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
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°
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°
4. She Will Be Coming Around The Mountain
She’ll Be Coming Around the Mountain is a traditional folk song with a lively, repetitive melody that makes it ideal for beginners to practise rhythm, timing, and simple chord accompaniment.
Get the full Coming Round the Mountain tab here.
5. Vance Joy - Riptide
Riptide by Vance Joy is a whimsical indie folk song that explores love, vulnerability, and personal fears, with lyrics referencing anxieties like dentists, the dark, and attraction, while expressing deep admiration for a girl compared to a magician’s assistant and Michelle Pfeiffer. Through vivid imagery and playful storytelling, the song blends quirky insecurity with heartfelt emotion, capturing the desire for closeness and the magic of shared moments, making it a popular and emotionally relatable track.
E° E° E° E° D
D° D° C° 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’
7. Streets of London
Streets of London by Ralph McTell is a reflective folk song inspired by Croydon street markets, highlighting homelessness and social hardship through gentle storytelling and a soft vocal style. Released in 1969, it became a major hit and its calm, melodic structure makes it well suited to expressive kalimba playing despite being slightly more complex than beginner songs.
E E E E G G
E D C C E E
8. Oh Susanna
Oh Susanna is a traditional American folk song with a simple, upbeat melody that helps beginners practise basic fingering, steady rhythm, and confident melody playing.
Get the full Oh Susanna tab here.
9. Damien Rice - The Blower's Daughter
The Blower’s Daughter by Damien Rice is an emotionally intense song about longing, fixation, and unresolved love, capturing the pain of a relationship lacking fulfilment or closure. Through intimate lyrics and recurring refrains, the song explores the struggle between wanting to move on and being unable to let go.
D F# G D° D B A
(G B) D G B G D D (D G)
10. Harry Chapin - Cat's in the Cradle
Cats in the Cradle by Harry Chapin is a reflective folk song about fatherhood and the passage of time, showing how a distant father’s focus on work leads to missed moments with his son. As their roles reverse, the song highlights regret, lost connection, and the importance of prioritising family, making it a timeless and emotionally resonant classic.
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)
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)
12. The Yellow Rose Of Texas
The Yellow Rose of Texas is a classic folk song with a memorable melody that is well suited to practising smooth phrasing, timing, and simple accompaniment patterns.
Get the full tab for the yellow rose of texas here.
13. Bob Dylan - Blowin' in the Wind
Blowin in the Wind by Bob Dylan is a powerful folk song that explores peace, freedom, and social justice through rhetorical questions about war, injustice, and equality, encouraging reflection on the human condition. Accompanied by a simple acoustic guitar, its raw message is reinforced by the recurring line The answer, my friend, is blowin' in the wind, highlighting the elusive nature of truth. Tuning: F to F#
G A B C° C° B A D G A B D° A D D° G
D G B C° C° B A A G F G
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)
15. Phillip Phillips - Home
Home by Phillip Phillips is an uplifting song about comfort, belonging, and support during times of uncertainty and fear. Its reassuring lyrics promise safety and encouragement, emphasising perseverance and the idea of creating a place that feels like home despite life’s challenges.
C (C° E) C G E
C (C° E) C G E
16. The Rocky Road To Dublin
The Rocky Road to Dublin is a fast-paced Irish folk song that helps develop rhythmic precision, finger agility, and confidence with lively melodies.
Get the full tab for the rocky road to dublin here.
17. Jim Croce - Time In A Bottle
Time in a Bottle by Jim Croce is a tender ballad about the passage of time and the desire to hold on to meaningful moments with a loved one. Through gentle lyrics and metaphor, the song expresses longing, reflection, and the regret that time cannot be paused or saved.
C° B° F° E° C° B° F° E° C° B°
F° E° C° B° C°°# C° B° C°°#
18. Runrig - Loch Lomond
Loch Lomond by Runrig is a Scottish folk song set during the Jacobite uprising of 1745, telling the story of two soldiers, one facing execution and the other set free. Through themes of friendship, loyalty, and longing for home, the song has become a powerful tribute to Scottish heritage and an enduring anthem for Scotland and its diaspora.
D E G G A B A G A A G
E D E G G G B D° E° D° D°
19. Pete Seeger - Where Have All the Flowers Gone
Where Have All the Flowers Gone by Pete Seeger is a folk song about the repeated cycle of war and its impact on humanity, tracing loss and violence across generations. Beginning with the question Where have all the flowers gone, the lyrics move through soldiers, young girls, and graveyards, highlighting innocence lost and the human cost of conflict making it a great anti-war song.
A A E A C# A E A
F# A E A C# A F# A
20. Swanee River
Swanee River is a traditional folk song with a flowing melody that is ideal for practising expressive playing, timing, and smooth note transitions.
Get the full tab for Swanee River here.
21. Woody Guthrie - Bound for Glory
Bound for Glory by Woody Guthrie is a folk song inspired by his travels during the Great Depression, highlighting poverty, inequality, and the struggles of the working class. Through vivid storytelling, the song celebrates resilience, hope, and the pursuit of dignity, justice, and a better life.
C° D° E° (F-A F° ) (C F°)
F° C° D° (E° C-E-G) (E° G)
22. Barrett's Privateers - Stan Rogers
Barrett's Privateers narrates a sailor's journey on a privateer ship in 1778 after receiving a letter of marque to plunder American gold. Despite reservations and the ship's poor condition, they sail, engaging in battles and enduring hardships. The sailor describes the loss of their ship, injuries, and eventual return to Halifax, reflecting on the toll of privateering. The song vividly portrays the harsh realities and sacrifices of life at sea during that era, capturing the sailor's disillusionment and the challenges faced on the perilous voyage.
C E G G F E D D C
G G G G A A G G
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
24. Red River Valley
Get the full tab for Red River Valley here.
25. Joan Baez - Diamonds & Rust
Diamonds & Rust by Joan Baez is a reflective folk-rock song that looks back on a past relationship, balancing fond memories with lingering hurt and regret. The title symbolises the contrast between treasured moments of love and the emotional decay that followed as the relationship came to an end.
F G# (F° C°) C G# (F° C°) F
G G# (F° C°) F G# (F° C°) C G#
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#
27. Simon & Garfunkel - The Boxer
The Boxer by Simon & Garfunkel is a folk-rock song about a young man who leaves home for New York City in search of success, facing loneliness, poverty, and hardship along the way. Through reflective lyrics and a resilient tone, the song portrays perseverance in the face of disappointment, with the narrator determined to keep fighting despite the emotional and physical scars he carries.
G G G G E E F G G C°
B A A B A G G A G D
28. Blow the Man Down
Blow the Man Down is a traditional sea shanty with a bold, call-and-response style melody that suits strong rhythmic playing and steady pacing, reflecting its origins as a sailor’s work song.
Get the full tab for blow the man down here.
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°
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
31. Tracy chapman - Fast Car
Fast Car by Tracy Chapman is a folk song released in 1988 and produced by David Kershenbaum, reaching No. 1 in the Netherlands, Belgium (Flanders), and Ireland. The song has been widely covered by artists such as Boyce Avenue, Justin Bieber, and Jonas Blue, and features a simple, symbolic music video showing everyday scenes that reflect its themes of escape and reality.
(F A C°) E° F° E° (C E G) G°
(A C° E°) C°° (E G B) B°
32. Beautiful Dreamer
Beautiful Dreamer by Stephen Foster is a serene parlor song written as a tender serenade, featuring a smooth, waltz-like melody and soothing, dreamlike character. Its long, sustained notes and gentle rise-and-fall phrasing mirror the song’s theme of calm reflection and quiet longing.
Get the full tab for beautiful dreamer here.
33. Cat Stevens - Wild World
Wild World by Cat Stevens is an emotional folk song about the end of a romantic relationship, expressing care, concern, and lingering affection after a breakup. The narrator addresses his former partner as they go their separate ways, warning her about the challenges of the wider world while genuinely wishing her safety and happiness. Through reflective lyrics and gentle melody, the song captures the bittersweet mix of love, loss, and maturity that comes with letting someone go.
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)
34. James Taylor - Fire and Rain
Fire and Rain by James Taylor is an autobiographical and introspective song that reflects on personal struggle, loss, and mental health, drawing on his experiences with depression, addiction, fame, and the death of a close friend. Despite its emotional weight, the song also conveys resilience and hope, highlighting music and human connection as sources of comfort and healing.
(B A) C°# A° E° C°# (C°# E)
B G° D° B D (E° D° A) F°#
35. 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°)
The Only Kalimba Songbook You'll Ever Need
The fastest way to build confidence and technique is by playing real music. The Kalimba Songbook is a focused collection of 80 expertly arranged tabs, designed specifically for beginners and developing musicians who want to bypass the long theory sections and get straight into making music. This songbook removes frustration by giving you clean, easy-to-read tablature that guides you. This resource is your direct path to unlocking a wide range of popular tunes.
