*Updated for 2020!
Most music sounds sweet when played on our favorite little stringed instrument, but there are some clear favorites. Here are 55 of the most famous ukulele songs, with plenty to choose from depending on your mood at the moment.
*If you you want to learn how to play the ukulele check out this guide: Top 10 Sites For Online Ukulele Lessons For Beginners
And hey – if you don’t see the ukulele being used in the originals, you should know that the song made its way onto the list because it sounds amazing on the ukulele. We’ve included links to chords and lyrics, so you can try these famous ukulele songs for yourself.
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Somewhere Over the Rainbow
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Year of Release: 2011
Artist: Israel Kamakawiwo’ole
Album: Alone in IZ Word / Facing Future
Video:
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Somewhere Over the Rainbow Chords and Lyrics
You might recognize this song as the one originally sung by Judy Garland in her role as Dorothy Gale in the original 1939 movie The Wizard of Oz. The ukulele version, which was popularized in the movie 50 First Dates, gained even more fame when Israel Kamakawiwo’ole released his cover in 2011.
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All I Want
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Year of Release: 2013
Artist: Kodaline
Album: In a Perfect World
Video:
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All I Want Chords and Lyrics
All I Want gained fame when it was featured in The Fault in Our Stars film soundtrack. It’s an easy ukulele song to play, yet it is heart-wrenchingly beautiful.
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All of Me
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Year of Release: 2013
Artist: John Legend
Album: Love In the Future
Video:
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All of Me Chords and Lyrics
All of Me was written for John Legend’s wife, Chrissy Teigen. This beautiful song was the third-best selling song of 2014. Give it a try and impress someone special!
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Aloha ‘Oe
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Year of Release: 2002
Artist: Tia Carrere
Album: Lilo and Stitch: Island Favorites
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Aloha ‘Oe Chords and Lyrics
Aloha ‘Oe is attributed to Queen Lili’uokalani, who composed the song in 1878. It’s among the most famous ukulele songs ever written, and it is easy enough for newer players to perform with just a little bit of practice.
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A Thousand Years
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Year of Release: 2011
Artist: Christina Perri
Album: The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Soundtrack
Video:
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A Thousand Years Chords and Lyrics
Christina Perri and her best friend David Hodges wrote A Thousand Years for Bella and Edward. It’s as popular now as it was back in 2011 – maybe even more so!
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Banana Pancakes
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Year of Release: 2005
Artist: Jack Johnson
Album: In Between Dreams
Video:
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Banana Pancakes Chords and Lyrics
Looking for a fun ukulele song to try? Banana Pancakes might just do the trick!
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Better Together
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Year of Release: 2005
Artist: Jack Johnson
Album: In Between Dreams
Video:
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Better Together Chords and Lyrics
Jack Johnson’s “Better Together” is a fun song to play! The lyrics might take a little time to learn, but once you put the words and chords together, you might find this catchy tune becomes a favorite.
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Blank Space
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Year of Release: 2014
Artist: Taylor Swift
Album: 1989
Video:
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Blank Space Chords and Lyrics
A little bit of trivia for you: Taylor Swift’s Blank Space seems heartfelt, but it was written as a satirical statement on the media’s coverage of the artist’s relationships.
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Can’t Help Falling in Love
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Year of Release: 1961
Artist: Elvis Presley
Album: Blue Hawaii
Video:
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Can’t Help Falling In Love Chords and Lyrics
Elvis Presley’s 1961 hit has been covered many times. Tyler Joseph of Twenty One Pilots plays a fantastic ukulele version of Can’t Help Falling in Love, and it’s sure to inspire you to try this famous ukulele song for yourself!
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Chandelier
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Year of Release: 2014
Artist: Sia
Album: 1000 Forms of Fear
Video:
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Chandelier Chords and Lyrics
Sia wrote “Chandelier” with Rihanna or Beyoncé in mind, but opted to perform the song herself. Since its release, it has reached the top 5 on charts in 20 different countries!
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City of Stars
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Year of Release: 2016
Artist: Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone
Album: The La La Land Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
Video:
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City of Stars Chords and Lyrics
If you loved La La Land, you’ll enjoy playing City of Stars! It’s not terribly challenging: Give it a try!
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Count On Me
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Year of Release: 2010
Artist: Bruno Mars
Album: Doo Wops & Hooligans
Video:
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Count on Me Chords and Lyrics
Count on Me has a classic island sound and easy lyrics. The song has a sweet, laid-back vibe that makes it a lot of fun to play.
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Dream a Little Dream of Me
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Year of Release: 1931
Artist: Ozzie Nelson
Album: Hits of the 1930s
Video:
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Dream a Little Dream of Me Chords and Lyrics
Dream a Little Dream of Me has been recorded by more than 60 artists since its original release in 1931. We love this cover by Danielle Ate the Sandwich – it’s sure to inspire you to try this famous ukulele song for yourself!
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Hallelujah
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Year of Release: 2001
Artist: Rufus Wainwright
Album: Shrek: Music from the Original Motion Picture
Video:
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Hallelujah Chords and Lyrics
Hallelujah was written by Leonard Cohen, popularized by Jeff Buckley, and famously covered by Rufus Wainwright in the 2001 animated feature Shrek. Since then, it’s been a favorite with ukulele artists. Even Jake Shimabukuro, famed for his marvelous ukulele fingerpicking style, has covered it beautifully. It’s worth noting that we couldn’t find a video featuring both Rufus Wainwright and the ukulele, so we chose this one featuring Espen Lind, Kurt Nilsen, Alejandro Fuentes, and Askil Holm. Although they’re accompanied by the guitar here, you can achieve a similar effect with your ukulele.
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Hello
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Year of Release: 2015
Artist: Adele
Album: 25
Video:
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Hello Chords and Lyrics
Feeling nostalgic or sorry for the way things ended with an ex? Let it out! Hello is the perfect song for expressing your emotions.
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Here Comes the Sun
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Year of Release: 1969
Artist: The Beatles
Album: Abbey Road
Video:
https://youtu.be/bgiQD56eWDk
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Here Comes the Sun Chords and Lyrics
Here Comes the Sun has been covered so many times, why not try this classic ukulele tune for yourself? It’s sure to become a favorite.
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Ho Hey
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Year of Release: 2012
Artist: The Lumineers
Album: The Lumineers
Video:
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Ho Hey Chords and Lyrics
Want a fun, catchy song to play and sing? Give Ho Hey a try! The lyrics are easy to remember, and so are the chords.
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Hey Soul Sister
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Year of Release: 2009
Artist: Train
Album: Save Me, San Francisco
Video:
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Hey Soul Sister Chords and Lyrics
No wonder “Hey Soul Sister” is such a popular ukulele song: It’s Train’s highest-charting song ever, even winning a Grammy Award! While this tune is a catchy one, it’s not at all difficult to strum. Have fun playing!
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Hey There Delilah
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Year of Release: 2006
Artist: Plain White T’s
Album: All That We Needed
Video:
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Hey There Delilah Chords and Lyrics
Trivia time! The Plain White T’s Tom Higgenson wrote “Hey There Delilah” in honor of American track star Delilah DiCrescenzo.
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House of Gold
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Year of Release: 2013
Artist: Twenty One Pilots
Album: Vessel
Video:
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House of Gold Chords and Lyrics
Have fun learning House of Gold! The rhythm is unique, and when you pair it with the lyrics, you’re sure to make quite an impression!
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I Don’t Know My Name
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Year of Release: 2016
Artist: Grace VanderWaal
Album (Movie): Keep Your Seats Please
Video:
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I Don’t Know My Name Chords and Lyrics
Sweetly lyrical, “I Don’t Know My Name” was written by Grace VanderWaal, who taught herself to play the ukulele at age 11. Whatever your age, this song is a lot of fun to play.
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I Make My Own Sunshine
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Year of Release: 2012
Artist: Alyssa Bonagura
Album: Love Hard
Video:
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I Make My Own Sunshine Chords and Lyrics
I Make My Own Sunshine was featured in a 2012 Lowe’s commercial. The tune is easy to learn, and the lyrics are sure to put you in a great mood.
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I Will Follow You into the Dark
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Year of Release: 2005
Artist: Death Cab for Cutie
Album: Plans
Video:
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I Will Follow You Into the Dark Chords and Lyrics
Feeling sentimental? Learn how to play I Will Follow You into the Dark, and you’ll have one more way to express yourself while telling someone just how much you care.
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I Won’t Give UP
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Year of Release: 2012
Artist: Jason Mraz
Album: Love is a Four Letter Word
Video:
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I Won’t Give Up Chords and Lyrics
“I Won’t Give UP” is a beautiful love song – and it’s a good reminder to keep on practicing your ukulele! Hang in there even when things get tough!
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I’m Yours
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Year of Release: 2008
Artist: Jason Mraz
Album: We Sing. We Dance. We Steal Things.
Video:
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I’m Yours Chords and Lyrics
I’m Yours offers a fantastic island sound, with plenty of strumming. This song might be famous, but it’s not at all difficult to learn and play!
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I See Fire
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Year of Release: 2013
Artist: Ed Sheeran
Album: The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug
Video:
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I See Fire Chords and Lyrics
If you’re a fan of the Lord of the Rings movies, then you’ve probably found yourself listening to I See Fire as you recall some of the Hobbit’s most memorable moments. Why stop at listening? Now you can play it, too!
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Island in the Sun
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Year of Release: 2001
Artist: Weezer
Album: Weezer (The Green Album)
Video:
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Island in the Sun Chords and Lyrics
Get started with just four chords! Island in the Sun is super-catchy, and it’s such an easy ukulele song that you’ll learn it in no time.
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Island Style
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Year of Release: 2012
Artist: John Cruz
Album: Jack Johnson and Friends – Best of Kokua Festival
Video:
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Island Style Chords and Lyrics
Ready for some fingerpicking? Island Style isn’t the easiest song to play, but once you’ve mastered it, you’ll find that it’s one of your favorite tunes. Give it a try when you’re ready for a little challenge!
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La Vie en Rose
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Year of Release: 2014
Artist: Cristin Milioti
Album: How I Met Your Mother
Video:
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La Vie en Rose Chords and Lyrics
La Vie en Rose was written by Edith Piaf, way back in 1945. The song has been popular on and off since then. Cristin Milioti covered La Vie en Rose in How I Met Your Mother, Season 9, Episode 16, strumming along to the soulful song on her ukulele. Try it for yourself!
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Let Her Go
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Year of Release: 2012
Artist: Passenger
Album: All the Little Lights
Video:
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Chords and Lyrics
Sweet and sentimental, Let Her Go is sure to make quite an impression on your audience. If you have friends who like to play different instruments, this song is one worth performing as a group.
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Let It Go
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Year of Release: 2013
Artist: Demi Lovato
Album: Frozen
Video:
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Let It Go Chords and Lyrics
Find your favorite little girl and let her sing along! If you’re a fan of Frozen, “Let it Go” deserves a place on your list of songs to learn.
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Love Story
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Year of Release: 2008
Artist: Taylor Swift
Album: Fearless
Video:
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Love Story Chords and Lyrics
In the mood for a fairy tale? Love Story is the perfect song to play!
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Perfect
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Year of Release: 2017
Artist: Ed Sheeran
Album: Divide
Video:
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Perfect Chords and Lyrics
An easygoing beat and simple chords make Ed Sheeran’s “Perfect” a song worth trying, even if you’re fairly new to the ukulele. Your friends will be impressed!
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Pompeii
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Year of Release: 2013
Artist: Bastille
Album: Bastille
Video:
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Pompeii Chords and Lyrics
Pompeii is technically synth pop, but the song lends itself to the ukulele so well that it’s a favorite with players who are looking for a challenge. You’ll be strumming fast: Pompeii’s tempo is 128 beats per minute.
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Pumped Up Kicks
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Year of Release: 2011
Artist: Foster the People
Album: Foster the People
Video:
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Pumped Up Kicks Chords and Lyrics
Ready to impress your friends? Learn how to play Pumped Up Kicks on your ukulele! There’s no need to be intimidated: We found an arrangement with only four chords to learn!
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Riptide
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Year of Release: 2014
Artist: Vance Joy
Album: Dream Your Life Away
Video:
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Riptide Chords and Lyrics
Ready to learn a fun, famous ukulele song? Give Riptide a try! This song has just a few chords, and the lyrics aren’t too difficult to remember.
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Say You Won’t Let Go
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Year of Release: 2016
Artist: James Arthur
Album: Back from the Edge
Video:
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Say You Won’t Let Go Chords and Lyrics
“Say You Won’t Let Go” has a sweet sound, yet it’s fairly easy to play. Once you’ve got the strumming down, you’ll be ready to add some fingerpicking in the style of James Arthur. Give it a try!
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Shape of You
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Year of Release: 2017
Artist: Ed Sheeran
Album: Divide
Video:
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Shape of You Chords and Lyrics
Ready to expand your playlist? Ed Sheeran’s Shape of you has just four chords to learn, but the rhythm and lyrics make for a fun challenge.
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Skinny Love
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Year of Release: 2007
Artist: Bon Iver
Album: For Emma, Forever Ago
Video:
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Skinny Love Chords and Lyrics
Bon Iver’s “Skinny Love” has been covered countless times, with a notable release by Birdy in 2011. It’s slightly challenging, making for a nice addition to your repertoire.
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Someone to Lava
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Year of Release: 2015
Artist: Kuana Torres Kahele, Napua Greig, and James Ford Murphy
Album (Animated Film): Disney Pixar Animated Short Film Inside Out
Video:
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Someone to Lava Chords and Lyrics
Grab your favorite someone and have fun learning how to play Someone to Lava! You’ll love it’s classic Hawaiian sound as well as its fun, catchy lyrics.
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Stay with Me
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Year of Release: 2014
Artist: Sam Smith
Album: The Thrill of It All
Video:
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Stay With Me Chords and Lyrics
Feeling lonely? Sing and play Sam Smith’s “Stay with Me” and see if your luck changes.
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Stressed Out
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Year of Release: 2015
Artist: Twenty One Pilots
Album: Blurryface
Video:
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Stressed Out Chords and Lyrics
“Stressed Out” isn’t the easiest ukulele song to play, but it’s sure to make quite an impression on your friends! Once you’ve learned the chords and lyrics, you’ll find that this is a favorite.
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Sunday Morning
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Year of Release: 2002
Artist: Maroon 5
Album: Songs About Jane
Video:
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Sunday Morning Chords and Lyrics
Sunday morning is the perfect time for practicing ukulele, and this song is a great one to cover. Have fun!
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Take Me to Church
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Year of Release: 2013
Artist: Hozier
Album: Take Me to Church
Video:
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Take Me to Church Chords and Lyrics
Ready to play something a little edgier? Hozier’s “Take Me to Church” might just do the trick!
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The Cups Song (When I’m Gone)
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Year of Release: 2012
Artist: Anna Kendrick
Album: Pitch Perfect Soundtrack
Video:
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The Cups Song Chords and Lyrics
Believe it or not, the Cups song (When I’m Gone) dates all the way back to 1931. The song was performed by the Carter Family, and credit for its lyrics and composition goes to A.P. Careter, as well as to Luisa Gerstein of Lulu and the Lampshades. Great song to listen to on your Wireless Headphones.
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The Lazy Song
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Year of Release: 2010
Artist: Bruno Mars
Album: Doo-Wops & Hooligans
Video:
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The Lazy Song Chords and Lyrics
Don’t do anything hard today…just play your ukulele! The Lazy Song has lots of chord changes, but it’s got a fun, laid-back vibe.
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The Judge
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Year of Release: 2017
Artist: Twenty One Pilots
Album: Blurryface
Video:
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The Judge Chords and Lyrics
Fantastic lyrics, a catchy beat, and lots of chords: “The Judge” has a nice, full sound, and once you’ve put all the elements together you won’t be able to stop playing it.
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The Scientist
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Year of Release: 2002
Artist: Coldplay
Album: A Rush of Blood to the Head
Video:
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The Scientist Chords and Lyrics
If you’re looking for a sad ukulele song, then consider Coldplay’s “The Scientist.” It’s got a slow, easy beat, along with wistful lyrics to help you express yourself.
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Thinking Out Loud
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Year of Release: 2014
Artist: Ed Sheeran
Album: X
Video:
Thinking Out Loud Chords and Lyrics
A little bit of trivia: Ed Sheeran plays and sings beautifully – but one skill was missing. He finally learned to dance just in time for the Thinking Out Loud video!
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Tonight You Belong to Me
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Year of Release: 2011
Artist: Eddie Vedder & Cat Power
Album: Ukulele Songs
Video:
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Tonight You Belong to Me Chords and Lyrics
Written in 1926 and covered countless times, “Tonight You Belong to Me” is the perfect ukulele song. It’s sweet, simple, and easy to sing along to. Give it a try!
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Ukulele Lady
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Year of Release: 1998
Artist: Bette Midler
Album: Bathhouse Betty
Video:
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Ukulele Lady Chords and Lyrics
If you want to treat your friends to a classic Hawaiian ukulele song, play Ukulele Lady for them! Bette Midler’s version is based on the original standard by Gus Kahn and Richard A Whiting, which dates back to 1925.
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Upside Down
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Year of Release: 2006
Artist: Jack Johnson
Album: Sing-A-Longs and Lullabies for the Film Curious George
Video:
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Upside Down Chords and Lyrics
Jack Johnson’s “Upside Down” has a chilled out, laid-back vibe, a fun beat, and fantastic lyrics. It’s a littler harder than some other famous ukulele songs, but with a little practice, you’ll be playing and singing along!
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Valerie
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Year of Release: 2006
Artist: Amy Winehouse
Album: Amy
Video:
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Valerie Chords and Lyrics
Jazz on the ukulele? “Valerie” proves it’s possible. Give this heartfelt tune a try sometime!
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Viva La Vida
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Year of Release: 2008
Artist: Coldplay
Album: Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends
Video:
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Viva La Vida Chords and Lyrics
Play the chords alone, or add some finger picking! Viva La Vida is a fantastic song whether you’re looking for something simple or if you want to take your ukulele technique to the next level.
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Wake Me Up
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Year of Release: 2013
Artist: Avicii
Album: True
Video:
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Wake Me Up Chords and Lyrics
Avicii’s “Wake Me Up” has wonderful lyrics and a marvelous beat, but it’s not too hard to play. With a little practice, you’ll be ready to show off for your friends!
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You and I
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Year of Release: 2006
Artist: Ingrid Michaelson
Album: Girls and Boys
Video:
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You and I Chords and Lyrics
Ready for a little challenge? Try playing Ingrid Michaelson’s “You and I” on your ukulele! The E can be tricky, but with some practice, you’ll get it right.
Great list!