Category Archives: Ukulele

“Light” #Yule #Christmas #Music

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This is an instrumental version of a
Metaphysical Christmas song
I wrote in 2010 and posted here in 2012. It affirms the birth of Light, or Christ Consciousness that can occur within, and for, each one of us, at any time. Christ Consciousness is simply the awareness of oneness, connectedness, positivity, peace, healing, and love that is innately ours. Living in a stressful world, we tend to lose awareness of the Christ Mind, but It is still there, within us and available to us at all times.

I hope you enjoy both versions of “Light,” the one with lyrics linked above, and this one with ukulele, Oriole soprano recorder, and viola! And no matter what you choose to call it, I hope you recognize the Light within yourself, now and always!

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“The Friendly Beasts” #Christmas #Music

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“The Friendly Beasts” is a traditional Christmas song. Though some sources say it’s an english carol, the melody is actually French. It’s the 12th-century melody of the Latin song, “”Orientis Partibus”. Robert Davis wrote the current English lyrics in the 1920’s.

In my arrangement, the donkey is represented by zither. Viola represents the cow. The doves are represented by melody and harmony on alto recorder, and the sheep is represented by lyre. In addition, verses 3 and 4 (cow and doves) are accompanied by ukulele.

I hope you enjoy this touching Christmas song!

There’s still time to participate in my
Holiday Blogging Party!
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“Once in Royal David’s City” #Advent #Music

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This beautiful Christmas carol began as a poem written by Cecil Frances Alexander in 1848. The poem is based on Luke 2:4-7, which read:

“And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.”

In 1849, English organist Henry John Gauntlett discovered the poem and set it to his melody entitled “Irby,” which is the tune we still sing today.

I first heard this carol on a CD of English (as in from England) carols someone gave me for Christmas when I was about 15. It was a choral arrangement that began with a soprano soloist. For some reason the melody and
lyrics
were unforgetable to me, and I learned to play the carol by ear on piano to accompany my singing.

Here is “Once in Royal David’s City” on ukulele, viola, alto recorder, and lyre. I hope you enjoy it!

This post is part of my Holiday Blogging party. And you’re invited!
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“Huron Carol” #Advent #Music

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This haunting carol is said to be Canada’s oldest Christmas song. Jean de Brébeuf, a Jesuit missionary at Sainte-Marie among the Hurons, wrote “Huron Carol” around 1642. It is also called “Twas in the Moon of Wintertime.”

The lyrics are an aboriginal Canadian retelling of the Nativity story, using imagery familiar to native people. Brébeuf wrote the lyrics in the Huron/Wendat people’s native language, in which the original title is “Jesous Ahatonhia” (“Jesus, he is born”). The song has been translated into both French and English.

The melody is based on a French folk tune called “Une Jeune Pucelle” (A Young Maid). The carol is still found in Canadian hymnals today.

I hope you enjoy listening to “Huron Carol” on ukulele, viola, and alto recorder!

This post is part of my Holiday Blogging Party.
You’re invited!
Please click the link and participate as much as you wish!

“Infant Holy, Infant Lowly” #Advent #Music

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“Infant Holy, Infant Lowly” is a traditional Polish Christmas carol. Its original title is “W Żłobie Leży.” Edith Margaret Gellibrand Reed translated the lyrics into English in 1920. The text is based on Luke 2:7, which reads, “And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. (KJV)” The melody may date back as far as the 13th century.

Today you’re listening to melody and harmony on alto recorder, melody on viola, and ukulele accompaniment. I hope you enjoy this beautiful carol!

“Come, Ye Thankful People, Come” #Music

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Henry Alford wrote this hymn in 1844. The text is based on
Psalm 104.
The melody is “St. George’s Windsor” by George Job Elvey.

I hope you enjoy this Thanksgiving/Harvest Festival hymn played on ukulele, viola, alto recorder, and lyre!

Waxing Rewards – Tale Weaver #302 #SixSentenceStories #Music

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I could wax poetic about the joys of playing a musical instrument! And indeed, there are many rewards. However, they don’t come at the beginning, when what you hear in your head sounds so much more beautiful than what you’re playing actually brings forth. The rewards wax like the moon, appearing with time, great patience, focused practice, and a healthy sense of humor! Meanwhile, you can still have fun and enjoy learning, as with this piece called “Carousel” that I wrote for viola and ukulele. If you want to learn a musical instrument, realize that it must be learned, that beginners aren’t supposed to sound like professionals–and play on!

—
Written for
MLMM Tale Weaver #302 – Beginnings
and
#SixSentenceStories – Wax

The Best we Can #SoCS #Music

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Original song on ukulele, because music is a container for everything!

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1. The mind is like a fridge
That’s full of leftover containers.
We’ve got to clean them out sometime;
It’s really a no brainer.
We keep what’s good, throw out what’s bad,
Learn from the happy and the sad,
And turn the rest into the best we can.

2. If we keep keeping all the stuff
In our refrigerator,
It’ll get a little spicy, dicey,
Sooner before later.
Responsible for what we hold,
We must be mindful, daring, bold
And turn the rest into the best we can.

3. There is a Spirit deep inside
That’s waiting on our calling,
For strength that only It provides
To help us when we’re falling.
The mind is deep, the mind is vast!
So let the part that’s everlasting
Turn the rest into the best we can.

We’re not alone, and we’re not done!
Our journey’s only just begun!
So turn the rest into the best we can!
Let Spirit turn the rest into the best we can!

—
Written for Linda G. Hill’s
Stream of Consciousness Saturday #SoCS Prompt: Container.

Thanks for this great prompt, Linda! It’s been a while since I’ve written a song, especially on ukulele!

Pink Flamingo #Writephoto #Poem

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When reality is an illusion,
And you’re fretting and full of confusion…
Simply take a deep breath,
Go deep into yourself
Where the Light gives you calm and conclusions!

Pink Flamingo

On Ukulele

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I wrote this song 4 years ago. It was inspired by an inflatable flamingo my parents had in their pool, and something my nephew said about hiding sins. It has nothing to do with this week’s photo, but just the word “fantasy” in Sue Vincent’s
Thursday #Writephoto Prompt, Fantasy.

This is the closest thing I’ve had to a hit song so far. It was much requested when I performed at nursing homes, rehab centers, etc, and a few listeners would sing the refrain! What an honor for a songwriter! 🙂

Darkness Flees #Writephoto #Music

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Darkness Flees (Don’t Take No BS)

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Play or download this fun ukulele tune. If you’re human, it’s just for you! ❤

1. No, I am not a prophet,
And my life can be a mess.
But even I believe someday
I’ll feel and live success.

Refrain:
Let’s step into it;
We can do it!
The Light inside
Inspires us through it!
Take heart!
And don’t take no BS!

2. The darkness is an energy,
A state of consciousness.
When Light shines through the clouds,
It’s got to flee into the mist.
Refrain:

3. The darkness in our minds and souls
Destroys us with distress.
But dawn comes after nighttime,
And the clearing mind is blessed.
Refrain:

4. The Light is our true nature;
It’s our highest and our best.
So remember when the darkness falls,
It’s just a temporary test.
Refrain: (Twice)

Take heart!
And don’t take no BS!
Take heart!
And don’t take no BS!

—
My response to Sue Vincent’s
Thursday #Writephoto Prompt, Darkness

One of the many joys of being a Metaphysician and a free agent, if you will, is being able to deliver your message so people can relate to it!