Mama Told Me

by Three Dog Night

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Lyrics

Will you have (G7)whis key in your wat er, let or sug ar with your tea?

What are these cra zy ques tions that you’re ask ing of me?

fume, This and the the wild est par ty that there ev er could to be.

Oh, don’t turn on the lights, ’cause I don’t (E9)want (Eb9)to (D9)see.

Ma ma told me not to come.

Ma ma told me not to come.

Ma ma said that ain’t no (C)way to have fun.

(G7)O pen up the win dow, let some air ar in to this room.

I I’m al most chok in’ on the smell of stale per fume, This and the a rette you’re smok ing ’bout to scare me half to death.

Oh, o pen up the win dow let me (E9)catch (Eb9)my (D9)breath.

Ma ma told me not to come.

Ma ma told me not to come.

Ma ma said that ain’t no (C)way to have fun.

The (G7)ra di o is blast in’, some one’s knock in’ on the door.

Our host ess is not last in’; she’s passed out on the floor.

I’ve seen so man y things that I ain’t nev er seen be fore; I don’t know what it is but I don’t (D)wan na see (D7)no (G)more.

Ma ma told me not to come.

Ma ma told me not to come.

Ma ma said that ain’t no (C)way to have fun.

Mama Told Me by Three Dog Night — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “Mama Told Me by Three Dog Night 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 92 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 Told Me" 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 Told Me"?
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 Told Me" use?
Just 12 chords: Am, Am7, Bbm, Bm, C, D7, D9, E9, +4 more. Take it one section at a time.
What other Three Dog Night songs work for kids?
Try "ELI'S COMIN'", "SHAMBALA", "BLACK AND WHITE". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.