Run And Tell That (From Hairspray)

by Marc Shaiman

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Lyrics

(Fm7)Ooh.

Ooh (Gm)ooh (F)ooh.

Ooh (Gm)ooh (Fm7)ooh.

Ooh (Gm)ooh (F)woo!

(F)I can’t see why (Bb)peo ple look at me and (Bb)on ly (F7)see the col or of my (Bb)face.

And (F7)then there’s those that (Bb)try to help, God knows, but (Bb)have to (F7)al ways put me in my (Bb)place.

Now (G)I won’t ask you to be col or blind, ’cause if you (Bb)pick the can fruit nice then, girl, you’re sure to (Eb)find...

(Edim7)The (F7)black er the ber ry, the (F7)sweet er the juice.

I could (F7)say it ain’t so, but, dar lin’, what’s the use?

The (F7)dark er the choc ’late, the (F7)rich er the taste.

And (CN.C.)that’s where it’s at...

(CN.C.)...now run and tell that!

(Bb9)(Run and tell (F7)that!) (Bb9)Run and tell that!

(Bb9)(Run and tell (F7)that!)

(F)I can’t see why (Bb)peo ple dis a gree each (Bb)time I (F7)tell them what I know is (Bb)true.

And (F7)if you come and (Bb)see the world I’m from, I (Bb)bet your (F7)heart is gon na feel it, (Bb)too.

Yeah, (G)I could lie, but, ba by, let’s be bold.

’cause if Va (Bb)nil la can be nice but if the truth be (Eb)told...

(Edim7)The (F7)black er the ber ry, the (F7)sweet er the juice.

I could (F7)say it ain’t so, but, dar lin’, what’s the use?

The (F7)dark er the choc ’late, the (F7)rich er the taste.

And (CN.C.)that’s where it’s at...

(CN.C.)...now run and tell that!

(Bb9)(Run and tell (F7)that!) (Bb9)Run and tell that!

(Bb9)(Run and tell (F7)that!)

(F7)that!) Now (Bb9)run and tell that!

(Bb9)(Run and tell (F7)that!) Now (Bb9)run and tell (CN.C.)that!

I’m (F7)ti red of cov ’rin’ up all my pride.

So (Gm)give me five (F)on the black hand side.

I’ve got a (F7)new way of mov in’ and I got my own voice.

So (Gm)how can I help (F)but to shout and re joice?

The (Dm)peo ple ’round here can bare ly pay their rent.

They’re (Bb)“try’n’ to make a dol lar out ta fif teen cent.” But (G)we got a spir it mon ey just can’t buy.

It’s (C)deep as a riv er and soars to the sky!

(G7)I can’t see the (C)rea son it can’t be the (C)kind a (G7)world where we all get our (C)chance.

The (G7)time is now, and (C)we can show them how to (C)turn the (G7)mu sic up and let’s all (C)dance.

’Cause (A)all things are e qual when it comes to love.

Well, (C)that ain’t quite true, ’cause when push comes to (F)shove...

The (G7)black er the ber ry, the (G7)sweet er the juice.

I could (G7)say it ain’t so, but, dar lin’, what’s the use?

The (G7)dark er the choc ’late, the (G7)rich er the taste.

And (CN.C.)that’s where it’s at...

Woo!

(CN.C.)...now run and tell that!

(C9)(Run and tell (G7)that!) Now (C9)run and tell that!

(C9)(Run and tell (G7)that!)

That!

Run And Tell That (From Hairspray) by Marc Shaiman — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “Run And Tell That (From Hairspray)” by Marc Shaiman 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 Bb 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 "Run And Tell That (From Hairspray)" 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 "Run And Tell That (From Hairspray)"?
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 Marc Shaiman songs work for kids?
Try "I CAN HEAR THE BELLS", "MAMA, I'M A BIG GIRL NOW", "Big, Blonde And Beautiful (from Hairspray)". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.