Mother Machree

by Chauncey Olcott

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Lyrics

There’s a (D)spot in my (Bm)heart which no (G)col (D)leen may own.

There’s a depth in my (G)soul (D)nev er (E7)sound ed or (A7)known.

There’s a (D)place in my (Bm)mem ’ry, my (A#)life, (G)that you (G#)fill.

No (F)oth er can (D)take it.

No (E7)one ev er (A)will.

(G)Sure (A7)I (D)love the dear (A7)sil (A)ver (A7)that (D)shines in (A7)your (D)hair

and the (G)brow (F#)that’s (G)all fur (D)rowed (Bm7)and (E7)wrin kled (Gm)with (A7)care.

I (D)kiss the dear (A7)fin (A)gers (A7)so (D)toil (G)worn (F#7)for (Bm)me.

(F#)Oh, (F#7)God (G)bless you and (D)keep you,

(Gm)Moth er Ma (D)chree!

Ev ’ry (D)sor row or (Bm)care in the (G)dear (D)days gone by

was made bright by the (G)light (D)of the (E7)smile in your (A7)eye.

Like a (D)can dle that’s (Bm)set in a (A#)win (G)dow at (G#)night,

your (F)fond love has (D)cheered me and (E7)guid ed me (A)right.

(G)Sure (A7)I (D)love the dear (A7)sil (A)ver (A7)that (D)shines in (A7)your (D)hair

and the (G)brow (F#)that’s (G)all fur (D)rowed (Bm7)and (E7)wrin kled (Gm)with (A7)care.

I (D)kiss the dear (A7)fin (A)gers (A7)so (D)toil (G)worn (F#7)for (Bm)me.

(F#)Oh, (F#7)God (G)bless you and (D)keep you,

(Gm)Moth er Ma (D)chree!

(D)chree!

Mother Machree by Chauncey Olcott — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “Mother Machree” by Chauncey Olcott 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 D at 100 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 "Mother Machree" 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 Machree"?
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.
What other Chauncey Olcott songs work for kids?
Try "My Wild Irish Rose", "My Wild Irish Rose", "When Irish Eyes Are Smiling". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.