I'm An Old Cowhand (From The Rio Grande)

by Johnny Mercer
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Learn a simple version, phrase by phrase: the melody, then easy chords.

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Other arrangements of I'm An Old Cowhand (From The Rio Grande)

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Sheet MusicBar NotationSimple SheetLead SheetKaraoke · LyricsEasy NotesFalling Notes
Lyrics

I’m an old cow (Dm)hand

from the Ri o (C)Grande,

but my legs ain’t (Dm)bowed

and my cheeks ain’t (C)tanned.

I’m a (Am)cow boy who nev er (Em)saw a cow, nev er (Am)roped a steer ’cause I (Em)don’t know how, and I (Am)sho’ ain’t fix in’ to (Em)start in now.

(Dm)Yip pee i (G)o ki (C)ay,

(Dm)yip pee i (G)o ki (C)ay.

I'm An Old Cowhand (From The Rio Grande) — Simple Sheet Music

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"I'm An Old Cowhand (From The Rio Grande)" in simplified sheet music format — the bridge between beginner modes and real sheet music. Color-coded notes with lyrics scrolling horizontally. Perfect for learning to read music. Key of C, 110 BPM.

Tip: Start at 50% speed to get comfortable with the fingering, then work your way up to full tempo.

Try other practice modes:

Falling NotesBeginnerLead SheetBar SheetKaraoke

About “I'm An Old Cowhand (From The Rio Grande)”

How does Simplified Piano Arrangement differ from full sheet music for "I'm An Old Cowhand (From The Rio Grande)"?
Simplified Arrangement keeps the melody and chords on a simplified staff with lyrics, color-coded for easy recognition. It's a learner-bridge between Beginner mode and the classic engraved Sheet Music — same song, less visual density.
What key is "I'm An Old Cowhand (From The Rio Grande)" by Johnny Mercer played in?
I'm An Old Cowhand (From The Rio Grande) is arranged in the key of C on Super Simple Piano. You can transpose to any other key live in the player.
What's the tempo (BPM) of "I'm An Old Cowhand (From The Rio Grande)"?
The arrangement plays at 110 BPM. Use the speed control (10-200%) to practice slower or play faster.
Is "I'm An Old Cowhand (From The Rio Grande)" easy to play on piano?
Yes — this is one of our beginner-friendly arrangements with simplified chords and color-coded notes.
Can I download sheet music for "I'm An Old Cowhand (From The Rio Grande)"?
Yes — registered users can download PDF sheet music, plus MIDI and MusicXML files for use in other notation software.
Who composed "I'm An Old Cowhand (From The Rio Grande)"?
"I'm An Old Cowhand (From The Rio Grande)" was originally performed by Johnny Mercer. The Super Simple Piano arrangement is simplified for beginner-to-intermediate players.
What other songs by Johnny Mercer can I play here?
Try "WHEN YOU'RE IN LOVE", "Autumn Leaves", "Come Rain Or Come Shine". All are in our player with color-coded notes; pick the one matching your level.
Is Simple Sheet good for learning to read sheet music?
Yes! Simple Sheet bridges the gap between beginner color-coded modes and traditional notation. Notes are displayed on a simplified staff with colors, lyrics, and chords — helping you build music reading skills gradually while still enjoying "I'm An Old Cowhand (From The Rio Grande)". Key of C, 110 BPM.
What's the difference between Simple Sheet and Lead Sheet?
Simple Sheet shows a more streamlined, horizontally scrolling view with color-coded notes on a staff and lyrics below — like a simplified version of real sheet music. Lead Sheet shows melody with chord symbols above and full lyrics. Simple Sheet is the next step toward reading traditional notation.