Tough Little Boys

by Gary Allan
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How to Play This Song

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

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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 — Karaoke: Lyrics & Chords to Sing & Play Along

6 people have learned this song

Free karaoke for "Tough Little Boys" by Gary Allan: lyrics on screen with the chords above each line and a bouncing ball that lands on every word in time. Sing along, or play along on guitar or piano from the chord chart. Change the key to fit your voice, slow the tempo down. Key of D, 100 BPM.

Tip: Use the speed control to practice at 70% tempo first. Focus on tricky chord transitions before attempting the full arrangement.

About “Tough Little Boys”

What key is "Tough Little Boys" by Gary Allan played in?
Tough Little Boys is arranged in the key of D on Super Simple Piano. You can transpose to any other key live in the player.
What's the tempo (BPM) of "Tough Little Boys"?
The arrangement plays at 100 BPM. Use the speed control (10-200%) to practice slower or play faster.
Is "Tough Little Boys" easy to play on piano?
This is a medium-difficulty arrangement. Most players can learn it within a few practice sessions using the speed control.
Can I download sheet music for "Tough Little Boys"?
Yes — registered users can download PDF sheet music, plus MIDI and MusicXML files for use in other notation software.
Who composed "Tough Little Boys"?
"Tough Little Boys" was originally performed by Gary Allan. The Super Simple Piano arrangement is simplified for beginner-to-intermediate players.
What chords are used in "Tough Little Boys"?
This arrangement uses 12 chords: A, A7, Bm, D, D7, Dmaj7, Em7, Em9, +4 more.
What other songs by Gary Allan can I play here?
Try "EVERY STORM", "LIFE AIN'T ALWAYS BEAUTIFUL", "Every Storm (Runs Out Of Rain)". All are in our player with color-coded notes; pick the one matching your level.
Is there a karaoke version of "Tough Little Boys" with lyrics?
Yes — this is a free karaoke slide for "Tough Little Boys" by Gary Allan. The lyrics appear on screen a line at a time and each word lights up exactly when it's sung, with a bouncing ball leading you word to word. A backing plays underneath so you can just sing.
Does it show chords so I can play along on guitar or piano?
It does — a chord symbol sits on a thin row just above the lyric it changes on, so the same screen doubles as a lyrics-and-chords chart. Guitarists can strum the changes and pianists can comp while singing; the chords are colour-coded and move with the live transpose if you change key.
Can I change the key of "Tough Little Boys" to match my voice or capo?
Yes. The original is in D, but the live transpose control shifts the whole song up or down semitones until the melody sits in your range (or maps to an easier guitar shape / capo position) — the on-screen chords and the backing move with it.
Can I slow "Tough Little Boys" down to learn the words and chords?
Yes — the tempo control lets you take it as slow as you need while the lyrics still light up in time and the ball keeps you on the beat. Speed it back up once you can sing and play it through.