Only Mama Knows

by Paul McCartney
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Lyrics

Well, I was found in the (F)tran sit lounge of a (Gm)dirt y air port town.

What was I do in’ on the (F)road to ru in?

Well, my (Gm)ma ma laid fa me down.

My ma ma laid me down.

Well, ’Round my hand was a (F)plas tic band with a (Gm)pic ture of my face.

I was I cry in’ in’, the (F)will left to die in this (Gm)god for sak fa en place,

this god for sak en place.

On ly ma ma knows

why she (Em)laid me down in this (Gm)god for sak en town.

Where she was run ning to,

what she (Em)ran from, though I al ways won dered, I nev er knew.

On ly ma ma knows,

on ly ma ma knows.

I’m pass in’ through, I’m on my way,

on the road, no E.

T.

A.

I’m pass in’ through no fixed a bode,

and that is why

I need to try

to hold on.

I’ve got ta hold on,

got to hold on.

I’ve got to hold on,

I’ve got to hold on,

we’ve on ly got ta hold on.

Only Mama Knows by Paul McCartney

Easy piano arrangement in the key of C at 66 BPM. Difficulty: easy. Color-coded notes — no sheet-reading skill required.

About “Only Mama Knows”

What key is "Only Mama Knows" in?
"Only Mama Knows" by Paul McCartney is in the key of C with a tempo of 66 BPM. Difficulty: easy.
Is "Only Mama Knows" 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 "Only Mama Knows" 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 "Only Mama Knows" on piano?
1–3 short practice sessions for the basics; 2–3 weeks to perform confidently with both hands.
What other songs by Paul McCartney can I play here?
Try "MAYBE I'M AMAZED", "MAYBE I'M AMAZED", "I DON'T KNOW". All are available in our player with color-coded notes; pick the one matching your level.

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