Jollity Farm

Going even further back, to 1929, for this one, which fans of animal noises will want to join in with. It was written and first recorded by Leslie Sarony, but the Bonzo Dog Band also did it in the 60s.

Miss Otis Regrets

Staying in the 1930s, for what was probably Cole Porter's finest murder ballad.

All I Do Is Dream Of You

A song which has been recorded by many, including Judy Garland, Debbie Reynolds, Bing Crosby, Perry Como, and Michael Buble. Not forgetting the Chico Marx version in "A Night At The Opera". But can it survive the whistling solo?

Heartbeat

As well as this daily task, I try to make one song each week fit in with a weekly challenge on a website called the Ukulele Underground, where people record songs that fit a theme. This week's theme is Kisses, so a good excuse for another Buddy Holly song.

On The Mighty Ocean Alcohol

Something gentle for a grey Saturday morning, written by Bap Kennedy. A great songwriter who left us far too soon. If you haven't heard much of him, do seek out his songs.
The running total is agonisingly close to the £600 mark - who is going to send it over the top and trigger the party poppers here in 365UkeSongs Towers?

Can't Take My Eyes Off You

Look! He's had a haircut! And about time too.
Definitely a happy Friday song. Altogether in the chorus...

How Do You Do It

This was very nearly the debut single for The Beatles. They recorded it in Sept 1962, but decided to release Love Me Do instead. So Gerry & The Pacemakers took this one over and made it theirs.
Meanwhile, back in the not so sunny room...

It Doesn't Matter Anymore

I always assumed Buddy Holly wrote this, but no, it was Paul Anka. Plenty more Buddy Holly coming this way, because I love to play 'em! And apologies for the Buddy Holly-esque hiccup at the very end, caused by a misbehaving PC.

I Knew The Bride (When She Used To Rock'n'Roll)

There could be several Nick Lowe songs appearing here this year, because, quite simply, he writes some of the best songs around. For starters, here's one that was a hit for his band-mate Dave Edmunds.

Echo Beach

Not exactly beach weather here, but this song always cheers up a cold winter morning.

Whole Wide World

Having just spent a lot of the last eight hours driving through snow and rain, I do feel as if I have gone the whole wide world. Good to be back here with a ukulele and most of my voice.

People Are Strange

Just think, if The Doors had come from Yorkshire instead of L.A., I might have been sitting here singing "There's nowt as queer as folk..."

A Broken Heart And A Glass Of Beer

After yesterday's kitten-loving session, we are right back down to earth with a bump. This is one of those country songs where everything has gone wrong - count 'em. Written by Alan Flatt in about 1950.

Everybody Gets A Kitten

How much is a nice cup of coffee? A slice of cake? A pint of beer? All about the same as the cost of getting a solar lamp out to a family in Africa. And that's what all of this is about. All donations, no matter how small, are very very welcome!

Last year, Jeremy Messersmith produced an album of joyful songs for ukulele, which he called #ObscenelyOptimistic. This is one of them.

Mr Blue Sky

I get the feeling that Jeff Lynne didn't have the ukulele in mind when he wrote this one. But blue sky + solar lamps = happy families, so it had to be done.

City of Stars

Suggested by my daughter, a "La La Land" fan. And for once, I'll do what she tells me.

Down In The Tube Station At Midnight

Still not feeling 100% (possibly about 40%) but what the heck. I did actually rehearse an instrumental for today, but no, I decided to sing anyway. Couldn't pick an easy one with not many words, could I?

Sorrow

The cold continues, but so do the songs. This one is The Merseybeats via David Bowie.
Meanwhile, the £500 barrier has been breached - fantastic!

Silver Machine

A few people have asked me what happens to the daily song if I get ill. My answer is that I sing while I'm ill. And here's the proof. I thought I had seen off my winter cold over Christmas, but it seems to be coming back again. Amazingly, I didn't cough once.
This one was requested by Jon.

Daniel

Apparently, this song was about a Vietnam war veteran returning home, but Elton John left out the last verse which made it all clear. So you will have to make that bit up for yourselves.

Maxwell's Silver Hammer

After yesterday's outbreak of Rutle-mania, let's have one from the other fab four. Probably their finest murder ballad, and all lit by SolarAid lamps.

I Must Be In Love

John, a fellow ukulele player, with impeccable musical taste, asked me to do anything at all by The Rutles. I jumped at the chance. If you are not familiar with The Rutles, I urge you to look them up. This is one of the pre-fab four's finest.

I Hardly Ever Sing Beer Drinking Songs

I can confirm that I have a weakness for a good country song, and a few may well turn up along the way. They get bonus points if Johnny Cash did them. Here's one which sort of goes against the grain of a lot of those songs - he's happy, nobody is cheating, nobody leaves, and the dog and the horse don't even get a mention.

Waltzing Matilda

This was a request from my friend Brian in Australia. And no Brian, I didn't watch the cricket...

Cum On Feel The Noize

Slade, first thing on a Sunday morning? OK, in case people are trying to have a lie-in, I'll slow it down a bit.

Half A Boy And Half A Man

The Christmas decorations are down (boo, hiss) so I have found something quick and jolly by Nick Lowe to cheer myself up, and maybe you too.

Cool For Cats

Donations are already 25% of the way to the target - thank you!
To celebrate, I will sing as many words as I can in two minutes and fifteen seconds...

Human

3 o'clock on a very gloomy York afternoon. What to do about the lighting? How about using a SolarAid lamp? Works a treat. And you generous people have already donated enough to pay for over 90 of them to go out to where they are really needed. Thank you!

Bring Me Sunshine

A special request from Jeremy Leggett, and who am I to refuse?

Only You

Very early in the morning - possibly too early to be singing - so something gentle by Vince Clarke & Yazoo.

After Hours

January 1st  - Happy New Year! Just 365 songs to go.

First up, how about something by The Velvet Underground?