A)turn to Ma ma (D7)first, and (Fsus2)you’d be wise to mem o rize what (Bb)Ma ma says to (C7)me.

Ma ma (F7)says don’t use a toast er while (Bdim)stand ing in the show er.

Now who can ar gue with that?

Ma ma (F7)says don’t hold your breath thing for (Bdim)long er than an hour.

The wom an (Bbsus2)knows where it’s at!

(C7)And Ma ma says

it does n’t (F)mat ter

if you’re a (Bb7)king

(Bb6)or you’re a (F)clown.

(Bb)Once

(Bdim7)you

(F)drive up a (Dm)moun tain,

you (Bb)can’t back (F7)down.

Ma ma (F7)says don’t drink hot cof fee while (Bdim)ly ing down in bed.

er.

Don’t e ven give it a thought.

Ma ma (F7)says nev er eat an thing that’s (Bdim)big ger than your head.

Is she a (Bbsus2)whiz where or what?

(C7)And Ma ma says

it does n’t (F)mat ter

if you’re a (Bb7)king

(Bb6)or you’re a (F)clown.

(Bb)Once

(Bdim7)you

(F)drive up a (Dm)moun tain,

you (Bb)can’t back (F7)down.

Ma ma (F)down.

(Dm)Ma ma makes a lot ta sense; if (A7)you know how to lis ten, she is (Bb)clear

and con cise.

(Dm)Dad dy says, “I love her, son, but (A7)she’s got mar bles miss in’.” But (Bb)I say, “Hey!

It’s (Bdim7)free ad vice,

(C)and what d’ you ex pect at that (Am7)price?”

Ma ma (G)says what you be lieve in is (Gdim)all you real ly own,

and I be lieve that she’s (G)right.

Ma ma says if you’ve got (Ebmaj7)doubts, well then, (Em)boy, you’re not a lone.

Just means you’re read y to (D7)fight.

And Ma ma (C)says

it (C)does n’t (G)mat ter

if you’re a (C)king

or (C)you’re a (G)clown.

(C)Once

(C#dim7)you

(G)drive up (B7)a (Em)moun tain,

you (D7)can’t back (G)down.

You can (C)turn up the heat, you can (C#dim7)turn up the road, you can (G)car ry a beat, you can (E7)car ry a load, you can throw a fit, you can throw a punch, you can (Csus2)bring up a child, you can (D7)bring up your lunch!

Ma ma says

it does n’t (G)mat ter

if you (C)drive a hard bar gain or drive a round town.

(C)Once

(C#dim7)you

(G)drive up a (Em)moun tain,

you can’t back (Bm7)down.

(C)Once

(C#dim7)you

(G)drive up a moun tain, you (A7)can’t

(D7)back

(G)down!

Mama Says (From Footloose) by Tom Snow — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “Mama Says (From Footloose) by Tom Snow 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 95 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 Says (From Footloose)" 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 Says (From Footloose)"?
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.