Tough Little Boys

by Gary Allan

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Lyrics

(D)I nev er once backed as (Dmaj7)down from a punch,

well, (D7)I’d take it square on the chin.

Well, (Gm)I found out fast

a (Bm)bul ly’s just that.

can (Em7)You’ve got to stand up to him.

So, (D)I did n’t cry when I (Dmaj7)got a black eye.

As (D7)bad as it hurt, I just (G)grinned.

But when (Gm)tough lit tle boys

grow (D)up to be dads, (D)they turn (Em7)in to big ba bies a gain.

Well, (Bm)Scared me to death

when you (G)took your first steps.

Well, I’d (D)fall ev ’ry time you fell (D)down.

And your (Bm)first day of school

I (G)cried like a fool and I (Em7)fol lowed your school bus to town.

Well, (D)I did n’t cry

when (Dmaj7)Old Yel ler died,

at (D7)least not in front of my (G)friends.

But when (Gm)tough lit tle boys grow (D)up to be dads, (D)they turn in to big ba bies a gain.

Well, (D)I’m a grown man, but as (Dmaj7)strong as I am,

well, (D7)some times it’s hard to be lieve

how (Gm)one lit tle girl

with (Bm)lit tle blonde curls can (Em7)to tal ly ter ri fy me.

If (D)you were to ask, my I (Dmaj7)wife would just laugh,

she’d (D7)say an old law a bout (G)men

and how (Gm)tough lit tle boys grow (D)up to be dads, (D)they turn (Em7)in to big ba bies a gain.

Well, (Bm)I know one day I’ll you (G)give you a way Well, and (D)I’m gon na stand there and (D)smile.

And But (Bm)when I get home and (G)I’m all a lone, well, I’ll (Em7)sit in your room for a while.

Well, (D)I did n’t cry

when (Dmaj7)Old Yel ler died,

at (D7)least not in front of my (G)friends.

But when (Gm)tough lit tle boys grow (D)up to be dads, (D)they turn in to big ba bies a gain.

Well,

When (G)tough lit tle boys grow (D)up to be dads,

they turn (Em9)in to big ba bies a (D)gain.

Tough Little Boys by Gary Allan — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “Tough Little Boys” by Gary Allan 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 D 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 "Tough Little Boys" 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 "Tough Little Boys"?
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.