Explore how to play some of the most popular pop songs on the kalimba with these simple and easy-to-follow tabs! These tabs are provided for educational purposes only. All rights to the original music belong to the respective owners.
1. Beautiful in white (Kalimba Tutorial Video)
Beautiful in white is a wedding song about how beautiful a man's wife looks in a white wedding dress. The song is on the 'Love Always' album by Shane Filan, the lead singer of the band Westlife. The pop track was produced by Rawling Meehan and was officially released in 2017.
As a father that has a daughter, the song makes me feel very emotional, especially the part when the songs lyrics go like this: "And if a daughters what our future holds, I hope she has your eyes, finds love like you and I did. And if she falls in love we will let her go, I'll walk her down the aisle, she'll look so beautiful in white." I love my daughter a lot and the thought of her growing up and leaving home scares me.
Eº Dº Cº B A G A B
Eº Dº Cº B A G A B
Cº Cº Cº B G
A B Cº G E
A B Cº G E A B Cº D
Cº Cº Cº Cº B G
A B Cº G E
A B Cº G E A B Cº D
Cº Dº Eº Eº Eº Gº Gº Dº
Cº Cº Eº Eº B
2. Lana Del Rey – Video Games
Video games by Lana Del Rey was released back in 2012, it was featured on the album called 'born to die: the paradise edition' other artists that helped make the song included Justin Parker. Since the song was released it has won some awards including World music award for world's best song and more. The music video was recorded on an old video camera and has clips of her, her boyfriend and friends doing things they enjoy. The song brings many feelings of nostalgia. There have been some other recordings of the song for example, the young professionals, Louis Delort, and Tom Odell.
A/E° C/G° A/E° C/G°
E/G F/A A/E° C/G°
A/E° C/G° E/G° F/F° A/E°
A/C° C° C° C° C/E° E°
A/C° C° C° C° C/E° E°
E/G G G G F/A
C°/A C° C° C° C/E° G G
A/C° C° C° C° C/E° E° G
E/G G G F/A C° A E°
A/E° E° E° E° C/G° A°
3. Born to Die Lana Del Rey
The song 'Born to Die' was originally recorded by American singer songwriter Lana Del Rey and was released in 2011. It was featured on her album that was also called Born to Die". The lyrics were co-written by herself and Justin Parker. Lana del rey was only 26 years old when she released the song and it went on to peak at #2 on the Billboard charts selling 77,000 copies.
The meaning of the song is open to interpretation but could refer to an 'unstable and abusive relationship with regular drug use. The term born to die seems less to do with death and more to do with their relationship coming to its end with the lyrics: "Because you and I, we were born to die".
(CEG) E° E° D° E° D° G
(CEG) E° E° E° E° D° D° E° D°G
D° E° D° C°
(FAC) E° A A C° D° C° E°A
E° E° E° D° D° D°
(GB) D° D° D° D° D° E° C° B A
A E° E° E° A A C° (FA)
C° C° D° (AC°) E°
A° G° E° (GB) D°
D° C° D° C° D° C° (F) D°
4. Fools Garden - Lemon Tree
Fools garden wrote lemon tree in 1995, with a sad meaning behind the song, The sad reasoning behind the song was that peter freudenthaler girlfriend crashed and died into a lemon tree. The lemon tree stands for bitterness, sadness and not a positive meaning. The song was featured on the pop CD album called 'dish of the day' and won an echo award for best national newcomer.
A E* A E* E B E B
A E* A E* E B
B B D A D A E B E B
A E* E G A D E* E* E* A* A* D* D* G*
E* E* E* E* E* D* D* E*
D* E* E* E* A* A* D* D* G*
D* C* D* D* C* D* C* D* E*
G* D* D* D* C* D* E*
D* E* D* C* A
D E* E* E* A* A* D* D* G*
5. Passenger - Let Her Go
Let her go was written by michael rosenberg and released in 2012, featured on the album all the little lights. The song is the passengers single, it became hugely popular with viewers because of the relatable words in the song. 'Only need the light when its burning low' meaning you don't appreciate what we have enough, we take things for granted always and cant cope when it's gone.
Many people will end or leave a relationship because they feel the person is not right for them, or they are not as committed and then once they leave them and its too late, they realise what they have lost, that love and friendship they cant get back, 'only know you love her when you let her go'.
A B A G D E G E B A
A B A G D E G E G D’ B G A B xD
B B A B A G G G E G E G
A B A G A A G B A A G
A B A G A G E E E D G
(G-D) (D-F) (D-F) (D-F)
B B B A A G G G E G E G
A B A G A A G B A A G
A B A G A G E E E D G
6. Bruno Mars - When I was your man
Bruno Mars is one of the most respected singers in the world today. His hits include "Just the Way You Are" and " Grenade ." But what many people don't know is that his early songs were pretty dark. In fact, his first hit, "Just the Way You Are," was about a cheating boyfriend. Mars later revealed that the song was written about his own experiences. His latest release, "When I Was Your Man," is a beautiful love story of a man who loved and lost a woman. It's a moving and emotional song that is sure to touch your heart. If you're a fan of Bruno Mars you will love the kalimba tab below.
(C°A) (C°F) (C°C) C° B
(AE) E° E° E° D° (E°E) E° D° E° D° C° (E°F) F° F° F C F E
(DG) D° D° D° C° (DD°) D° D° C° A (CD°) E° E° (C°G) (DB)
(AE) E° E° E° D° (E°E) E° D° E° D° C° (E°F°) F° G° F° (F E° D°)
(DG) D° D° D° C° (DD°) C° D° C° E° D° C° (C° C) E G C° (C° G E C) D° A B
(AC°) C° B° A A° G° A B° E G B G E G B G
D (FF°) (AF°) F° E° (AFD F°) F° E° F E° F° (E°D°BG) D° B G C° (GA°) G° E° G° A°
(E°F) D° A C° A (DG) B A A C° (EC) E G E (GA°) A° G° E° G° A°
(E°F) D° A C° A (DG) A C° E° D° C° (C°C) E G E (GA°) A° G° G° C°
7. Alan Walker, K-391 & Emelie Hollow - LILY
The pop hit LILY by Alan Walker, K-391 & Emelie Hollow was released in 2018 and was featured on the album called different world. There is very little information on why the song was written and the meaning behind it but the song is very hypnotic and the words have a mixed emotion, it sounds like a story of a girl being told. The words are easy to listen to and the keys are easy to play along to. By the sounds of the song it sounds like something traumatic happened to lily when she visited the woods alone, it sounds like she went through alot and wanted to get out of the scary place she was in.
E°D°E°D°E° A°F° C°D°C°
D°C°D° G°E° D°E°A AAE°D°
C°B E°D°E°D°E° A°F° F°E°
D°C°B BC°D° G°E° E°D°C°D°
A C°E° D° F°A° B° B°C°°B°A°
C°°A°G° C°°A°G° C°°B°C°° D°°
E°°E°° D°°C°°D°°A° C°°A°G° C°°
A°G° C°°B°C°° D°°E°°E°° D°°C°°
D°°A° E°D°E°D°E° A°F° F°E°D°C°
B BC°D° G°E° E°D°C°D° A AGA E°
8. La Vie En Rose
The lyric La vie en Rose translates to Life in pink, Life in happy hues or even: Life through happy lenses. Louiguy produced the music, but Edith Piaf wrote the lyrics. The romantic heartbreak song is about the loss of love and trying to survive through the tough times. The song was officially released in 1977. The track has been covered many times, but Louis Armstrong, Edith Piaf, Andrea Brocelli, Julio Iglesias, Daniela Andrade, and Adarius Simpkins are the most popular versions. Even Lady gaga covered the song in her feature movie; a star is born.
(C° C) E B (A C) G
E C (E G B) E
A G E C B (A F) D G E
C C B (A F) D (C E G)
(F D°) D C° (E G B) A
F C° (G B) E
A G C C (A F) D A F
C C B (A F) D (C E G)
(C° C) E B (A C) G
E B (A F) D
9. Lewis Capaldi - someone you loved
The heartbreak song someone you loved was released in 2019 and won the Grammy award for song of the year. It was produced by Samuel Romans, Thomas Barnes, Lewis Capaldi and was featured on the album Divinely uninspired to a hellish extent. After the release of this song, it was stuck in my head for weeks; it is one of those songs that you can cry to while thinking about everything sad that's going on.
Whilst not a nice feeling, the song helps you express yourself. The music video features Lewis Capaldi's cousin Peter who is a Scottish actor who portrays a man that loses his wife. Below you will find the number notes and letter notations so that you can choose how you would like to read the notes to play this emotional song. Lewes admitted that the song was written about the end of a relationship and a family bereavement. He wanted the song to be relatable in relationships and losing people as well. Other recordings of the song include a cover by Nicole cross, and Andie case in 2019.
A° C° A° C° A° C° A° C° 3° G E° G E° G
F° A F° A F° A F° A D° F° D° F D° F D° F
C° C° A C° A C° A D° E° D° C° C° D° A G
C° C° A C° A C° A D° E° D° C° C° E° A G
G A G G E° G A G E° D°
G G G G C° E° E° D° C° A
G A G G E° G A G E° D°
E° E° E° E° D° D° D° D° C° C° D°
C° C° C° F° F° E° C° C° F° F° E°
C° C° F° F° E° C° C° C° G° G° E°
10. Adele - Rolling in the deep
Rolling in the Deep is a powerful breakup anthem by Adele. The song features strong vocals and a catchy beat, making it one of Adele's most popular hits. It's about a lover who has done Adele wrong, and she's not afraid to call them out for their mistakes. The lyrics are emotional and raw, conveying the pain and heartbreak that many can relate to when going through a breakup.
E. E. D. C. A E . E. D. C. A E. G. E. D. C. A A C. C. B A A
E. E. D. C. A E . E. D. C. A E. G. E. D. C. A A C. C. B A A
A E. E. D. C. A C. C. E. E. D. C. A C. C. E. E. D. C. C. C. D. C.
E. C. C. C. E. E. D. C. A C. C. E. E. D. C. A C. C. E. E. D. C. E.
G. E. G. E. G. A. A. G. G. E. G. E. G. A. B. G. E. E. G. E. G. E. G.
A. A. G. E. E. E. F. E. E. F. E. D. C. A E. E. D. C. A E. E. D.
C. A E. G. E. D. C. A A C. C. C. B A A E. E. D. C. A E. E. D.
C. A E. G. E. D. C. A A C. C. C. B A A E. E. D. C. A C. C.
E. E. D. C. A C. C. E. E. D. C. C. C. D .C . E. C. C.
11. Right Here Waiting
Right here waiting was written and produced by Richard Marx, it was released in 1989, the song was featured on the music album called 'repeat offender'. When you listen to this song, you may shed a tear. The lyrics hit hard and make you feel emotional and sad. The music video features Richard Marx singing in a phonebox, on stage and playing a piano. There is a huge crowd dancing and cheering in other shots. The meaning of the song was written because richard and his wife were separate doing things as she was shooting a film in Africa and he missed her, but he would wait because she was worth it.
Gº Gº Fº Eº Dº Dº Dº Eº Fº Eº Cº Dº Eº Fº Eº Dº Cº B Cº
G Cº Dº Dº Eº Eº Dº Cº Dº A A B Cº Dº B A G
G Cº Dº Dº Eº Fº Eº Cº Dº G A B Cº Dº B Cº Cº
Cº Dº Eº Fº Eº Cº Dº Cº Dº Eº Fº Eº Cº A G
Gº Gº Fº Eº Dº Dº Dº Eº Fº Eº Cº Cº Dº Eº Dº Cº B A G
Gº Gº Fº Eº Dº Dº Dº Eº Fº Eº Cº Dº Eº Fº Eº Dº Cº B Cº
12. Africa - Toto
The pop song called ‘Africa was originally released in 1982 by the band ‘Toto’. It was written by Keyboardist David Paich and drummer Jeff Porcaro and despite the songs title, the writers had never actually visited Africa. The song has been voted as the greatest song of all time but never actually made it to number one. It came close though, peaking at number 3 in the official top charts.
The meaning behind the song seems to be the driving factor of its popularity as well as the layered harmonies, driving drum loops and the extremely catchy chorus. The band name ‘Toto’ means “all together or without exception”. The meaning behind the song is of course open to interpretation, however Paich explained that the song is about a mans love of a continent and according to him the lyrics were based on a late night documentary that featured depiction of African suffering. After not being able to remove the vivid images from his mind, he imagined that he was there and started to write the lyrics. Below is a number and letter notation so that you can play this classic on the kalimba and feel free to use any notation that you prefer.
(AF) (AF) (AF) (AF) (AF) (GE) (C° A)
(AF) (AF) (AF) (AF) (AF) (GE) (C° A)
(AF) (AF) (AF) (AF) (AF) (GE) (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°
13. Jason Mraz - I’m Yours
The pop rock song was initially released in 2008. The song was written and performed by American singer songwriter Jason Mraz. I’m yours was the first single to be featured on Jason’s third album called we sing. We dance. We steal things. It was covered by Vitamin string quartet in 2008, again by the Kings singers in 2010, and by the dual sessions in 2014. It held a record high on the most weeks spent on the chart on the hot 100 billboard charts peaking at No. 6 and No. 5 on the billboard pop 100.
The video begins with a man on an aeroplane and then a man getting ready to leave with a bag on his back and leaving a key and ukulele on the table then it moves on to him trying to hitchhike a lift in a car, the video shows clips of him on a journey travelling with beautiful scenery. He turns up to a skateboard park and had many people skating up and down the ramps. The moral of the video is about exploration of the world, having fun, smiling and being around people feeling good. It is a feel good song and makes you want to explore.
C° D° (CE) E° C° C°
C° C° C° D° E°
(EGB) D° B° B° B°
B° B° C° D°
(CEA) C° C° C° B A
G (C) F F F° E°
C° D° C° (CEG) E° C° C°
C° C° C° D° E°
(EGB) D° B° B° B°
B° B° C° D°
14. Can You Feel The Love Tonight
Can you feel the love tonight was released in 1994 and was created by Elton John and Tim Rice it has since won many awards including academy award for best music (original song). It is a sweet love song of the story between two lions in a relationship.
(G° C) G E° (D G B D°)
G G° E° E A C° (A C)
F A G (C G) E G C° (F F°)
A E° C° (D G B D°)
G E° D° C° B G (A C)
F C° (C° C) G G (G° E G B)
G E° (C° C) C° A F G A C° (F F°)
A E° (C° C) G E° D° D
G C° B C° C° G
(A C) F C° C° D° C°
15. Never gonna give you up
Give you up was written and composed by rick Astley, matt Aitken and mike stock. It was released in 1987 and became a huge hit in the pop hits and was awarded best British single at the 1988 Brit Awards. Family guy devoted an episode where Brian (the dog) plays and sings the song 'never give you up' on the stage with lead guitarists and drummers playing long with it. The song was played in many popular films including, angry birds where the eagle did not want to give up on the eggs, so it flew to get them. It was also featured in an episode recently of 'ted lasso' the football series on Apple TV it was used in Rebeca's dads funeral where she had no words come to here so she recited the words from the song.
The meaning behind the song actually began whilst recording a song with astleys producers, astley answered the phone to his girlfriend and the producer said 'your never going to give her up' which gave them the perfect idea for a song. The song is all about feelings of love, what they do to us, how they make us never feel like giving up on the person. Never give you up would suggest he was not willing to give up trying in the relationship which shows true devotion. Below we have the number and letter's to play along on your kalimba so you can play the song as and when you like at home or for performances.
D-E-F-D-A-A-G
C-D-E-C-G-G-F-E-D
D-D-F-D-F-G-E-D-C-C-G-F
D-E-F-D-A-A-G
C-D-E-C-8-E-F-E-D
D-E-F-D-F-G-E-D-C-C-G-F
16. Adele – Skyfall
Skyfall written and produced by adele and paul epworth was released in 2012 featured on the james bond themes from the film. after the release it has won an academy award for best music (original song). Some other artists have done their own recordings including, Our last night, exit eden and tam tsui. Adele decided that the song shall be written because the plot of the film 'skyfall' was amazing and she fell in love with the idea, after that she made the song. The song is all about the film and was written based on the movie.
Skyfall is a James Bond movie about an undercover agent who is under attack, lots of dramatic things happen to 007 and a turn of events end in disaster, i wont ruin the film for you though. Below you will find the number and letter notations so you can play along to the song yourself and practice makes perfect so why not start now?
E° D° C° C° C° D° E° D° C°
D° C° C° D° C° D° C°
C° C° D° C° E° D° C° D° C°
C° D° C° G° A° G° F° G°
C° E° D° C° C° C° C° D° D° E°
D° D° C° D° C° D° C°
C° D° G° A° G° F° G
C° C° C° G°-G
C° C° C° A°-A
C° C° C° C°-C°°
17. Omori – White Space
"Omori" is a role-playing video game developed by Omocat. The game features an original soundtrack composed by Toby Fox, who is also known for his work on the popular game "Undertale." The "White Space" is a significant location within the Omori game, often associated with introspective and surreal moments. The soundtrack contributes to the atmospheric and emotional tone of the game.
(D’ F) C’ (B D)
(D’ F) C’ (B D)
(D’ F) C’ (B D)
(D’ F) C’ (B D)
(C’ C) E G
(C’ C) E G
(C’ C) E G
(C’ C) E G
18. Adam Sandler - Grow Old With You
The acoustic song is the soundtrack in the movie ‘The wedding singer’. It was written and produced by Adam Sandler and Tim Herlihy in 1998 and peaked at No. 1 on the 4th of April 2015. The official music video is animated the whole way through with a man and woman growing old and doing things together. The lyrics are on the screen to sing along.
G G G (CD°) (EE°) G E° E° (E°C°AF)
F° F° F° F° (EGB)
G° G° G° G° (A°C°AF) G° C°
(D°C) (E°E) (E°G) D° E° (GBD°) D° (F°C°AF)
E° C° C E G C°
C E G (GBD°) G G G (CD°)(EE°)
G E° E° (E°C°AF) F° F° F° E G B
G° G° G° G° G° (A°°AF) G° C° D°
(D°C) (E°E) (E°G) D° E° (GBD°) D° (F°CAF) E° C° C E G C°
C° (G°E°C°AF) C° F A
19. Maroon 5 - Memories
The reggae style pop single by Maroon 5 peaked at number two on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. It was released on the 20th September 2019 and to date there are four remixed versions of the song featuring Dilon Francis in 2019, deviant and even a remix by American rappers.
The music video features Adam Levine singing to the camera but the song is extremely sad. It’s about appreciating the ones that are here and raising a glass to the ones that have gone. Lyrics were written by Adam Levine, Stefan Johnson, Jordan Johnson, Michael Pollack, Jacob Kasher Hindlin, Jon Bellion, and Vincent Ford. The backing music is based on the song called: Canon in D Major by Johann Pachelbel - but the was produced by The Monsters & Strangerz
E° C° D° E° C° D° E° C° D° E°
D° C° B A A A A G A G G
G A A A A C° B
G° E° F° G° E° F° G°
E° C° D° E° C° D° E° C° D° E°
D° C° B A A A A G A G G
G G A A A A C° B B B B C° C°
20. Bee Gees - How Deep Is Your Love
How deep is your love is a popular song that was released in September 1977, and it is in the movie Saturday night fever. The pop ballad track was intended for Yvonne Elliman but was recorded by the Bee Gees - topping the billboard hot 100. The song is the second most-streamed song by the bee gees of all time. The music was composed by three brothers Barry Gibb, Robin Gibb and Maurice Gibb. Later on, the song was covered by Take That for their 1996 album that reaches number one in the UK singles chart. To celebrate, they recorded a newer version with Barry Gibb for their next album.
G C° D° E° E° C° D° E° C°
D° D° E° F° F° F° E° F° D°
E° F° G° G° G° G° A° G° E° C°
C° D° E° F° F° F° F° G° E° D°
C° C° A° A° A° C°° D°° B° A° G°
G° A° C°° A° G° A° G° E° G° E° C°
C° D° E° F° A° C°° E°° E°° E°°
G C° B A G C° B A
G A C° E° F° D°
E° F° G° G°
21. Aqua - Barbie Girl
Barbie Girl by Aqua is a bubblegum pop classic that has become an iconic song of the 90s. With its playful lyrics, catchy chorus, and colorful music video, this song is a guilty pleasure that you can't help but love. From its controversial reception to its continued popularity in pop culture, "Barbie Girl" has become a timeless hit.
Eº Cº Eº Aº Fº
Dº B Dº Gº Eº Dº Cº
Cº A Dº A Dº Cº Eº Dº
Eº Cº Eº Aº Fº
Eº Dº B Dº Gº (Cº) Eº Dº Cº
Cº Cº A Dº A
Dº Dº Dº Cº Eº Dº
Cº Cº A G Cº Cº A G (Gº)
Cº Dº Eº Cº Dº Eº
Cº Dº Eº Fº Eº Dº
22. True Colours
True colours' is a beautiful song that is sung by Cyndi Lauper and was released in 1986. Cyndi Lauper said in an interview that the song meant a lot to her, and because of the death of a friend who died from AIDS, she soon founded 'the true colours fun', an organization dedicated to LGBT youth homelessness. The song is about not being afraid of showing your true colours, who you are, don't be scared to be yourself.
23. Lana Del Rey - Summertime Sadness
"Summertime Sadness" by Lana Del Rey is a melancholic yet hauntingly beautiful song that captures the bittersweet essence of a fading summer romance. The lyrics depict a sense of longing and nostalgia as the singer reflects on a past relationship that has ended or is on the verge of ending. Despite the warm and carefree atmosphere of summer, the singer experiences a profound sadness and heartache, symbolized by the contrast between the season's brightness and her emotional turmoil. The song's dreamy melody and Del Rey's emotive vocals evoke a sense of wistfulness and yearning, making it a poignant portrayal of love and loss.
A° G° E° C° E° C° D° C° A
A° A° A° A° A° G° E°
D° D° D° D° C° C° A
A° A° A° A° A° G° E°
C° D° D° D° C° C° A
A° C°° G° A° A° A° G° E°
E° E° G° E° D° D° D° D° C° C° A
A° A° C°° G° A° A° A° A° G° E°
E° E° E° E° D° D°° D°° D°° D°° C°°
C°° B° C°° B° C°° B° C°° B° C°°A° C°° B° C°°
24. Stephanie Poetri - I Love You 3000
I love you 3000 was written by Stephanie Poetri, produced by Austin ong and released in 2019. The song is popular due to being from avengers endgame. I love you 3000 meaning is that when someone says 'i love you tons' you say i love you 3000 meaning you love them more than a ton.
E° D° C° A G
(A F D) B (C° E) D° (E° G) A G
(A F D) B (C° C) D° (E° E) D° A
(G E C) A B C° (D° D) A G
(G° E) F° E° (D° D) E°
(A F D) B C° D° (E C) A G
(A F D) B C° D° (E° E) D°
(D° B G) D° D° C° (D° B) C° E° (A E)
C° (A C)
(E D) E E D D E D
25. Paul Anka - Put your head on my shoulder
Put your head on my shoulder is a song that was originally performed and written by Canadian singer songwriter Paul Anka in 1959. The easy listening pop track was also featured in his album called ‘Paul Anka sings his big 15’. Since release it has been covered by other musicians such as The Lettermen in 1974, by Albert West in 1978 and again in 2003 by Michael Buble.
The chart history of the song shows that it reached No. 2 in the billboard hot 100 but the song never made it to No.1 - The original track featured a Bass Clarinet, vocals, three saxophones, a treble clef instrument and a ukulele. The music video for the song is relatively simple showing a young Paul Anka in front of a gate in a studio with an audience. The video has a sepia tone colour grading which likely came from the vintage camera it was recorded on. Below you will find the notes so that you can play this song on the kalimba.
(E° G) F° (G° E) E°
G° (B° E) G B D (A° C°) E G B
F° G° (F° A) E° (D° F)
(C E G) E° (A C) E G B A
F° G° (F° A) E° (D° F)
(C E G) E° (A C) E G B A
D° E° (D° F) C C° (E° E) G B D
E G B C E (C° C E G)
(E° G) F° (G° E) E°
G° (B° E) G B D G (A° C°) E B A B A
26. Billie Eilish - Ocean Eyes
Ocean eyes is an electronic dance song by Billie Eilish that was released in 2016. The track is featured on the album called: common culture, vol. V by Connor Franta. The newfound pop singer Billie Eilish has become very well known and loved quickly due to her unique fashion, makeup and style.
The song is very blue in colour, similar to the ocean, which fits perfectly with the title of the song. Movements are calm, which contrasts with her usual style of music, and this music video is simple, with Billie Eilish simply singing to the camera in a room with subtle hand movements.
(E° C E G) D° (E G B)
(E° C E G) D° (E G B)
(E° C E G) D° (E G B)
(E G B) D° (C E G)
(E° C E G) D° (E G B) A G
(E° C E G) D° (E G B)
(E° C E G) D° (E G B)
A G A (E G B) D° (C E G)
(E° C E G) D° (E G B) A G
(E° C E G) D° (E G B)
27. One Direction – What Makes You Beautiful
What makes you beautiful was written and performed by the pop band one direction, released in 2011 and featured on the album called 'up all night'. It won an award for brit award for song of the year. But what is the story behind the song? The song meaning is to make women feel beautiful, no matter what. 'don't need make up, to cover up' meaning natural is beautiful and anything she does is amazing and why it makes her beautiful. The music video consists of one direction band on the beach singing together then singing to naturally beautiful girls. Since the song was released there have been other recordings and versions of is such as, what makes you beautiful, the piano guys, Boyce Avenue, and Kids Bop.
C E G A A G E
E E D C E G A A E
E° D° C° C° C° C° C° C° C° D°
E° D° E° D° C° C° C° C° C° C° D°
E° D° E° D° C° C° C° C° C° C° C°
E° D° D° E° D° C° D° E°
E° E° E° E° E° D° C° C° C° C° C° C° C° D°
E° D° E° D° C° C° C° C° C° C° C° D°
E° D° E° D° C° C° C° C° C° C° C°
E° D° D° E° D° C° D° E° D° C°
28. Cavetown - This is home
Robbie Daniel Skinner is an English singer songwriter, record producer and YouTuber that is best known as Cavetown. In 2013 they released their first YouTube video with an original song called Haunted lullaby and grew a career out of it. The indie pop song: This is home was released in 2015 and has accumulated over 71 million views on YouTube. Most of the music has gentle ukulele recordings and is in the genre of indie pop rock.
(E° C) E° (F° – F) F° (C° – C) C° C° C° (C° – C)
E° E° (E° – F) C° D° E° C
E° E° D° C° (G° – E) E° E° D° D° (C° – C) A
C° C° C° D° (E° – F) F° E° F° E° F° E° C E G
C E° E° (E° – F) D° C° D° E° C E
E° E° D° C° (G° – E) E° E° D° D° (C° – C) A
C° C° C° D° (E° – F) F° E° F° E° F° E° C E G
(C°° – A) C° B° (B° – F) A C°° (E° – C) E G
C° G° E° E°
(C°° – A) C° B° (B° – F) A C°° (E° – C) E G
29. Frankie Valli - Cant take my eyes off you
This song became hugely popular once it was played in the the amazing film 10 things I hate about you. It is a wonderful romantic song. Alternative/indie pop song. Released April 1967, written by Frankie Valli. The song is all about falling in love and being in love with someone, the feeling you feel, the kissing, the cuddles, the touch.
(CEG) G G A G E G
G G G A G E G
G G G A G A G
G G G G F G F
G G G G F G F
F F F F E C E
E E E E D C D
D° D° D° D° C° B C°
(CEG) G G A G E G
G G G A G E G
30. Regina Spektor - Two Birds
The alternative indie song "Two Birds" by Regina Spektor describes a scene with two birds sitting on a wire. One of the birds attempts to fly away, while the other closely observes. The bird that tries to fly expresses a desire to do so, but the singer notes that it is a liar. The lyrics convey a sense of skepticism and a lack of trust in the intentions of the bird attempting to fly.
As the song progresses, the chorus emphasizes the singer's willingness to believe and understand everything, expressing a commitment to holding onto someone's hand. The second verse introduces another pair of birds on a wire, with one encouraging the other to continue while the other expresses fatigue. The overall mood of the song seems contemplative and reflective, exploring themes of trust, honesty, and the complexities of relationships. The track has a lovely easy listening piano riff and was released in 2009 and was featured on the album 'Far'. Below is the letter and number notation so that you can play the song on the kalimba.
E° G B D° G C° E° B C° G
G A° A B° C°° B° E° E° C°° E° E° G° E° D°
E° G G D° G C° E° G B G
G° A° A B° C″ B° E° E°C″ E° E° G° E° D°
(E° G) E° E° C° E° E° (C° E° G°) B F° E°
C° C° A° B° G° G° E° C° E° D°
C° (E° G) E° E° C° E° E°(C° E° G°) B F° E°
C° C° A° B° G° G° E°C° E° D°