Papa Was A Rollin' Stone

by The Temptations

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Lyrics

It was the third of Sep tem nev er got a chance to see him.

day I’ll al ways re Nev er heard in’ but bad things a bout him.

that was the day ing on you that my dad dy died.

I nev er got a chance to see him.

day I’ll al ways re Nev er heard in’ but bad things a bout him.

Ma ma, I’m de ing on you to tell me the truth.

I

Pa pa was a roll in’ stone.”

Wher ev er he laid his hat was his home.

And when he died, all he left us was a lone.

Pa pa was a roll in’ stone.”

Wher ev er he laid his hat was his home.

And when he died, all he left us was a lone.

Hey Ma ma, is it true what they say, that Pa pa nev er worked a day in his life?

And Ma ma,

bad talk goin’ a round town say that Pa pa had three out side chil dren and an oth er wife.

And that ain’t right.

Heard some talk a bout Pa pa do in’ some store front preach in’.

Talk in’ ’bout sav in’ souls and all the time preach ing,

heal ing and then steal ing in the name of the Lord.

I heard Pa pa call him self a Jack of all in’.

trades.

Tell me, is that what sent Pa pa to an ear ly grave?

Folks say Pa pa would pend ing on you beg, bor row, steal to tell me the pay his bills.

Hey, Ma ma,

folks say Pa pa nev er was much on of think in’.

trades.

Tell Spent most of his time chas in’ wom en and drink in’.

Ma ma, Pa I’m de pend ing on you beg, bor row, steal to tell me the truth.

his bills.

Hey, Ma ma,

“Pa pa was a roll in’ stone.”

Wher ev er he laid his hat was his home.

And when he died, all he left us was a lone.

“Pa pa was a roll in’ stone.”

Wher ev er he laid his hat was his home.

And when he died, all he left us was a lone.

Papa Was A Rollin' Stone by The Temptations — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “Papa Was A Rollin' Stone by The Temptations 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 A at 120 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 "Papa Was A Rollin' Stone" 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 "Papa Was A Rollin' Stone"?
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 "Papa Was A Rollin' Stone" use?
Just 1 chord: Am7. Few enough that a child can recognize them quickly.
What other The Temptations songs work for kids?
Try "I'M LOSING YOU", "BALL OF CONFUSION", "AIN'T TOO PROUD TO BEG". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.