Locked down with my Ukulele 3

These are strange times even shopping there is an element jeopardy. It’s a different process in different shops. I like the Bury Tesco approach. I find security in the one-way system highlighted by the blue arrows taped to the floor. I do find that when someone shows contempt for the established system I get quite defensive. With a little bit of uncertainty what do you do when someone approaches in the wrong direction?

The options:

1) Retreat backwards and at the end of the isle sharply spin into the space at the end of the gondola allowing the offender to pass.

2) Say nothing. Continue along the existing course and don’t make eye contact because then you’ll be fully protected. Once out of “ear shot” tut under your breath at the rudeness of people.

3) Shout down the offender in the hope that they will see the error of their ways.

I generally opt for option 2.

Tickle My Heart

This is song 35 in the songbook. I love this tune. It’s another one that makes me happy. I just feel that there’s a lot of bounce to it.

I looked up what tickle the heart means. It says “something or someone that really gives you an extreme amount of joy”. It’s the feeling you get when you mange the [Gaug] at the end of the second bridge.

There’s an easy hook to this tune and I’ve played this for groups of friends and on meeting again they’ve recounted how they found themselves singing “tickle me in the morning” for days after. Once the strumming pattern is got down most of the songs chord changes follow a nice pattern.

The song has to be discovered. It’s written by Joe Brown (From Joe Brown and the Bruvers) and Rodger Cook. Rodger has written songs like “You’ve got your troubles” and, one we have road tested in the past, “I’d like to teach the world to sing”. It appeared on Joes Ukulele album in 2012. In researching the history of this tune I’ve discovered that I have been playing ukulele longer than I thought as it was after I bought and started playing ukulele I quickly found Joes album and saw him on tour at Tunbridge Wells all in 2012. It was hearing the tune on the tour that I got hooked on it. I was driving home from the concert singing “tickle my heart” most of the way home.

Surprisingly this stands as a contender for one of the youngest songs in the book as it would appear to have been written for the album.

I play my own version of this, which has evolved over the years but, heavily influenced by the version on the album. If you’ve not heard this album but I would recommend it. Quite a few of the tracks are either on Spotify or on Youtube.

This track has happiness in it’s DNA. This is a song that needs to be played like it’s a snuggle blanket. It’s not one to thrash at the top of your lungs. It needs to be sung with love and gentleness. The pleasure of this song is in its soft warming glow. It’s a hug in a melody. A hot chocolate with cream.

Go on indulge! Your worth it.

Stay safe.