I love to throw a ukulele in my saddlebag and head off for a days ride. I felt I needed a compact songbook to take along, so began compiling a collection of ukulele arrangements. I choose the songs of the jazz era , a heyday for both song writing and bicycling. The songs chosen are perfectly suited for the vintage chic cyclist.
The songbook is intended for the use of cycling ukulele players and/or singers. It should be printed in A5 size and spiral bound to make it the perfect saddlebag songbook. If you are not familiar with the songs contained in the book try searching titles on ‘You Tube’.
The Songs
Accentuate The Positive
After You’ve Gone
Ain’t Misbehaving
Ain’t She Sweet
All I Do is Dream Of You
All Of Me
Anything Goes
Bei Mir Bist Du Schön
Besame Mucho
Blue Skies
Choo Choo Ch’boogie
Daisy Bell
Dance Me To The End Of Love
Don’t Fence Me In
Five Foot Two
Hilo Hattie
Houdini Never Hung Around In Bars
I Can’t Give You Anything But Love
I Don’t Want To Set The World On Fire
I Love A Ukulele
I Wan’na Be Like You
I Wish I Could Shimmy Like My Sister Kate
I’ll See You In My Dreams
I’m Pau
If I Had You
In The Mood
It don’t mean a thing (if it ain’t got that swing)
It Had To Be You
It’s Only A Paper Moon
Jada
Leaning On A Lamp Post
Love Is The Sweetest Thing
Mack The Knife
Minnie The Moocher
Moonglow
My Blue Heaven
My Melancholy Baby
Night And Day
Nobody knows You When You’re Down And Out
Noughts and Crosses
Pennies From Heaven
Roll Along Prairie Moon
She Tunes Her Ukulele GCEA
Shine On Harvest Moon
Singin’ In The Rain
Sway
Sweet Georgia Brown
The Devil And The Deep Blue Sea
The Girl From Ipanema
The Glory of Love
The Hypnotist
The Sheik Of Araby
The Trail Of The Lonesome Pine
Till There Was You
Tiptoe Through the Tulips
Tonight You Belong To Me
Ukulele Lady
When I’m Cleaning Windows
Without My Walking Stick
Zing Went The Strings Of My Heart
NB: You may notice a couple of modern songs in the list, I included them because they are in the style and just great songs.
If you are a cyclist and would like a free copy of the “Saddlebag Songbook” then just leave a comment and I will email a link and password for the download page.
Best
Nipper
This songbook sounds delightful. Thank you for your effort!
I have a ukulele playing and cycling daughter who would appreciate a copy of this.
(She’s playing “5 Years Time” on her uke as we speak).
What a wonderful idea! I would also love to have access to your project.
Hi Nipper, I think it very strange sometimes, when you get to know someone, and find you have so much in common.
I too love cycles and ukulele’s, and my favourite songs, are from the twenties. I would love a copy of your book, I will add it to all my other stuff, have you done anything recorded, or have the Night Owl’s done any recorded stuff.
I am a real fan of what you do, please let me know,
keep hootin, Pete.
I don’t play a musical instrument and can’t carry a tune in a bucket with a lid on it, but that doesn’t stop me from singing, whistling or humming as I make my way down the roads. Sign me up for a copy please.
Thanks
Aaron
What a great idea, both my 12 year old son and I try to play the uke and love cycling, not simultaneously, and we would really appreciate a copy of your collection of songs.
Hi Nipper.
What an inspired idea and a beautiful offer – thank you so much. During the normal working week here in Sydney Oz I don’t cycle so much & I do play ukulele a lot. But come holidays, the bike and the ukes come too. I head down to the South Coast of NSW, and take every opportunity to cycle and/or bushwalk – my uke always in my pack on my back. A small book of songs would be of great benefit, and I wouldn’t have to rely on my 58 year old brain to recall them.
Thanks again for your generosity 🙂
This looks like a great collection! I’d love to have a copy. Hope it’s OK to put it in a pannier instead of a saddlebag!
Great website and blog. I’m a bike rider and uke player. Would love to recieve the link for the
“Saddlebag Songbook”.
Thanks,
Joel
Love the uke and cycling, hiking, etc. Send me the link! Thanks!
KK
I’d love a copy of the song-book! I’m playing a Baritone at the moment and I’m looking to acquire a Concert or Tenor. I tried playing Soprano, but my hands are just far too fat-fingered for it. It makes me wonder how those big islander chaps manage.
Thanks All. Hope you are all enjoying the book!
@Lisa… Panniers are fine. I am forever borrowing Mrs Nippers beautiful Basil Panniers when I go shopping.
@Martin… Love the pic on your blog of you in tweed. I would try out a concert, small is good! I have taken to playing soprinino of late! Do you belong to a uke club?
best
Nipper
got into UKEing some month ago and since then I’m looking for good UKE songs.
Would be nice to have a copy of this great collection!
Thanx,
PP
Yes, please. The ukulele (Flea) and bicycle (Cannondale) and I would enjoy this very much. Best wishes. –John
Yes please Nipper, father in law’s uke is in the cupboard – a copy of your songs would make me get it out and teach myself to play it. Dont suppose you have put chord tabs in as well? Thank you – Imogen
I’m fairly new to both playing ukulele (about 9 months) and cycling (about 15 months after a 15-year gap). I tend to carry my uke (a Kala concert) in a backpack whilst cycling. Am very excited about learning some (all?) of the songs in your book. Thanks for putting it together!
I’d very much like a copy of this songbook. Combining as it does the joys of cycling and Ukuleles.
Oh this sounds like a great ukulele set! I’d love a chance to see the booklet, if your offer still stands.
Two of my favourite things .I also love paddling and playing uke sometimes thanks for this
Derek
Hi !
I’m a french rider and uke player i really want to bring your book in my bike and ride at the sunshine !
Thanx
Hi Nipper
Two friends and I were inspired to take up the Uke after seeing TUSC at Blackdown Hills Music Fest last year. It’s slow progress but we’re getting there. We would love a copy of your songbook to take on our bikes. We are currently looking at making something to attach our Ukes to the front pannier block on our Bromptons!
All the best
Jane
Hi Nipper and everyone else.
Sorry to be late to the party, I’ve just stumbled across your blog and love the songbook idea.
I’m a old-school bicyclist (she’s a 1983 Raleigh Cameo) and haven just started to learn the ukulele. I’d love to have a copy to take out bicycling with me.
Many thanks for your wonderful work.
Great selection of songs and bikes. Would love to receive the link. Canberra, ACT Australia needs more singing, ukulele playing cyclists!
Cheers John.
Your song-book sounds wonderful! I would be most grateful for access to a copy! Although I don’t have a saddle bag (or pannier for that matter) as I currently ride a naked road bike, I have have been tempted to sling my Flea across my back for an outing to the park. With your song-book in hand, I promise to do so at the soonest opportunity!
Thanks, Stan.
Hi Nipper
Writing from Copenhagen (my home town) where I enjoy the bicycle environment while trying to spread the ukulele bug (it’s working).
Will return to my precent home, New York City Friday.
Biking and playing the ukulele on a daily basis there as well, I’d love to get the link to your songbook. -Looks like a great collection.
Thanks, mahalo, tak,
Poul
Hi Nipper et al
Sorry to be late to the party, I’ve recently found your blog and love the songbook idea! (I’d really appreciate a copy!)
I’m just starting out with the ukulele and am already a big bicycle fan – nice to know there are others out there!
Best
Peg
Mmmm, bikes and ukes? Great minds think alike Nipper. I probably already play 90% of the songs in your song book but I’d still love a copy just to be able to compare arrangements.
What a smashing idea – will strap the little fella on next ride – would love to take your toons with us
Hi,
Looks like you made the perfect book I was looking for!
I’m learning to play the uke and was looking for a songbook to take with me when traveling.
Thanks,
Nico
Hi! This looks like a great songbook. I’d love a copy. Great site you have here.
-b
LOve those songs -cant cycle anymore but hike instead.So that book would be fit for my backpack.Sign me up for a copy please and well done for getting it together.
Kat
Wow, great idea! My sister has been teaching me the Uke and we’re both keen bikers. I’d love to give her a copy of your “Saddlebag Songbook”. I’ve just launched a blog relating to transport conditions where I like (Adelaide, AU) and will add your site to my links (as soon as I work out how to..). Best regards, GRANT
Looks like a great collection. Keep it up!
ding ding on my bike with a uke strapped over my shoulder off to jam with my friend Karen – she has a cello – would love this ‘ol songbook to accompany me…
Ive just found an old pashley postbike with a big carrier that would look so sweet with your songbook and my ukulele nestling up together. Bikes and ukuleles, what a wonderful combination, would I be allowed the directions to the link?..many thanks , fergus
This sounds like a fantastic idea ! hopefully Im not too late to join the fun.
Nipper, the song book sounds fantastic. I can’t wait to get it. Thanks
Hi Nipper,
I ride a ‘Falcon’ Explorer bicycle and play a Ohana ukulele (not at the same time!).
The ‘Saddlebag Songbook’ would make a very desirable addition to my collection. I’d be very much obliged for a copy please. Thanx.
Great choice of songs – not a sign of ‘Somewhere over the Rainbow’ with the wrong words or ‘My Guitar Gently Weeps’ (sorry Israel and Jake)! Very refreshing to see a compilation of older songs. At 70+ the only cycling I do these days is on the excercise one but the soprano, concert and tenor ukes all get work outs on a daily basis.
I would love a copy of your song book.
Cheers
Tred Softly
never too cold too bike/uke
would greatly appreciate link to songbook
thank you
Hi, I am an avid ukulele player and recently moved to a new city (which means I am cycling everywhere! Including to and from my university campus.) I could not imagine a better way to unwind after a day of classes than chilling out in a park with my uke and this song book! Would love a copy. Thank you so much for compiling this songbook, it has some of my favourite songs.
Hi Nipper, Bikes and Ukes what a great combination! I have the wheels and the frets and a saddlebag that could do with your A5 songbook so would love to receive your link.
Best
Ed
Thanks for all the great comments. Sorry for the delay in replying… a combination of internet and personal problems… You should all have the link for the song book. Hope you enjoy it. Best Nipper
PS If I missed anyone please drop me a line…
excellent song compilation
OMG….I love this! I have a uke in a slingbag to take with me wherever I go. You never know when a moment of waiting becomes a moment of joy when you have a uke and some tunes! Thanks from us two-wheelers!
Hi! I think I was missed (songbook link). Thanks for al your great work!
Hi Nipper,
Was lovely to see everyone at The Bird In Hand this afternoon. Mum says it was worth two in the bush, if not the hedge! I hope to be fit for the next TTCC event!
Say hi to everyone at TUSC for me!
Jake & Sue
Hi Nipper,
I seem to have not received your songbook link. If you have time I woukd be grateful for it,
Best,
Ed
Hello Nipper,
This looks like a great compilation of songs. I would love a copy when you get a chance to send the link. Thanks.
Feasgar Math,
and greetings from the West Highlands.
I just took delivery of my new Velorbis Churchill Classic 7 speed and it is truly a magnificent bicycle! I started playing the Uke early this year after getting fed up lugging a guitar around on trains and buses.
I am constantly surprised by what a brilliant and incredibly versatile instrument it is. I’ve got a Brunswick concert size uke with Nyl-gut strings and am looking forward to strapping it to the bike and having some adventures around the Highlands and elsewhere. Would love a copy of the link so I can download your book and take it with me on my travels!
Really enjoy dropping by your site from time to time and as a Highlander, it is always great to see folks wearing quality tweed and with such style!
Yours Aye!
Ossian
What a fantastic website you have, and this book sounds like the answer to my prayers.
Cycling and ukuleles, my two favourite things.
Would love it if you could send me the link.
Many thanks!
xxxx
You’ve done a great job ! There’s a little nest of us up here in Darlington, and we’d be glad of contact if anyone’s coming up this way.
I’d appreciate the link for the songbook, as my tenor tells me it’s getting bored with my current repertoire.
I am a cyclist and would like a free copy of the Saddlebag Songbook, if I am not too late.
Thanks,
Sophy
There is nothing like a great list of songs to spark inspiration.
Thanks ever so much
Great blog btw
I’m a little late to the party, but if you’re still offering the songbook I’d love a copy. What a brilliant collection!
Hi Nipper – not only am I a cyclist (picked up my Pashley today), but I play uke too as you may know. Would love a copy of the saddlebag songbook
Love “cycling” or “biking” as we call in the US & my ukes are my new passion. Combing the two seems a natural fit. Would love to have a copy of your Saddlebag songbook.
Nipper– I just found this blog. I’ve been following your uke stuff for a long time, but had no idea you had a cycling blog as well. If it’s not too late, I’d love to get a copy of your cycle-songbook. Thanks, W
Hi,
Is this songbook still available? It sounds amazing and I’d really love a copy. I’m planning a cycle across Belgium when the spring comes and I will, of course, be bringing my uke. This songbook would just top it all off nicely!
– Dónall
UPDATE:
I have sent out a new batch of links, so those waiting should now have the songbook.
@Ossian – Love those Velorbis bicycles and you can’t go far wrong with Nyguts! Happy strumming and cycling…when the snow melts!
@Tim Stahl – Darlington sounds a great place for both ukes and bicycles, are you part of both groups?
@Baz Maz – Great web site Baz, I hope the Pashley is going well for you!
@Donall – Sounds like a great cycle ride, I will be interested to hear how a bicycle and ukulele trip like this works, keep in touch.
@Everyone who commented – Thanks and happy strumming!
Replying to question from Nipper:
“Are you part of both groups?”: I’m a very active member of Darlington Cycling Campaign – particularly focusing on infrastructure and council-harrying, also regular attender at two local folk clubs, one of them being the Forresters Arms at Coatham Mundeville, where the D & S Ukulele Express also play, the other at Darlington Arts Centre. I’ve only attended one of the D & S meetings so far.
Graham and Roz Hall attend both the same clubs, and are on a steep upward slope of progress, along with one of their daughters.
Hi Nipper
I’ve recently stumbled upon your site – Great Stuff. Ukes and Bikes are a great connection to simpler times. I would love a copy!
Keep Ukeing
Paul
What a joyful and imaginative website! I’d love a copy please! Thanks x
Konichiwa from Japan,
Nipper san – please send me a link to your most excellent selection of songs whilst I nurse my broken pinkie (from a biking accident of course) and dream of playing my martin soprano again someday (the pins come out of my finger next week, oh boy!).
Thanks and keep on doing that voodoo that you do so well!
Arigato,
Kit Loose
Sorry my bad english. I am an spanish ciclist, uke and banjolele aficionado. Your songbook is perfect for my folding bikes! (Brompton and 16″ Dahon Piccolo).
I’d very much like a copy of this book.
Thank you – ¡Gracias!
I would love a copy of this songbook! It sounds great!
This truly is the life. KEEP IT UP THE WORLD NEEDS YOU
Goodness me, I’m glad I found your blog. I too love the pedaling and the uke-ing. If you are not too sick of emailing songbooks around the place I’d definitely make use of a copy.
Thank you 🙂
I would live the link to the songbook!
Cheers
Paul
Hello Nipper Sir
I love ridding and playing with me little Uke, the songbook sounds just dandy.
John L
Please send me a link.
Live in a community with kids with special need.Music and hiking/cycling are the centre of our life!
Perhaps this thread is long dead, but I stumbled across your blog today. Wonderful! I’m a Bianchi and banjolele lady, myself.
Bianchi and banjolele … an almost lethal combination!
Recently retired, I would go to pieces if it wasn’t for my ukuleles. When the chores are done, I can drift off into my own little world and play the music I like but seldom hear. . .until now, that is.
Your site led me to the Night Owls and I’ve just spent a Saturday night totally enthralled by your arrangements.
I’ll be the first to buy a CD if you ever decide to record.
Bikes and Ukuleles? I restore both…and combined with frequent camping trips they are the perfect combination.
Please, please, if it’s not too late, please share a copy of your songbook with me. And please keep everyone informed where you’re cycling…….a chance jam session would be really something if loads of ukulele bikers showed up.
Many thanks and kind regards
Nobby
Thanks…Let me know where you are and maybe we can meet up for a jam session!
Hello Nipper!
Some week ago I wrote here to take my reguards and compliments for your music and the website and asking for a “saddlebag songbook” copy..
Maybe is too late to have one?
Best wishes,
Luca
I’d love a copy of your songbook… Lovely blog. Thanks!
Looks like a great collection! I just got a vintage uke (a mid-50’s Bobby Henshaw). Haven’t played in 20 years – A copy of this book would be a great way to get back into it.
Hi!!
I’m u Uke player and a Cyclist (i ride MTB but I love old style bikes, I sometimes build one)…
The “travel book” idea with the song is great!!! can I hava a copy?
Hope to meet you all and ride and play sometimes!!!
Your songbook sounds like a winner. I’d love to have a copy.
rogers@cruzio.com
Nice song list
I’m a little late to the party on this, but that sounds delightful, and I would like a link if it’s still available. Thanks!
Great blog! I’m thrilled to have found a blog that covers two of my strong interests — ukulele and bicycling (and a third, actually, songs of the jazz era) — and I’d love to be able to download a copy of the “Saddleback Songbook.” I hop it isn’t too late to request one. Thanks!
I’d like to have a copy of the Saddlebag Songbook. My 15 year old son and I are cyclists, though he plays the piano and thinks that the ukulele, and Tin Pan Alley and early jazz music is boring. Actually I think I’m wearing him down some as I get him to help me on the piano with old songs I try to “spice up” a little with additional chords. My singing leaves much to be desired, but I find that I can hear the chords better on the piano than the uke as I search for songs within my voice range.
Hey
would love to have copy of the saddle bag songbook
any chance Mr Nipper
Many thanks in advance
John Langley