Mother Knows Best

by Alan Menken

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Lyrics

(Dm)still a lit tle sap pling, (G)just a (C)sprout.

(Gm7)You know why we stay up in this (C6)tow er?

That’s (Dm)right, to (G)keep you (C)safe and sound,

(F)Guess I al ways knew this day com ing,

(Dm)knew that soon you’d want to leave the (G)nest.

(Bbm)Soon, but not yet,

(D)trust me, pet;

(C7)Moth er

knows (F6)best.

(Fmaj7)Moth er knows best,

lis ten to your Moth er, (Gm)it’s a scar y (C)world out (F)there.

(Fmaj7)Moth er knows best,

one way or an oth er, (Gm)some thing will go (C)wrong, I (F7)swear.

(Bb)Ruf fi ans, thugs,

(Bbm)poi son i vy, quick sand, (Am7)can ni bals and snakes,

(Dm)oh, the plague!

(G)Al so, large bugs,

men with poin ty teeth and (Bbm)stop, no more, you’ll (C)just up set me.

(Fmaj7)Moth er’s right here,

Moth er will pro tect you, (Gm7)dar ling, here’s what (C)I sug (F)gest:

(Bbmaj7)Skip the (Bbm)dra ma, (Am7)stay with (D)Ma ma.

(Gm)Moth er

(C)knows (F)best.

(Fmaj7)Go head, get tram pled by (F6)rhi

(Am7)Go head, get mugged and left (G)dead.

(Gm7)Me, just your moth er, what do (C)I know?

I (Dm)on ly (G)bathed and (Bb)changed and nursed

(Fmaj7)Go a head and leave me, I de serve it.

(Am7)Let die a lone here, be my (G)guest!

(Bbm)When it’s too late, you’ll (Am7)see, just (D)wait.

(Gm)Moth

er

knows

(Fmaj7)best.

Moth er knows best,

take it from your Mum sy, (Gm)on your own, (C)you won’t sur (Fmaj7)vive.

Slop py, un der dressed,

im ma ture, clum sy, (Gm)please, they’ll eat (C)you up a (F)live.

(Bbmaj7)Gul li ble, na ive,

(Bbm)pos i tive ly grub by, (Am7)dit zy and a bit, well,

(Bbm)I’m just say ing (C)’cause I wuv you.

(Fmaj7)Moth er un der stands,

Moth er’s here to help you, (Gm7)all I have is one re (Cm)quest.

(Bbmaj7)Don’t for (Bbm)get it, (Am7)you’ll re (D9)gret it.

(C)Moth er

knows

(Db)best.

Mother Knows Best by Alan Menken — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “Mother Knows Best” by Alan Menken 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 96 BPM, a slightly more challenging arrangement — practice each phrase slowly first.

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 "Mother Knows Best" 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 "Mother Knows Best"?
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.