The Bare Necessities

by Terry Gilkyson

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Same song, different levels

The Bare Necessities

Very Easy
Terry Gilkyson200 BPM

The Bare Necessities

Easy
Terry Gilkyson160 BPM

Lyrics

(CN.C.)Look for the bare ne ces si ties, the (Bb)sim ple bare ne ces si ties; for (F)get a bout your (D7)wor ries and your (G7)strife.

I mean the bare ne (F7)ces si ties, or (Bb)Moth er Na ture’s (Bb7)rec i pes that (F)bring the (D7)bare ne (G7)ces si ties (C)of (F)life.

(CN.C.)Wher ev try er I (C)wan der, wher ev er I (F)roam.

(CN.C.)I could act n’t be (C)fond er of my in’ big (F)home.

(CN.C.)The bees are (Bb)buzz in’ in in’ the tree to you make some (F)hon ey to just for (G7)me.

But (Dm7)You look un der the (D7)rocks and plants and you (Gm)take a glance at the (C)fan cy ants, then I (F)may be try a (D)few.

The bare ne (Gm)ces si ties of (C)life will come to (F)you,

they’ll (C)come to (F)you!

(CN.C.)Look for the bare ne ces si ties, the (Bb)sim ple bare ne ces si ties; for (F)get a bout your (D7)wor ries and your (G7)strife.

I mean the bare ne (F7)ces si ties, that’s (Bb)why a bear can (Bb7)rest at ease with (F)just the (D7)bare ne (G7)ces si ties (C)of (F)life.

(CN.C.)When you try pick a (C)paw paw or pri ck ly (F)pear,

(CN.C.)and you act prick a (C)raw paw, next time in’ be (F)ware.

(CN.C.)Don’t pick the (Bb)prick ly pear in’ by paw, when some pick a (F)pear, try to use the (G7)claw.

When (Dm7)you don’t need you to (D7)use the claw when and (Gm)pick a pear of the (C)big paw paw.

Have I’ll (F)giv en you a (D)clue?

The bare ne (Gm)ces si ties of (C)life will come to (F)you,

they’ll (C)come to (F)you!

(CN.C.)Look for the (F)you!

The Bare Necessities by Terry Gilkyson — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “The Bare Necessities” by Terry Gilkyson 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 168 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 "The Bare Necessities" 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 "The Bare Necessities"?
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.