What key is "Button Up Your Overcoat" in?

"Button Up Your Overcoat" by Ruth Etting is in the key of G with a tempo of 120 BPM. Difficulty: easy.

Is "Button Up Your Overcoat" easy to play on piano?

Yes — this arrangement is rated easy, meaning it uses simple chord patterns and a manageable tempo. Most beginners can play through it in 1-3 practice sessions using our color-coded notes.

Can I play "Button Up Your Overcoat" without reading sheet music?

Yes. Our player offers a falling-notes mode (Synthesia-style) and a beginner mode with color-coded keys — both let you play along without reading traditional notation.

How long does it take to learn "Button Up Your Overcoat" on piano?

1–3 short practice sessions for the basics; 2–3 weeks to perform confidently with both hands.

Lyrics

But ton up your o ver coat

when the wind is free;

(E)take (D7)good

(E)care of your (D7)self, you be (G6)long to me!

Eat an ap ple ev’ ry day,

get to bed by three;

(E)take (D7)good

(E)care of your (D7)self, you be (G6)long to me.

(G7)Be care ful (C6)cross ing streets, oo oo!

(G)Don’t eat meats, (G6)oo oo!

(Em)Cut out (Em(maj7))sweets, (Em7)oo (A7)oo!

(D7)You’ll get (Am7)a pain (D7)and ru (G)in your (Am7)tum (Bbdim)tum.

Keep a (F#7)way from (F7)boot leg hooch

when you’re on a spree;

(E)take (D7)good

(E)care of your (D7)self, you be (G6)long (C7)to (G)me.

But ton up your o ver coat

when the wind is free;

(E)take (D7)good

(E)care of your (D7)self, you be (G6)long to me!

Wear your flan nel un der wear

when you climb a tree;

(E)take (D7)good

(E)care of your (D7)self, you be (G6)long to me.

(G7)Don’t sit on (C6)hor nets tails, oo oo!

(G)or on nails, (G6)oo oo!

(Em)or third (Em(maj7))rails, (Em7)oo (A7)oo!

(D7)You’ll get (Am7)a pain (D7)and ru (G)in your (Am7)tum (Bbdim)tum.

Don’t go (F#7)out with (F7)col lege boys

when you’re on a spree;

(E)take (D7)good

(E)care of your (D7)self, you be (G6)long (C7)to (G)me.

(G)me.

Button Up Your Overcoat by Ruth Etting

1 person has learned this song

Easy piano arrangement in the key of G at 120 BPM. Difficulty: easy. Color-coded notes — no sheet-reading skill required.

About “Button Up Your Overcoat”

What key is "Button Up Your Overcoat" in?: "Button Up Your Overcoat" by Ruth Etting is in the key of G with a tempo of 120 BPM. Difficulty: easy.
Is "Button Up Your Overcoat" easy to play on piano?: Yes — this arrangement is rated easy, meaning it uses simple chord patterns and a manageable tempo. Most beginners can play through it in 1-3 practice sessions using our color-coded notes.
Can I play "Button Up Your Overcoat" without reading sheet music?: Yes. Our player offers a falling-notes mode (Synthesia-style) and a beginner mode with color-coded keys — both let you play along without reading traditional notation.
How long does it take to learn "Button Up Your Overcoat" on piano?: 1–3 short practice sessions for the basics; 2–3 weeks to perform confidently with both hands.