Mr. Pitiful

by Otis Redding

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Lyrics

(CN.C.)They call me Mis ter Pit i ful;

(F)ba (C)by, that’s my name.

They call (F)me Mis (C)ter Pit i ful;

that’s how I got my fame.

But no bod y seems to un der stand, (F)now, what makes a man feel so blue.

Oh, they (F7)call (Bb)me Mis (C)ter Pit i ful

’cause I lost (C)some one (C)just like you.

(CN.C.)They call me Mis ter Pit i ful;

(F)ba (C)by, that’s my name.

They call (F)me Mis (C)ter Pit i ful;

that’s how I got my fame.

But no bod y seems to un der stand, (F)now, what makes a man feel so blue.

Oh, they (F7)call (Bb)me Mis (C)ter Pit i ful

’cause I lost (C)some one (C)just like you.

(CN.C.)They call me Mis ter

How can I ex plain to you

some bod y act ing so ver y blue?

How can I tell you ’bout my fame?

Oh, don’t think t’will do.

(CN.C.)Yeah, Mis ter

Mr. Pitiful by Otis Redding — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “Mr. Pitiful by Otis Redding 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 C at 140 BPM, a medium-difficulty arrangement — try slowing the tempo down using the BPM control.

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 "Mr. Pitiful" 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 "Mr. Pitiful"?
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 "Mr. Pitiful" use?
Just 8 chords: Am7, Bb, C, C7, F, F7, G, G7. Take it one section at a time.
What other Otis Redding songs work for kids?
Try "(Sittin' On) The Dock Of The Bay", "THE DOCK OF THE BAY", "I'VE BEEN LOVING YOU TOO LONG". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.