When They Went Away To War: Ukulele Songs for Anzac Day 2024

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Postcard of the Troopship, The Orvieto, that took Australian Troops (including my relative) on the first leg of their journey to Gallipoli in 1914. (Private Collection: sent 30 November 1914)

Anzac Day, 25 April, commemorates the sacrifice and dedication of Australian Service Personnel in past and recent conflicts. For many people it also represents the dark days when their loved ones were gone from their lives and they did not know if and when they would return home. Conversely, those involved in the wartime operations looked forward to a time when they could see their families and friends again, a frequent subject in their letters and postcards.

Typical postcards sent from the Western Front in WW1 (Private collection: sent by my relative to his family, 1917)

To commemorate such times, here are several songs on the ukulele that convey how it feels to miss your loved ones with no reconciliation in sight.

The World War II song, We’ll Meet Again, made famous by Vera Lynn, conveys the mixed feelings when farewelling a departing member of the services. It was very much a case of keep your chin up despite the uncertainties of a future reunion. Annie the Clumsy gives a very heartfelt rendition.

Ain’t No Sunshine by Bill Withers portrays the emptiness experienced by those who are missing a loved one. Maria Isas performs this song from a woman’s perspective, which is especially relevant on Anzac Day, as many women are left alone during wartime.

During times of separation when partners are deployed overseas, all that is left is one’s imagination to bring you back together. Leo Sayer’s When I need You, expresses this situation beautifully. The following version is by Ukulele Cover and Kalimba.

The Letter by the Box Tops was written during the Vietnam War. Overseas personnel looked forward to the letters from home and could not wait to get back to their significant others. I’m sure that this song was inspired by this situation. The duo, Toast Garden, perform this song with a great deal of verve and feeling.

Through songs such as these, perhaps we can understand some of the feelings of worry and uncertainty experienced by those separated during conflict and how they must have tried to overcome their fears. Many were never to see their loved ones again and for those who have felt such loss, commemorations like Anzac Day are especially important. Play your ukulele and remember them.

Lest We forget

Kat

Postcard of a War grave, WW1 (Private collection: It belonged to one of my relatives who survived that terrible war. Others were not so lucky)

Songs about Dance for the Ukulele

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It’s nearly Autumn in Melbourne but the weather is still fine and warm and there are still festivals to attend, both for the Ukulele community and the wider population.

In early March (8-11) is the Moomba Festival with it’s Multicultural Parade on the 11th, and all kinds of community events in the city, including ukulele lessons for kids. For details visit https://news.melbourne.vic.gov.au/moomba/

Moomba Procession Dancers

Later on in March (15, 16, 17) is the famous Melbourne Ukulele Festival in Northcote. For all the events and workshops visit https://www.muf.org.au.

In the Northern Hemisphere Spring is just around the corner with everyone will emerging from Winter hibernation and looking forward to enjoying finer weather with all kinds of celebrations. So let’s put on our dancing shoes and play some relevant songs on the Ukulele.

With that end in mind I have selected some ukulele versions of songs with a dance theme performed by talented ukulele players on YouTube.

The 1958 song Do You Wanna Dance by Bobby Freeman is interpreted on ukulele by Pete Ukuholic Joyce with additional instruments.

Martha and the Vandellas first recorded Dancing in the Street in 1964, followed by many other popular artists, like The Mamas and the Papas. Here we have Paul Gasper doing a lively rendition on ukulele.

Matt Daniels performs David Bowie’s Let’s Dance from 1983 to really get your toes tapping.

Learn to play Bruce Springsteen’s 1984 hit, Dancing in the Dark from Ukulele Cheats wonderful tutorial.

To round up this selection of Dance Songs, Overdriver Duo gives an excellent performance of Abba’s Dancing Queen (1976).

I hope these songs inspire all those who love the ukulele to attend a festival, do a ukulele workshop or just enjoy playing the ukulele where others can dance along to the music.

It’s great to be back after having a year of challenges that have keep me away from this blog. At least I have been able to play my ukuleles to retain some sense of fun and calm. It really is an instrument of joy.

Happy strumming,

Kat

Ukulele Songs for Women: Celebrating International Women’s Day

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March 8 is International Women’s Day (website: https://www.internationalwomensday.com), which is a good time to recognise the value and importance of women in all walks of life. What better way than to celebrate with song and there are many great examples that have been adapted for the ukulele.

Women have long struggled for independence and to be taken seriously by the opposite sex. Back in 1963 Lesley Gore’s You Don’t Own Me, was such a plea that was eagerly welcomed by her young female audience. A more recent ukulele version by Peppermint Ollie demonstrates that the song still resonates with young women.

Working women have long struggled for equality in pay and promotions. The 1980 movie comedy, 9 to 5, starring Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin and Dolly Parton dealt with the difficulties of being a woman in corporate America in a humorous manner, but there were definitely serious undertones. Dolly Parton’s excellent theme song says it all. Azalea Grace performs it wonderfully on ukulele.

A lesser known song is the 1999 electronic dance number, Don’t Call Me Baby by Australian duo Madison Avenue, which stresses the continued need for women to stand up for themselves. Julie Chow does a slow, memerising take on this song with ukulele and electronic accompaniment.

It’s good to celebrate being a woman and enjoy life on your own terms without being defined by others. Cindy Lauper’s version of Girls Just Wanna Have Fun, is a terrific reminder. Jemma Johnson does a beautiful ukulele cover.

Here are some links to a couple of ukulele songs that are only available to watch on YouTube:

A play along of what every woman wants – RESPECT, sung by Aretha Franklin (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K4BEWPhPgwQ).

A tutorial and play along of Shania Twain’s gutsy Man I Feel Like a Woman (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IA2hw8OeFN8)

I’m sure that you can think of many other women’s songs to play on the ukulele.

Have a wonderful International Women’s Day. Remember to celebrate being a woman, as well as all the women in your life and try to make a difference, so that it is a better world for everyone.

Happy strumming,

Kat

For The Love of Dogs: A Ukulele Tribute For Valentine’s Day

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On Valentine’s day we remember the bonds we share with our family and friends, including our four legged variety. As we journey through life, dogs comfort and make us laugh during the bad times and help us to celebrate our successes. While people may come and go, our dogs are constant companions giving us their unconditional love. Life is is so much better when you share it with one or more dogs.

That is why there are so many great songs about dogs and the love we have for our furry friends. To celebrate this bond on Valentine’s day, here are a few well known songs performed on Ukulele by obvious dog lovers.

I Love My Dog by Yusuf Islam (Cat Stevens) performed by Pabrizzer, with inspiration from his dog.

Play along with the classic Me and You and a Dog Named Boo by Lobo performed by The Fivey Ukulele.

It’s never too late to bring a dog into your life. The Monkee’s Gonna Buy Me a Dog played by Jazzbanjoex, might provide you with the incentive to go looking for a new friend.

l lost my beloved dog late last year after a long illness. Although I was devastated by this loss, I could not bear to live without a dog so have welcomed a new puppy into my world. Puppies are a delight and The Puppy Song by Harry Nilsson expresses the joy of having a puppy. Here it is performed with feeling by Sage Harrington.

This Valentine’s day make some time to give your dog with lot’s of treats and attention. They are with us for such a short time, but we should never forget the love and devotion each one brings to our lives over the years.

Play your dog a song on the ukulele. (I’m still trying to convince my puppy that the ukulele is not scary and he doesn’t need to flee. It might take some time.) Don’t discourage them if they sing along and want to join in the fun.

Have a happy Valentine’s day.

Keep on strumming,

Kat

Classic Songs for Peace to Play on your Ukulele

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We are now living in very uncertain times and it is difficult not to feel helpless and distressed by the terrible conflict that has erupted in Ukraine. For most of us playing the ukulele has always been an escape from our day to day troubles because it makes us feel better. However in difficult times we sometimes need to confront these harsh realities. The ukulele has always been an instrument for the people, not for politicians, and is at its most powerful when used to give comfort and hope.

A single human voice paired with a ukulele can be a simple and effective tool to convey the message of a Peace or Anti-War song, whether sung alone, with friends or in public. Many of these songs that were written in the mid twentieth century have stood the test of time and are simple to play on the ukulele.

The following examples are just a small selection that I was able to find on YouTube, each performed by a dedicated ukulele player. They are well known songs with easily available chord music that can be found online. Look for a version that suits your playing ability or challenge yourself to find a more difficult example.

Firstly is Pete Seeger’s classic Where Have All The Flowers Gone written in 1955 performed by Ms McBride.

Secondly Bob Dylan’s A Hard Rain’s Gonna Fall from 1962 performed by Boozelele.

Thirdly is One Tin Soldier by Dennis Lambert and Brian Potter originally performed by Canadian Pop Group The Original Caste in 1969 and played by Kelly Deacon.

Finally we have Yusuf/Cat Steven’s 1971 Peace Train performed by Stephen Norwood and Justin.

Of course there are many more recent anti-war songs that you might prefer to play but these are a good start and all have a universal message that is still relevant and needed today. Let us all use our voices and instruments to try and make a difference no matter how small.

Keep playing your ukuleles.

Peace, Kat.

Holiday Fun On The Ukulele: Seasonal Songs with Silly Alternative Lyrics

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The Holiday Season in Melbourne is nearly upon us. It might be beach weather but there’s no shortage of snow related decorations and evergreen pine trees in people’s homes. 

Rudolph

While it is summer here, Australians still love to sing and play winter songs on the ukulele. An old favourite is Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, probably because it tells a fun story that we all loved to hear as children. It is also easy to play on the ukulele and for those who want a simple version, the following lesson by the talented Elise Ecklund is a good one.

However for those who prefer very silly lyrics you could also substitute the original with the lyrics of Robert the Red Nosed Reindeer by Aussie legends Bucko and Champs of Aussie Jingle Bells fame. It’s probably not suitable for little children so save it till later when the adults need a laugh.

If you want to go down a really controversial path and risk insulting some of your relatives at family celebrations, there’s always Bucko and Champs Completely Useless Gifts to the tune of Auld Lang Syne. But maybe don’t play this if you want to see them again next holiday season.

Whatever you play on your ukulele have a Wonderful Festive Season and a very Happy New Year.

Keep on Strumming,

Kat

Bayside Ukes: Changes for 2022

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Due to the difficulties of running a Ukulele Group during the Covid-19 Pandemic, Bayside Ukes will no longer be run as a public group at the Hampton Community Centre.

Thank you to everyone who has come to these sessions over the years and made them so much fun.

This website will continue to celebrate ukulele music.

Keep on strumming,

Kat

Bayside Ukes Sessions Update

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Due to the ongoing uncertainty of the COVID-19 vaccine rollout Bayside Ukes has decided to cease our sessions at the Hampton Community Centre from Term 2 until the beginning of 2022 when most people will have been vaccinated.

We encourage everyone to keep playing your ukuleles and hope you all stay well.

Bayside Ukes COVID-19 Update

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Covid-19 restrictions were eased for everyone in Victoria on the 26th of February 2021.  

The main one for ukulele groups is that people do not need to wear a mask while singing as long as they are socially distanced.  For Bayside Ukes members this means that you can sing as long as you are seated two metres apart and in rows facing the same direction.

You still may wear a mask if you wish.

Members also need to bring their own songbooks and music stand as we will be socially distanced.

All the other measures listed in the previous post remain the same.

Keep on strumming.

Kat

Bayside Ukes: Back for 2021

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Bayside Ukes is back next Tuesday, February 9, from 7 to 9.30 PM at the Hampton Community Centre to resume our regular sessions for 2021. We hope that all our members are ready to enjoy real life playing again.

Under our strong Covid-Safe plan, based on State Government rules and recommendations, only 21 people at a time will be able to attend a session in the HCC Main Hall. Participation is only available to members of Bayside Ukes and not casual visitors. 

If you wish to join our group you will need to become a 2021 member of the Hampton Community Centre for insurance purposes. Please contact Bayside Ukes via email for details of membership. See right menu for our email address.

Due to the restrictions on the number of attendees, members must book their place each week via email, on a first come, first served basis.

When attending a session, everyone must wear a mask indoors at all times and maintain a social distance of 1.5 metres.

On entry to the HCC participants must register their details for contact tracing using the Centres QR code. If you don’t have a smartphone, make sure you have your own pen to sign in manually.

Seating will be spaced following government guidelines.

Everyone will need their own copies of our two song books (see menu above) and a music stand, as there will be no sharing of music and equipment. Also no-one may play any wind instruments.

During a song only five members at a time will be allowed to sing and must keep on their masks. We will take turns at singing.

There will be no sharing of food and drink. Please bring your own water bottle.

Cleaning procedures will be mandatory for all attendees.

Do not attend a session if you are unwell.

All the above Covid-Safe measures are for everyone’s protection. We want our members to have an enjoyable experience playing together while staying healthy. 

We look forward to a time when these steps will no longer be necessary. In the meantime we will do our best to make our sessions as fun as possible.

Keep on strumming,

Kat