The 1980s was a vibrant decade for music, witnessing the rise of various genres and artists. Here's a selection of popular songs from the 1980s across different genres. These classic songs represent only a small fraction of the top music from the 1980s. Below are the tabs so that you can play them on the Kalimba!
1. "Billie Jean" by Michael Jackson (1982)
Billie Jean by Michael Jackson narrates the tale of a man's interaction with a woman named Billie Jean, who asserts he is the father of her child, despite his denial. Jackson explores themes of denial, caution, and accountability, highlighting the repercussions of impulsive behavior. The song underscores the intricacies of relationships and underscores the significance of thoughtful decision-making and responsibility in personal interactions.
D E F E D E F E
D A A A G G F A G F G F A
A A A A F G F A G F E D
D F D D F D D F D D E
F D F G F E D
D F D D F D D F D D E F E
F A A A A F G F A G F G F A
F A A A A F G F A G G F E D
D F D D F D D F D D E F E
A G A G A C° A C° A A G A
2. "Sweet Child o' Mine" by Guns N' Roses (1987)
Sweet Child o' Mine" is about into the singer's deep affection for someone significant in their life, evoking memories of innocence and happiness. Through nostalgic reflections on childhood experiences and the person's qualities, the song expresses a profound admiration and desire to shield them from harm. The chorus highlights the powerful bond shared between the singer and the "sweet child o' mine," underscoring the depth of their connection. As the song progresses, it transitions to contemplation about the future, pondering the path ahead while reaffirming the enduring strength of their love and commitment.
C C° G F F° G E° G
C C° G F F° G E° G
D C° G F F° G E° G
D C° G F F° G E° G
F C° G F F° G E° G
F C° G F F° G E° G
C C° G F F° G E° G
C C° G F F° G E° G
C C° G F F° G E° G
C C° G F F° G E° G
3. "I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)" by Whitney Houston (1987)
The song captures the longing for companionship and happiness found through dance, as the singer seeks a loving partner to alleviate loneliness. Despite past experiences of love and loss, the singer maintains hope for enduring companionship. Through its upbeat tempo and catchy rhythm, the song reflects the singer's enthusiasm in finding a partner to share in their joy. Ultimately, it celebrates the universal desire for love, connection, and the sheer delight of dancing with a special someone, resonating with listeners through its themes of hope and longing. This song requires custom tuning: F = F#
B B D° B B
A G A B B A
B B D° B B
A G A B B A G
B B D° B B
A G A B B A
B B D° G G G A B A
B B D° G A B A G G
D D D D D E F# F#
4. "Take On Me" by a-ha (1985)
The singer longs to overcome barriers and establish a connection with the other person, even amidst potential stumbling blocks. Through the lyrics, a palpable urgency and determination emerge, emphasizing a readiness to go for love despite its inherent challenges. The repetition of "Take on me" underscores a willingness to go on the journey of love, despite its unpredictable nature. The song encapsulates themes of courage, vulnerability, and the pursuit of meaningful connection in relationships, resonating with listeners through its heartfelt exploration of human emotion.
A A F D D G G G B B C° C°
C° C° C° G F A A A G G A G
A A F D D G G G B B C° C°
C° C° C° G F A A A G G
F F E D E E E C
A A A G F F F E D
D E E E D C D E D C
F F F F F F F F F F F E E D
C B C° G A G
C G A G A G E B C°
5. "Don't Stop Believin'" by Journey (1981)
"Don't Stop Believin'" narrates the journey of a small-town girl and a city boy seeking better lives, symbolized by their midnight train ride towards hope and opportunity. Their experiences reflect the universal quest for fulfillment amidst life's trials and joys, depicted through encounters in a smokey room. As strangers navigate the city's complexities, the song emphasizes perseverance and the importance of holding onto hope, epitomized by the resounding refrain "Don't stop believin'." Through vivid imagery and an anthemic chorus, the song captures the timeless pursuit of dreams and the solace found in life's journey.
G B G A A B
G G G G D° D° B A
G B G A A B
A G A B G
G B G A A B
G G G G D° D° B A
G B G A A B
A G A B G
G B B B G A A B
G G G G D°
6. "Material Girl" by Madonna (1985)
"Material Girl" articulates the singer's view on relationships and the significance of wealth and possessions. Despite receiving various forms of attention from different boys, she underscores the necessity of financial stability and respectful treatment. The lyrics emanate confidence and assertiveness as the singer prioritizes money and materialism in her romantic pursuits. She implies that only those who can offer financial security capture her interest, highlighting the prevalence of materialism in society. Ultimately, the song depicts the singer as a self-assured and independent woman who recognizes her value amidst a culture driven by material desires.
F F F F G
G G G G A G A
F F F F F G A G A
C° C° A G F F G
G G G G A G A
F F F F F G A G F
7. "Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go" by Wham! (1984)
"Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go" perfectly, emphasizing its celebration of love, excitement, and the joy of dancing. The lyrics express the singer's vibrant emotions and their desire to share every moment with their beloved, even amidst moments of doubt and uncertainty. The song's infectious enthusiasm and lively rhythm underscore the thrill of living life to the fullest, making it a timeless anthem of youthful exuberance and love.
G A GC° C° C°
G A GC° C° C°
G A GC C E G A C°
E° E° G° F° E° D° C° A C° C° G
C C C E G A D° C°
E° E° G°F° E° D° C° A C° A C° G
G D° D° D° C°A E°E° D° E°
C° F° F° E° F° F° D° E° E° E° G° E°
AD° D°C° D° D°E° E°C°
F° F° E° F° F° A° G° G° E° G° E° A°
8. "Another One Bites the Dust" by Queen (1980)
"Another One Bites the Dust" captures the essence of confrontation and resilience as Steve navigates through a tense environment, ready for conflict. The song's repetitive chorus underscores the inevitability of challenges and the necessity of confronting them directly. Themes of defiance and perseverance emerge as Steve remains resolute despite facing adversity and exploitation. With its energetic rhythm and strong vocals, the song embodies the spirit of resilience, highlighting the readiness to confront obstacles with courage and determination.
E E E EE G E A
A G E E E
E E G E A
E E E E E G E E
E E B B B B A
E E E E E G G G
A A B B B B B A
A A B B B B B C° C° C°
G G G B B B B B B B C°
B. B B B B B C°
9. "Africa" by Toto (1982)
The song "Africa" encapsulates the narrative of a transformative journey, blending themes of exploration, introspection, and the quest for connection. As the narrator traverses the landscapes of Africa, he encounters the profound beauty of the continent and its people, evoking a profound sense of longing and reflection. The lyrics weave a narrative of yearning for meaning and redemption amidst the vastness and uncertainty of life's journey. The repeated chorus, "I bless the rains down in Africa," signifies a deep power and spiritual essence of the continent. Through its evocative imagery and introspective tone, the song resonates with themes of adventure, soul-searching, and the pursuit of inner fulfillment amidst the majestic backdrop of Africa.
(A F) (A F) (A F) (A F) (A F) (G E) (C° A)
G G G G G A B C°
E E F G G F F E D
D C E – D C D
G G G G G G – A B C°
E E F G – G F F E D – D C E
D D C D G G G G G A B C°
E E E F G G
The Only Kalimba Guide You’ll Ever Need!
The Complete Kalimba Player eBook is a 62-page resource packed with tuning guides, diagrams, exclusive tips, and 37 easy songs for all skill levels. Save time with this all-in-one guide—the only resource you’ll ever need! Get instant access to a quality-checked, printable PDF full of variety.
Was £10, now £5—offer ends soon, get yours now and start your kalimba journey today!
