Tell Mama

by Janis Joplin

🎹 Loading song
Preparing player…
1
—
Play in Full ModesMore Songs for Kids

Lyrics

You thought you had to find a good girl,

one to love you and (C)give you the world.

Now you find that (C)you’ve been mis used.

Talk to me, I’ll (C)do what you choose.

I want you to

tell Ma ma

all a bout it;

tell Ma ma

what you need.

Tell Ma ma

what you want,

and (F7)I’ll make ev ’ry (Bb)thing all right.

That girl you had did n’t have no sense.

She was n’t worth all the (C)time that you spent.

She had oth er man (C)throw you out doors.

Now the same man is (C)wear in’ your clothes.

I want you to

She would em bar rass you (C)an y where.

She let ev ’ry bod y know (C)she did n’t care.

Give me a chance, I’ve been (C)beg gin’ you.

I just wan na take care of you.

I want you to

tell Ma ma

all a bout it;

tell Ma ma

what you need.

Tell Ma ma

what you want.

Tell Ma ma

what you want right now.

Tell me.

Tell your Ma ma.

Tell Ma ma

what you want right now.

Tell me.

Tell your Ma ma.

Tell Ma ma.

Tell Mama by Janis Joplin — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “Tell Mama” by Janis Joplin 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 "Tell Mama" 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 "Tell Mama"?
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.