Other arrangements of Tough Little Boys
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(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 — Simple Sheet Music
"Tough Little Boys" 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 D, 100 BPM.
Tip: Use the speed control to practice at 70% tempo first. Focus on tricky chord transitions before attempting the full arrangement.
Try other practice modes:
About “Tough Little Boys”
- How does Simplified Piano Arrangement differ from full sheet music for "Tough Little Boys"?
- 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 "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 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 "Tough Little Boys". Key of D, 100 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.
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