Streets Of Bakersfield

by Dwight Yoakam & Buck Owens

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Lyrics

I came here look ing for (D)some thing

I could n’t find an y where (A)else.

Hey, I’m not try’ng to be no (D)bod y,

just want a chance to be my (A)self.

I’ve done a thou sand miles of (D)thumb in’,

don’t I’ve worn holes in both my (A)heels,

Try’ng to find me as some thing (D)bet ter

and I head ed on the streets of Ba kers (A)field.

(CN.C.)Oh, you don’t know me but you don’t (D)like me.

You say you care less how I (A)feel.

But how man y of you that sit and (D)judge me

have ev er walked the streets of Ba kers (A)field?

Spent some time in San Fran (D)cis co,

I spent a night there in the (A)can.

They threw this drunk man in my (D)jail cell,

took fif teen dol lars from that (A)man.

Left him my watch and my old (D)house key,

don’t want folks think in’ that I’d (A)steal.

Then I thanked him as I was (D)leav ing,

and I head ed for the streets of Ba kers (A)field.

(CN.C.)Oh, you don’t know me but you don’t (D)like me.

You say you care less how I (A)feel.

But how man y of you that sit and (D)judge me

have ev er walked the streets of Ba kers (A)field?

(A)field?

(A)field?

How man y of you that sit and (D)judge me

have ev er walked the streets of Ba kers (A)field?

Streets Of Bakersfield by Dwight Yoakam & Buck Owens — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “Streets Of Bakersfield” by Dwight Yoakam & Buck Owens 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 140 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 "Streets Of Bakersfield" 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 "Streets Of Bakersfield"?
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 "Streets Of Bakersfield" use?
Just 4 chords: A, C, D, E7. Few enough that a child can recognize them quickly.