Papa's Got A Brand New Bag

by James Brown

Loading song
Fetching song
1
Play in Full ModesMore Songs for Kids
Lyrics

Come here, (G6)sis ter,

and Pa pa’s in the swing.

He ain’t too (C9)hip cy

a bout that new breed, pret ty (G6)babe.

He ain’t no (D7)drag.

(CN.C.)Pa pa’s got a brand new (D7)bag.

Come here, (G6)ma ma,

and dig this cra zy scene.

He’s not too (C9)fan cy

a but this line is pret ty (G6)clean.

He ain’t no (D7)drag.

(CN.C.)Pa pa’s got a brand new (D7)bag.

Come here,

He’s do ing the (G6)Jerk.

He’s do ing the Fly.

Don’t play him cheap ’cause you know he ain’t shy.

He’s do ing the Mon key, the Mashed Po ta toes.

Jump back, Jack, see you lat er, al li ga tor.

Come here, sis ter,

Pa pa’s in the swing.

He ain’t too (C9)hip now,

but I can dig that new breed, (G6)babe.

He ain’t no (D7)drag.

(CN.C.)He’s got a brand new (D7)bag.

Oh, (G6)Pa pa, he’s do ing the Jerk.

Pa pa, he’s do ing the Jerk.

He’s do ing the (C9)Twist

just like this.

He’s do ing the (G6)Fly ev ’ry day and ev ’ry night.

The (D7)thing’s

(CN.C.)like the Boom er (D7)ang.

Hey,

come (G6)on.

Hey hey,

come on.

Hey hey, he’s up tight,

out of sight.

Come on.

Hey!

Hey!

Papa's Got A Brand New Bag by James Brown — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “Papa's Got A Brand New Bag by James Brown 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 G at 120 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 "Papa's Got A Brand New Bag" 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's Got A Brand New Bag"?
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's Got A Brand New Bag" use?
Just 5 chords: C, C6, C9, D7, G6. Take it one section at a time.
What other James Brown songs work for kids?
Try "THE PAYBACK", "SAY IT LOUD", "SOUL POWER". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.