Only Mama Knows

· by Paul McCartney

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Lyrics

Well, I was found in the (F)tran sit lounge of a (Gm)dirt y air port town.

What was I do in’ on the (F)road to ru in?

Well, my (Gm)ma ma laid fa me down.

My ma ma laid me down.

Well, ’Round my hand was a (F)plas tic band with a (Gm)pic ture of my face.

I was I cry in’ in’, the (F)will left to die in this (Gm)god for sak fa en place,

this god for sak en place.

On ly ma ma knows

why she (Em)laid me down in this (Gm)god for sak en town.

Where she was run ning to,

what she (Em)ran from, though I al ways won dered, I nev er knew.

On ly ma ma knows,

on ly ma ma knows.

I’m pass in’ through, I’m on my way,

on the road, no E.

T.

A.

I’m pass in’ through no fixed a bode,

and that is why

I need to try

to hold on.

I’ve got ta hold on,

got to hold on.

I’ve got to hold on,

I’ve got to hold on,

we’ve on ly got ta hold on.

Only Mama Knows by Paul McCartney — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “Only Mama Knows” by Paul McCartney 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 66 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 "Only Mama Knows" 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 "Only Mama Knows"?: 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 Paul McCartney songs work for kids?: Try "MAYBE I'M AMAZED", "MAYBE I'M AMAZED", "I DON'T KNOW". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.