Mammas Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys

by Waylon Jennings & Willie Nelson

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Lyrics

(G)Mam mas don’t let your ba bies grow (G7)up to be (C)cow boys.

Don’t (D7)let ’em pick gui tars and drive them old trucks.

Make ’em be doc tors and law yers and (G)such.

Mam mas don’t let your ba bies grow (G7)up to be (C)cow boys

’cause they’ll (D7)nev er stay home and they’re al ways a lone,

e ven with some one they (G)love.

A (G)cow boy ain’t eas y to (G7)love and he’s hard er to (C)hold, ings,

and it means (D7)more to him to give you a song dren than sil ver or (G)gold.

(G)Bud wei ser buck les and (G7)soft fad ed Le vis and (C)each night be gins a new day.

him.

He’s If you (D7)can’t un der stand him and he don’t die young, him he’ll prob a bly just ride a (G)way.

(G)Mam mas don’t let your ba bies grow (G7)up to be (C)cow boys.

Don’t (D7)let ’em pick gui tars and drive them old trucks.

Make ’em be doc tors and law yers and (G)such.

Mam mas don’t let your ba bies grow (G7)up to be (C)cow boys

’cause they’ll (D7)nev er stay home and they’re al ways a lone,

e ven with some one they (G)love.

A (G)cow boy loves smok y old (G7)pool rooms and clear moun tain (C)hold, ings,

and it means (D7)lit tle warm to pup pies and song dren and girls of the (G)night.

(G)Them that don’t know him won’t (G7)like him and them that do (C)some times won’t know how to day.

him.

He’s If you (D7)wrong, he’s just dif f’rent, and his pride won’t young, him do things to make you think he’s (G)right.

Mammas Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys by Waylon Jennings & Willie Nelson — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “Mammas Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys” by Waylon Jennings & Willie Nelson 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 150 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 "Mammas Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys" 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 "Mammas Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys"?
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 "Mammas Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys" use?
Just 4 chords: C, D7, G, G7. Few enough that a child can recognize them quickly.
What other Waylon Jennings & Willie Nelson songs work for kids?
Try "A Good Hearted Woman", "Mammas Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys", "Mammas Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.