1. Alicia Keys - If I Ain't Got You
If I Ain't Got You by Alicia Keys is a soulful ballad about the importance of love and genuine connections over material wealth and possessions. The song reflects on the emptiness that can come from material success without someone special to share it with. Keys expresses that even with all the riches and luxuries of the world, they mean nothing if she doesn't have the love of her partner. The lyrics emphasise the value of love, companionship, and emotional fulfilment above all else, making it clear that these are the true treasures in life.
A° E° C° A° E° C° A° E° C°
A° E° C° A° E° C° A° E° C°
G° D° B G° D° B G° D° B
G° D° B G° D° B G° D° B
F° C° A F° C° A F° C° A
F° C° A F° C° A F° C° A°
E° B G E° B G E° B G
E° B G F° C° A G° D° B
2. Childish Gambino - Me And Your Mama
Me and Your Mama by Childish Gambino is an eclectic and dynamic song that combines elements of funk, soul, and rock. The lyrics explore themes of love, desire, and intimacy, as the narrator expresses his devotion and affection for his romantic partner. Throughout the song, Childish Gambino's vocals range from soulful crooning to powerful belting, reflecting the intensity and passion of the emotions being conveyed. The title "Me and Your Mama" suggests a close and intimate relationship between the narrator and his partner, with the song serving as a celebration of their connection. Musically, "Me and Your Mama" features a range of instrumentation, including funky guitar riffs, atmospheric synths, and energetic drumming, which contribute to its dynamic sound.
D° F° A C° D° F° A C°
D° F° D° F° A C° D° F° A C° D° F°
D° F° A C° D° F° A C° D° F°
A# A A# B A# B A# A# A# A
F° A# A F° F A# A A# B A# B
A# A# A# A F° A# A F° F A#
B A# B A# A# A# A F° A# A
F° A# A F° A# A A# B A# B
A# A# A# A F° A# A F° F A#
A A# B A# B A# A# A# A F° A# A F° F
3. Daniel Caesar - Best Part
The R&B song called ‘Best Part’ was written by Daniel Caesar and Gabi Wilson, but the music was produced by Jordan Evans and Mathew Burnett for release on the 31st of December 2017. It's the second single to become No. 1 in the adult R&B billboard songs. The music video is set down the beach it is a split screen of a male and a woman on each side singing taking it in turns on the woman’s side it is dark and like a sunset is happening where as the mans side is a light visual as if the sun is rising. The video ends in them both turning around and staring at the sea.
G A B G E
G G A B A G E
G G A B G D° D° C° (G B)
G A B G E
G G A B A G E
G G A B G D° D° C° (G B)
D° E° G° E° D° E° B A G B A
D° E° G° E° D° E° B A G B A
D° E° G° E° D° E° B A G D° D° C°
B D° D° D° E° D° B
4. Charles Fox - Killing Me Softly
Written by Charles fox who is an American composer, the song was originally made by Roberta flack in 1973, it has since been made by other artists including the fugees, there version done incredibly well and won the 1997 grammy award for best R&B performance by duo or group and has been hailed as one of the best hip hop songs in history by XXL. Genre is R&B soul, pop, and rap/hip hop.
Many other artists have recorded their own version of the song including, hugh grant in 'about a boy' jessie j performed the song live on stage in 2018. Due to the song being made by Charles Fox quite a long time ago there isnt an official music video of the song. Below are the number and letter notations so you can play along to the song.
E F G A G D G
A G F E F C E F
G A G A B B C°
B A G A C° A F E
D E F G G G G A
B C° C° C° C° A E
G F B B B G D E E
E E E A C° B A D°
D° A C° B G B A A A
C° A G C G F F F F E D D D E
5. Childish Gambino - Redbone
Redbone by Childish Gambino is a soulful and psychedelic R&B song that explores themes of love, trust, and vulnerability. The lyrics convey a sense of caution and apprehension as the narrator reflects on the challenges and uncertainties of a romantic relationship. Throughout the song, Childish Gambino's falsetto vocals and hypnotic melodies create an atmosphere of intimacy and introspection. The title "Redbone" is a term used to describe a person with a light brown complexion, and it may symbolize the complexity and depth of the relationship being explored in the song.
(F°# D°# B°) (G°# F° C°#) (A°# F°# D°#)
(F°# D°# B°) (G°# F° C°#) (A°# F°# D°#)
(F° C° A°) (C°° G°# G°) (F°# D°# B°)
(G°# F° C°#) (A°# F°# D°#) (F°# D°# B°)
(G°# F° C°#) (A°# F°# D°#)
C° C° G°# F°# F° C°# A°# C°# D°# C°#
D°# F°# C°°# G°# C° C° F° F°# G°# F°#
C° C° G°# F°# F° C°# A°# C°# D°# C°#
D°# F°# C°°# G°# C° C° G°# F°# C°# D°#
D°# D°# D°# D°# G#° G#° G#° G#° G°#
6. Etta James - At Last
At Last by Etta James is a classic love song that expresses the joy and relief of finding true love. The song conveys a sense of longing and anticipation finally being fulfilled as the singer celebrates the arrival of a special someone who brings happiness and completeness into their life. Etta James' powerful vocals and heartfelt delivery capture the depth of emotion and gratitude for the love that has been found after a period of waiting.
F°° D°° C°° A#° G#° A°
C°° A#° G#° G° F° G°
F°° D°° C°° A#° G#° A°
D# G° G#° C#°° C°° A#° C°
(A A°) (C° C°°) (D° C#°°)
(E° E°°) (A A°) (C° C°°) (D° C#°°)
(E° E°°) (F° F°°) (F° F°°) (D° D°°)
7. Amy Winehouse - Back to Black
Back to Black by Amy Winehouse is a melancholic song that goes into the pain and self-destructive tendencies following a breakup. The lyrics portray the narrator's struggle with heartache, betrayal, and longing for a past relationship that has ended. Winehouse's soulful vocals convey a sense of raw emotion as she reflects on the intense highs and devastating lows of love. The song's dark melody, combined with its poignant lyrics, captures the essence of grief and the longing to return to a time when things were better, despite the knowledge that it's impossible.
(A° F° D° A D) (D° A D)
(D° A D) (D° A D)
A° F° (C° G C)
(G° D° A# G D G) (G D G)
(G D G) (G D G) G° D°
(A E A) (A°# F° D°
A# F A#) (A# F A#) (A# F A#)
(A# F A#) A°# F° (C G) C A# (A A A)
(A E A) (A A) E (A E A)
(A A) E E (G G) (F D F) (E C E) B
8. Beastie Boys - Intergalactic
Intergalactic by the Beastie Boys is a rap song that combines elements of hip-hop and electronic music. The lyrics of the song celebrate the Beastie Boys' unique style and lyrical prowess while incorporating references to science fiction and outer space themes. The verses showcase the group's signature wordplay and braggadocious rhymes, while the chorus features catchy vocal harmonies and a memorable hook.
F B B B B B B
B B B B B B B
F F F F B
(F° C° A F C F)
(G° # D° # C° G# D# G#)
(G° D° B G D G) (F° C° A F C F)
9. The Weeknd - Wicked Games
Wicked Games by The Weeknd is a dark and seductive R&B song that is about desire, lust, and the complexities of romantic relationships. The lyrics depict a tumultuous love affair filled with passion and temptation, but also marked by manipulation and emotional turmoil. The narrator struggles with feelings of guilt and self-destructive behavior as he becomes entangled in a toxic cycle of love and betrayal. The melody and hypnotic rhythm enhance the song's mood, creating an atmospheric experience that mirrors the intense emotions explored in the lyrics.
(F°# D° B F# B)
(F°# D° B F# A)
(F°# D° B F# G)
(G° D° B G D G)
B F# B D° F°#
B A F# B D° F°#
A (F°# G) D° B F#
B A G G B D° G°
10. Mabel - Don't Call Me Up
Don't Call Me Up by Mabel is a pop song that empowers independence and self-respect in the context of a breakup. The lyrics depict a situation where the singer has moved on from a past relationship and is asserting her newfound confidence and freedom. Mabel tells her former partner not to reach out to her anymore, as she is done with the relationship and ready to move forward with her life. The song's upbeat tempo, catchy melody, and assertive lyrics convey a sense of empowerment and liberation, encouraging listeners to stand up for themselves and prioritize their own well-being.
(D° B F# B) E° (D° B F#)
(C°# B F#) (C°# A A) (B E) (A E
(E° B E) (E° B) (E° B)
(E° B E) (E° B) (E° B)
(D° B F# B) E° (D° B F#)
(C°# B F#) (C°# A A) (B E) (A E)
(E° B E) (E° B) (E° B)
(E° B E) (E° B) (E° B)
(D4 B F# B) E4 (D4 B F#)
(C4# B F#) (C4# A A) (B E) (A E)
11. Juice WRLD - Lucid Dreams
Lucid Dreams by Juice WRLD is a melancholic rap song that has themes of heartbreak, pain, and longing. The song's lyrics reflect on a past relationship that has ended, with Juice WRLD expressing deep emotional turmoil and sorrow over the loss of love. He vividly describes the emotional rollercoaster of heartbreak, recounting the memories of his past relationship and the pain of knowing it's over.
The chorus, "I still see your shadows in my room, can't take back the love that I gave you," captures the sense of longing and inability to let go of the past. Juice WRLD grapples with the memories of his former partner, struggling to move on from the pain and find closure.
E° E° C° C° G° F° E° E° D°
E° E° C° C° G° F° E° E° D°
E° E° C° C° G° F° E° E° D°
D° E° E° F° E° C° C° G° F° E° E° D° E°
C° C° C° D° C° C°
C° C° C° D° C° C°
C° C° C° D° C° C° C° C° C° D°
C° C° C° D° C° C°
C° C° C° D° C° C°
C° C° C° C° D° C°
12. Kid Cudi - Day 'n' Nite
Day 'n' Nite by Kid Cudi is a hip-hop song about loneliness, isolation, and escapism. The song's lyrics follow the protagonist's internal struggles as they grapple with feelings of alienation and disconnect from the world around them. The chorus, "Day and night, I toss and turn, I keep stress in my mind," reflects the protagonist's constant battle with their inner demons and the difficulty of finding peace and solace.
Despite the dark undertones, the song also touches on themes of self-reflection and introspection. The protagonist seeks refuge in their own thoughts and imagination, using music and drugs as a form of escapism from their everyday struggles.
D° D° B B B B D° D°
13. Marvin Gaye - What's Going On
What's Going On by Marvin Gaye is a soulful and socially conscious song that addresses the issues of war, poverty, and social injustice prevalent during the time of its release in the early 1970s. The lyrics reflect Gaye's concern and disillusionment with the state of the world, as he observes the suffering and division around him. The song urges listeners to come together, empathize with one another, and seek understanding to bring about positive change. It's a plea for unity, compassion, and a call to action to address the pressing issues facing society.
(D°# B G# E) (D°# B G# E)
(D°# B G# E) (D°# B G# E)
(D°# B G# E) (D°# B G# E)
(D°# B G# E)
(D°# B G# E) (D°# B G# E)
(D°# B G# E) (D°# B G# E)
(D°# B G# E) (D°# B G# E) (D°# B G# E)
F°# F°# D°# C°# D°#
D°# F°# D°# C°# D°# D°# F°#
(D°# B G# E) (D°# B G# E)
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!