Shrimp Boats

by Jo Stafford

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Lyrics

(Eb)Shrimp boats is a (Ab)com in’, their (Eb)sails are (Fm7)in (Eb)sight.

Shrimp boats is a (Ab)com in’, there’s (Eb)danc in’ (Fm7)to (Eb)night.

Why don’t cha hur ry, hur ry, hur ry home, why don’t cha hur ry, hur ry, hur ry home?

(Look, here the) Shrimp boats is a (Ab)com in’, there’s (Eb)danc in (Fm7)to (Eb)night.

They (Ebmaj7)go (Eb7)to (Ab)sea with the (Eb)eve ing (Fm7)ning (Eb)tide and their (Fm7)wom en folk (Bb7)wave their good (Eb)bye.

(Ebmaj7)Ill sant (Eb6)vas,

(Ebmaj7)there they (Eb6)go.

(Eb)While the (Ab)Loo sian (G)a (Gb)moon (F7)floats (Emaj7)on (Eb)high,

(Eb)and they (Ab)wait for (G)the (Gb)day (F7)they (Emaj7)can (Eb)cry.

Shrimp boats is a (Ab)com in’, their (Eb)sails are (Fm7)in (Eb)sight.

Shrimp boats is a (Ab)com in’, there’s (Eb)danc in’ (Fm7)to (Eb)night.

Why don’t cha hur ry, hur ry, hur ry home, why don’t cha hur ry, hur ry, hur ry home?

(Look here the) Shrimp boats is a (Ab)com in’, there’s (Eb)danc in’ (Fm7)to (Eb)night.

Hap (Ebmaj7)py (Eb7)the (Ab)days while they’re (Eb)mend ing (Fm7)the (Eb)nets ’til once (Fm7)more they ride (Bb7)high out to (Eb)sea.

(Ebmaj7)Ill sant (Eb6)vas,

(Ebmaj7)there they (Eb6)go.

(Eb)Then how (Ab)lone ly (G)the (Gb)long (F7)nights (Emaj7)will (Eb)be,

(Eb)’til that (Ab)won der (G)ful (Gb)day (F7)when (Emaj7)they (Eb)see.

Shrimp boats is a (Ab)com in’, their (Eb)sails are (Fm7)in (Eb)sight.

Shrimp boats is a (Ab)com in’, there’s (Eb)danc in’ (Fm7)to (Eb)night.

Why don’t cha hur ry, hur ry, hur ry home, why don’t cha hur ry, hur ry, hur ry home?

(Look here the) Shrimp boats is a (Ab)com in’, there’s (Eb)danc in’ (Fm7)to (Eb)night.

(Eb)night.

Shrimp Boats by Jo Stafford — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “Shrimp Boats” by Jo Stafford 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 Ab 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 "Shrimp Boats" 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 "Shrimp Boats"?
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.