Zoot Suit Riot

by Cherry Poppin' Daddies

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Lyrics

A Who’s that whis per ing gin’ in the trees?

a It’s two sail ors and an (E7)they’re on leave.

(Am)Pipes and chains my, and you’ll swing in’ hands; Who’s your dad dy?

hot (Am)Yes I am.

You (Dm)Fat cat came to play; now he (Am)can’t run fast e nough.

(Dm)You’d best stay a way when the (E7)push ers come to shove.

(Am)Zoot suit ri ot (ri ot), throw back a bot tle of beer.

(Am)Zoot suit ri ot (ri ot), a pull a comb through your (E7)coal black (Am)hair.

Zoot suit ri ot (ri ot), throw back a bot tle of beer.

Zoot suit ri ot (ri ot), a pull a comb through your (E7)coal black (Am)hair.

Spoken: dad dy!

A whipped up jit ter bug gin’ brown eyed man, a stray cat front in’ out an (E7)eight piece band.

(Am)Cut me, Sam my, and you’ll un der stand in my veins dy?

hot (Am)mu sic ran.

You (Dm)got me in a sway and I (Am)want to swing you, dove.

(Dm)Now you sail ors know where your (E7)wom en come for love.

(Am)Zoot suit ri ot (ri ot), throw back a bot tle of beer.

(Am)Zoot suit ri ot (ri ot), a pull a comb through your (E7)coal black (Am)hair.

Zoot suit ri ot (ri ot), throw back a bot tle of beer.

Zoot suit ri ot (ri ot), a pull a comb through your (E7)coal black (Am)hair.

Blow, dad dy!

(Am)hair.

(Am7)ri ot.

You’re in a zoot suit (Am7)ri ot.

You’re in a zoot suit ri ot.

You’re in a zoot suit ri ot.

Za doot za yow.

Za doot za zoo zee.

Flay a ba di ya.

Zay zay zay.

Ba doot za ya ya yow.

Ba doot za zoo zay.

Zay zoo zay ze zoo.

Dey deyt dey.

(E7)Oh, you (Dm)got me in a sway and I (Am)want to swing you, dove.

(Dm)Now you sail ors know where your (E7)wom en come for love.

(Am)Zoot suit ri ot (ri ot), throw back a bot tle of beer.

(Am)Zoot suit ri ot (ri ot), a pull a comb through your (E7)coal black (Am)hair

Zoot Suit Riot by Cherry Poppin' Daddies — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “Zoot Suit Riot” by Cherry Poppin' Daddies 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 C 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 "Zoot Suit Riot" 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 "Zoot Suit Riot"?
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.