Southern Accents

by Tom Petty

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Lyrics

There’s a (C)South tank ern At (F)ac cent

just where (Dm)I tel (C)room come (F)from.

Think the (C)young ’ns call ver by it (F)coun try,

if the (Bb)Yan kees call it (C)dumb.

Got my (Dm)own (C)way of (F)talk in’,

but ev ’ry thing is (C)done

with a (Dm)South

(C)ern (Bb)ac cent

where I

come from.

(C)Now, that (C)drunk that in keep (F)lan ta’s where where (Dm)mo ma (C)comes to (F)me.

Think and (C)might go work ver by Or (F)lan do,

if and (Bb)or ange groves don’t (C)freeze.

Got my (Dm)own

(C)way of (F)work in’,

but ev ’ry thing is (C)run

with a (Dm)South

(C)ern

(Bb)ac cent

where I

come from.

(C)Now, that

For just a min ute there, I was dream in’.

For just a min ute, it was (Dm)all so real.

For just a (G7)min ute, she was (C)stand ing (F)there with (Bb)me.

There’s a

I got my (Dm)own (C)way of (F)liv in’,

but ev ’ry thing gets (C)done

with a (Dm)South (C)ern

(Bb)ac cent

where I

come from.

Southern Accents by Tom Petty — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “Southern Accents” by Tom Petty 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 100 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 "Southern Accents" 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 "Southern Accents"?
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 "Southern Accents" use?
Just 6 chords: Bb, C, Dm, F, Fpow, G7. Take it one section at a time.
What other Tom Petty songs work for kids?
Try "YOU DON'T KNOW HOW IT FEELS", "THE WAITING", "I WON'T BACK DOWN". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.