30+ Popular Folk Kalimba Song Tabs

Explore how to play some of the most popular folk 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. Hozier - Take Me to Church

The song take me to church was written and performed by Irish singer-songwriter Andrew John Hozier Byrne. He is mainly known as just Hozier. The Indie rock song is on the album: Take me to church E.P. and was officially released in 2013 when it won the iHeartradio music award for alternative rock song of the year.

B A G A A E

G D E G G E A G

B B B Dº B A G A G

G D E G G A G

B B A G A G A E

G D E G G A G

B B Dº B A G A A G

G E G G A A G

B B A G G E F A A G G

B B A G A G A G E E G D E G G E A G E

2. Liana Flores - Rises The Moon

The song rises the moon by Liana Flores was released in 2019 and was featured on the album called 'recently' the emotional track invokes feelings of remorse, happiness and hope. To every person it will resonate in a different way but to me, the song is about the difficulty of life and the message is that no matter how hard things get, if days feel like they go on for too long, or even too fast, the moon will always rise again, autumn will soon come and disperse the darkness bringing change and better feelings.

B E F G A B C° D° E° B

G° D° E°D°C°E°C°

AAC°D°E°D°

AC°D°E°D°

D°C°D°B

B EFGABC°D°E° B

G°D°E°D°C°E°C°

AAC°D°E°D°

AC°D°E°D°

D°C°D°B

3. Hallelujah

Hallelujah is a famous song that Leonard Cohen originally recorded for release in 1984. Since its release, there have been many versions of the song by artists and bands such as Jeff Buckley in 1994, Pentatonix in 2016 and Alexandra Burke in 2009. Most children will know this song as it was featured in a Dreamworks movie called Shrek. In the film, the fairy godmother sings the song at the royals event dedicated to Princess Fiona and prince charming.

E° (G° C) G° G° 
G° (A° F) A° A° 
E° (G° C E G) G° G°
G° (A° F A C°) A° A°
G° (A° F) A° A° A° (A° F A C°)
G° G° E° (G° C E G) G° C E G
E° (G° C) G° G°
G° (A° F) A° (B° G B D°)
G° (C°° A) C°° C°°
C°° (C°° F A C°) C°° D°°

4. Tracy chapman - Fast Car 

The folk song called ‘Fast Car’ was written and performed by Tracy Chapman for release on the 6th of April 1988. David Kershenbaum produced the track, and In the charts, the peak position was No. 1 in the Netherlands dutch top 40, the Belgium ultra top 50 Flanders, and it reached No. 1 in Ireland IRMA. 

Since then, many musicians have covered the song. Some other versions include a cover by Boyce Avenue, Justin Bieber, Jonas Blue and more. The music video is simple, with glimpses of hands holding a bottle of alcohol, Tracey Chapman singing and a few shots of a suburb street. Towards the end of the video, there is a child with a lollypop holding hands with someone. 

(F A C°) E° F° E° (C E G) G°

(A C° E°) C°° (E G B) B°

(F A C°) E° F° E° (C E G) G°

(A C° E°) C°° (E G B) B°

(F A C°) A° A° A° G° (C E G) G°

(A C°) C°° D°° D°° D°° C°° B° C° C°

(F A C°) A° A° A° G°(C E G) G° G°

(A C°) C°° D°° D°° D°° C°° B° C°° C°°

(F A C°) E°° E°° E°° C°°(C) C°°

(A C°) C°° D°° D°° C°° B° C°° C°°

5. Vance Joy - Riptide

The song revolves around the singer's quirky fears and insecurities, confessing to being scared of dentists, the dark, and pretty girls. Despite these fears, the lyrics express admiration for a particular girl, describing her as the magician's assistant and comparing her to Michelle Pfeiffer. The narrative takes a turn to a movie plot where a cowboy escapes and a girl is on the highest shelf. The repeated refrain captures the essence of the song, expressing a desire to be close to the girl and highlighting the singer's emotional response when she sings a particular song, even if the lyrics are sung incorrectly. Overall, it's a whimsical and heartfelt exploration of love, fears, and the magic of shared experiences.

E° E° E° E° D

D° D° C° E° G° D°

E° E° E° G° D°

D° C° C° D°

E° E° E° G° D°

D° C° E° G° D°

E° E° E° D° C°

C° C° C° E° A° G°

E° C° A° G° D° G°

A° G° A° G° E° E° E° G° D°

6. Woody Guthrie  - This Land is Your Land

This land is your land was released in 1945 and written by woody guthrie the song is about how beautiful America's landscape is and how people should appreciate it. 

C’ D’ E’F’ F’ F’ C’ D’E’ E’

G C’ E’ D’ D’ E’ D’ C’ D’ E’ E’

C’ C’D’ E’ F’ F’F’F’C’ D’ E’D’C’

D’ D’ D’ B G B D’ C’

C’ D’ E’ F’ F’ F’ C’ D’ E’ E’

G C’ E’ D’ D’ G C’ D’ E’ E’ C’

D’ E’ F’ F’ F’ C’ D’ E’ D’ C’

D’ D’ D’ B G B D’ C’

C’ D’ E’F’ F’ F’ C’ D’E’ E’

G C’ E’ D’ D’ E’ D’ C’ D’ E’ E’

7. Streets of London

Streets of London is a song written by Ralph Mctell and was inspired by a Surrey street market in Croydon. The song's meaning refers to the homelessness throughout. His soft voice leads you around the streets of London, showing you what is going on in the world. The song was released in 1969 and was an instant hit. It went to No. 2 in the UK Singles Chart and at one point sold 90,000 copies in a single day! In 2017, the song was re-recorded by Ralph McTell with Annie Lennox for a UK national charity Crisis, in particular focusing on a charity for single homeless people. 

Although London has changed since the 1960’s you can still visit the Croyden markets in London and walk through the areas that Ralph McTell is talking about. This historic area is thriving with culture and is completely different from the area discussed in the song. The soft nature of the song makes it ideal for the kalimba, which compliments the lyrics used. Though slightly more complex than other songs, it can be picked up relatively quickly and played whenever you need to take a moment to relax. 

E E E E G G

E D C C E E

A A A C C C 

C C D D E D

E E E G G G G

C C B C E F E

A A C C C C

C G A B C

8. Tracy Chapman - Change

Change by Tracy Chapman is a reflective song that explores themes of social injustice, inequality, and the desire for positive change in the world. Chapman's lyrics convey a sense of frustration with the status quo and a longing for a better future. The song highlights the need for empathy, compassion, and collective action to address systemic issues and create a more equitable society. It serves as a call to arms for listeners to take a stand, advocate for change, and work towards building a brighter and more inclusive world for all.

(F D A) (D° A# F)

(C°# A# F) (C° E° G)

A° F° A° A° F° A° A°# A°

(G° D° A#) (C#° A# F) (C° E° G)

(G° D° A#) (C#° A# F) (C° E° G)

(G° D° A#) (C#° A# F) (C° E° G)

(G° D° A#) (F D A) (D° A# F)

(C°# A# F) (C° E° G) (C#° A# F) 

(D° A# F) (C#° A# F) (C° E° G)

9. Damien Rice - The Blower's Daughter

The song expresses a complex emotional journey, acknowledging that life often goes smoothly but occasionally presents challenges. The lyrics convey a sense of longing and heartache, describing a relationship without love or glory, where the absence of a hero is noted. The repeated refrain reflects an inability to look away from someone, suggesting an intense connection or fixation. The mention of "The Blower's Daughter" and the colder water adds layers of metaphorical depth to the narrative. The latter part of the lyrics introduces a conflicting sentiment, expressing a desire to leave everything behind but also struggling to take the mind off someone until a new connection is found.

D F# G D° D B A

(G B) D G B G D D (D G)

E F# B G F#

C E G C° G E E (E G)

F# G C A G

D F# G D° G F# D C

E G C° E D E

(D G) G B G D G G

D G B D B A

(B G) D G B G D D (D G)

10. Harry Chapin - Cat's in the Cradle

Cat's in the Cradle by Harry Chapin is a poignant and thought-provoking song that explores the themes of fatherhood, family dynamics, and the passage of time. The song tells the story of a father and son relationship over the years, chronicling the father's initial absence and lack of time spent with his son due to his busy life and work commitments.

As the son grows up, he longs for his father's attention and presence, but the father continually puts off spending quality time with him, always citing other responsibilities. As time passes, the roles reverse, and the son grows up to become like his father, busy with his own life and responsibilities. Now, it is the father who longs for time with his son, but the son is too busy to visit.

In the end, the song reflects on the regret and missed opportunities for connection between the father and son. The song serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of prioritising family and cherishing the moments spent together, as well as the consequences of neglecting those relationships in pursuit of other goals. The song's bittersweet melody and heartfelt lyrics have made it a timeless classic that resonates with listeners of all generations. Below is the introduction for the song so that you can play it on kalimba, when the full song becomes available we will add it to this tab. 

E° (B° B) (B° B) B° C°°# B° C° B C° B F°# E° F°# B D° F°# E°

E° D° B A# A A# A E (A D) D# (D# F#) (B E)

(E° E°) (B° B) (B° B) C°°# B° A° A° F°# E° F°# B D° E° F°# E°

E° D° B A# A G E D F# E

11. The Lumineers - Ho Hey

The song explores into themes of longing, belonging, and love as the singer navigates feelings of loneliness and uncertainty regarding their place in the world. Expressing a desire for connection and companionship, the lyrics emphasize the significance of love and relationships in combating isolation. Through the recurring refrain, "I belong with you, you belong with me, you're my sweetheart," the song underscores the longing for unity with a loved one. Despite the challenges presented, the song maintains a hopeful tone, suggesting that love can serve as a remedy for loneliness and provide strength during times of adversity. 

(C E G) C F (C E G)

C F (C E G)

C F (C E G)

C F (C E G)

G G G E E D D  

C F (C E G)

C C C D E G E

C F (C E G)

G G G E E D D

C A (C E G)

12. Cat Stevens - Wild World

Wild World by Cat Stevens is a heartfelt song about the end of a romantic relationship and the mixed emotions that come with it. In the song, the narrator addresses his former lover, acknowledging that they are parting ways and expressing his concern for her well-being as she ventures into the unknown. He warns her about the challenges and pitfalls she may encounter in the world outside their relationship, urging her to be cautious and stay safe.

Despite the breakup, the narrator still cares deeply for his ex-partner and wishes her the best as she goes on her own journey. He reflects on the memories they shared together and acknowledges that while their time together may be over, he will always cherish the moments they had.

D (G F) (B G) (B G F) (B G) (B G E) (B G)

(B G E) (B G) (B G D) (B G) (B G D) (B G)

C° B A G F E D C G

G G A C C C A G

D A D° F° E G# B E°

12. James Taylor - Fire and Rain

Fire and Rain by James Taylor is a poignant and introspective song that reflects on personal struggles, loss, and the journey towards healing and self-discovery. The song is autobiographical, with Taylor sharing his own experiences and emotions. He recounts moments of hardship and despair, including his struggles with depression, addiction, and the death of a close friend. Taylor also reflects on the challenges of fame and the toll it can take on one's mental health.

Despite the darkness and pain depicted in the song, there is also a sense of resilience and hope. Taylor sings about finding solace in music and the support of loved ones as he navigates through difficult times.

(B A) C°# A° E° C°# (C°# E)

B G° D° B D (E° D° A) F°#

(E° D° A) (F°# D° A) (E° B A A)

C°# A A A A (E° D° A) (E° C°# A) B A

(E° B A A) C°# A C°# A (G# E)

E G# D G D G D° G D G F°# G D° G G G G° G G

A C°# A° A# B (G° E) A# F# F D

D E A# A A (E° B) C°# A (E° B) (E° B) C°# A (E° C°#)

E B (G D#) G D D° G D (F°# G) D° G D D° G

(F°# D° A D) (C°# A E C#)

13. Bob Dylan - Blowin' in the Wind

Blowin in the Wind by Bob Dylan is a powerful folk song that addresses profound questions about peace, freedom, and social justice. The song's lyrics consist of a series of rhetorical questions that contemplate the nature of human existence and the quest for equality and understanding. These questions touch on themes such as war, injustice, and the struggle for civil rights, challenging listeners to reflect on the state of the world and their place within it.

Throughout the song, Dylan's poignant lyrics are accompanied by a simple acoustic guitar melody, emphasizing the raw and earnest nature of his message. The repetitive chorus, "The answer, my friend, is blowin' in the wind," serves as a poignant reminder of the elusive and intangible nature of truth and understanding. Tuning: F to F#

GABC° C°BA DGAB D°A D D°G

DGBC° C°BA AGFG

(GBD°) D°D°E° E°E°D° BAG

B (D°D) D°D° (E°E) D°C°D° DGDF

BC°(GBD°) D°D°E° E°E°D° BAG

B (D°D) D°B(C°C) C°BA DGDF

ABC° C°BA DFAB BB AG

EGBC° C°BA AG DFG

(GBD°) D°D°E° E°E°D° BAG

B (D°D) D°D° (E°E) D°C°D° DGDF

14. The Clancy Brothers - Wild Rover

Wild Rover is a traditional Irish folk song that tells the story of a man who has squandered his money on alcohol and revelry, but eventually decides to change his ways. The protagonist reflects on his past behavior, admitting to a life of drinking and carousing, but now regrets his actions and vows to return home. He expresses remorse for his reckless lifestyle and declares his intention to abandon his old habits. The song is characterised by its catchy melody and themes of redemption, self-reflection, and the desire for a fresh start. A popular variation of the song is by The dubliners.  

G A B C (E° C° G) (E° C° G)

(E° C° G) (E° C° G) (F°# C° A D)

(F°# C° A) (F°# C° A)

15. Phillip Phillips - Home

The song offers solace and encouragement to individuals navigating uncertainty or confronting fear during life's trials. Through its lyrics, it extends a comforting hand, reassuring listeners that they're not alone on their journey. The singer pledges to provide a sense of belonging and security, urging them to persevere despite the presence of inner demons. They emphasize that troubles can be overcome and offer the unwavering promise of support and guidance. The repeated refrain, "I'm gonna make this place your home," underscores the commitment to fostering a nurturing and welcoming environment amid life's unpredictability.

C (C° E) C G E

C (C° E) C G E

C (C° F) C G F

C (C° F) C G F

A (C° E) A A E

A (C° E) A A E

C (C° F) C G F

C (C° F) C G F

C (C° E) C G E

C (C° E) C G E

16. Percy Montross - Clementine

The song"Oh My Darling, Clementine by Percy Montross tells the story of a miner and his daughter, Clementine, who lives with him in a cavern as he excavates for a mine. The narrator expresses love and longing for Clementine, describing her as light and fairy-like. Despite her gentle nature, Clementine tragically falls into the water and drowns, as the narrator admits to being unable to swim and thus unable to save her. The song is a lament for Clementine, expressing sorrow over her loss and the inability to rescue her from her fate. 

C° C° (C°CEG) G , E° E° (E°CEG) C°

C° E° (G°CEG) G° F° E° (DGBD°)

D° E° (AFF°) F° E° D° E° (C°CEG)

C° E° (FDD°) G B D° (C°CEG)

17. Jim Croce - Time In A Bottle

Time in a Bottle by Jim Croce is a poignant ballad that expresses a heartfelt message about the passage of time and the fleeting nature of life. The lyrics convey the narrator's desire to capture and preserve precious moments with a loved one, expressing regret that time cannot be stopped or slowed down. Croce sings about wanting to save time in a bottle, metaphorically speaking, so that he can spend eternity cherishing and reliving the moments spent with his beloved.

C E G G F E D D C

G G G G A A G G

D G C. C. C.

B A G E D C C D E E

D C C E G A E E D C

E G A A G G A B B C.

G G A F E D C

G B C. G A B C.

G A G F E F G A A A

G F E F D C C

23. Lead Belly - Goodnight, Irene 

Goodnight, Irene by Lead Belly is a traditional American folk song that tells the story of a man named Irene who has left the narrator, causing him heartache and sorrow. The lyrics express the narrator's longing for Irene and his desire to be reunited with her. Despite the pain of their separation, the narrator finds solace in the thought of being with Irene again someday. The song captures themes of love, longing, and the bittersweet emotions that accompany romantic relationships. 

E F# G# A (C#° A E)

(C#° A E) E C# C

B (D° G# D B)

(D° G# D B) E (D° G# D B)

A A# A (C#° A E)

(C#° A E) E (C#° A E) E F# G#

B (D° G# D B)

(D° G# D B) E (D° G# D B)

A A# A (C#° AE F# G#

A (C#° A E) (C#° A E) E C# C

24. The Irish Rover - The Pogues and The Dubliners

"The Irish Rover" recounts the epic journey of a ship departing from Cork to New York in 1806, laden with cargo and crew. Along the way, the song introduces colorful characters like Mickey Coote and Barney McGee, reflecting the camaraderie and adventures of sailor life. Despite facing challenges such as measles outbreaks and a shipwreck that claims all but the narrator and the Captain's old dog, the song celebrates the resilience and spirit of sailing. Through its vivid storytelling, "The Irish Rover" captures the essence of maritime life, emphasizing both the camaraderie and hardships experienced by sailors on the open sea.

D B G B C D G

A B A G E G E

D E D B C B A

D B G B C D G

A B A G E G E

D F° G A G F° G

D D G G A B B G

A A F° D D D G

G A B G A F° D

D B G B C D G A

25. Joan Baez - Diamonds & Rust

Diamonds & Rust by Joan Baez is a folk-rock song that reflects on a past romantic relationship. The lyrics describe the singer's reflections on a former lover, reminiscing about the good times they shared and the love they once had. However, there is a sense of bitterness and regret as the singer recalls how the relationship ended and the emotional pain it caused. The title "Diamonds & Rust" symbolises the contrast between the precious moments of love ("diamonds") and the decay and deterioration of the relationship over time ("rust").

F G# (F° C°) C G# (F° C°) F

G G# (F° C°) F G# (F° C°) C G#

F G# (F° C°) C G# (F° C°) F

G G# (F° C°) F G# (F° C°) G G#

G# C° F° F# C° F° G# C°

A# C° F° G# C° F° A# C°

C° C° G#° C° C° G#° C°

C#° C° A#° C#° C° A#° C#° C°

C° C° G#° C° C° G#° C°

A# C° F° A# C° F° E A# 

26. Phil Ochs - There But for Fortune

There But for Fortune by Phil Ochs is a poignant folk song that reflects on the role of luck and circumstance in shaping people's lives. The lyrics explore various social issues and personal struggles, such as poverty, inequality, war, and injustice. Through the stories of different individuals, the song highlights the arbitrary nature of fate and emphasizes empathy and understanding towards those facing adversity. It prompts listeners to consider how their own lives could have been different if not for circumstances beyond their control, encouraging compassion and reflection on the human condition. 

B (D#° F#) B B F#

(B B) F# B D#° F#

B (B G°) B E° B

(B B) B B G° B E°

B (F#° B) B D#° B

(B B) B B F#° B

B (G° B) B G#° E°

(B B) B B G° B E°

27. Simon & Garfunkel - The Boxer

The Boxer by Simon & Garfunkel is a poignant folk-rock song that tells the story of a struggling musician's journey through life, filled with hardship, disappointment, and resilience. The lyrics follow the narrator, a young man who leaves his home to seek his fortune in New York City. Along the way, he faces challenges and setbacks, including loneliness, poverty, and betrayal. Despite these obstacles, he remains determined to pursue his dreams and make a name for himself as a boxer, using his fists as a means of survival.

As the song progresses, the narrator reflects on his experiences with a mixture of resignation and defiance. He acknowledges the difficulties he has faced and the scars he carries, both physical and emotional. Yet, he remains undeterred in his quest for success, determined to keep fighting against the odds.

Musically, "The Boxer" features Simon & Garfunkel's signature harmonies and acoustic instrumentation, creating an introspective atmosphere. The song's evocative melody and poignant lyrics capture the universal themes of struggle, perseverance, and the human spirit's resilience in the face of adversity. 

G G G G E E F

G G C° B A

A B A G G A G D

D E F F F

G F E C D F E C

C° C° B C° C° B C° B

B B B A A A A A A F G

E F G G G G G G F E

E F G G C° B A

A A G G G G G D

28. The Corries - Flower of Scotland 

Flower of Scotland is a Scottish folk song that celebrates Scotland's history, culture, and national pride. It recounts the story of Scotland's struggle for independence from England, particularly focusing on the victory of the Scots over the English at the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314. The song pays homage to Scottish landmarks, such as the hills, glens, and rivers, and praises the resilience and bravery of the Scottish people throughout history. Flower of Scotland is often considered an unofficial national anthem of Scotland and is frequently sung at sporting events and gatherings to evoke feelings of patriotism and solidarity among Scots.

B° B° A° G° G° G°G°

B° (A° D°) G A° G°

G A° B° B° C°° B° D

C°° F° E° (G D) G° A°

A° A° G° G° A° D° B°

(G D) C°° B° A° G° B°

G C°° F° E° F° (E° D°) G°

G G° G°

B° C°° A° B° G° G° G°

F° A° G G° G 

29. Lord Huron - The Night We Met 

"The Night We Met" by Lord Huron is a melancholic indie-folk song that reflects on lost love and nostalgia. The lyrics reminisce about a past romantic encounter, evoking feelings of longing and regret for a relationship that has ended. The narrator expresses a desire to return to a moment in time when they were with their former lover, suggesting a yearning to undo past mistakes or relive cherished memories.

F°# D°# D°# G°# G°# C°

B° G°# G°# D°# D°# E° B°

G°# A E° A° C°# A° E° A E°

A° C°# A° E°

F# C°# F°# A° F°# C°#

A E° A° D° A° D° F°# D° A° D°

F°# D°# D°# G°# G°# C°

B° G°# G°# D°# D°# E° B°

G°# E° A E° A° C°# A° E°

F# C°# F°# A° F°# C°# A E°

30. Woody Guthrie - Do Re Mi

This folk song reflects on the struggles of Dust Bowl migrants during the Great Depression. The song describes the journey of people from various parts of the United States, particularly from the Midwest, to California in search of work and a better life. Guthrie vividly portrays the hardships and challenges faced by these migrants, including poverty, exploitation, and discrimination. He highlights the harsh realities of life on the road and the difficult conditions they encounter along the way. 

B B D# G# E G# F# E G# F# E C#

E G# A E F# G# F# E

(A D#) (A D#) (G# E) (G# E)

E E E E G# E E E E G#

E E E E G# E E E E G#

A A A A C°# (C°# A) E E E E 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!