Careless Love

Despite the fact that this is an old traditional song (the origins on Wikipedia are kind of fascinating: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Careless_Love), I didn't hear it until I was in university, when an English professor I had liked to warble it during our study of Robert Lowell's poem "Skunk Hour". It was to my surprise and delight then, that about a decade later I discovered Madeleine Peyroux's lovely version of it. Bessie Smith does a great one too. I had to do it, 'cause how many chances do you get to sing the word "bereft" in a song?!

This one's for you, Mel.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• uke
• ukulele
• concert ukulele
• Oscar Schmidt
• Madeleine Peyroux
• Bessie Smith
• Careless Love

[davnkatz]

con't Your tempo is just a tad faster, but the shuffle is still there.The uke gives the song an interesting quality. I would really like to play with you! I think shuffle bass and 4:4 uke sound good. Maybe I can vid myself playing with you as a video response, if that is OK with you.

[parkdalian]

@davnkatz Sure, go for it!

[Jacuzzitub]

I live in New Orleans. Born and raised here. I've heard this song played by buskers in the French Quarter probably 100 times, accompanied by guitar, piano, trumpet... you name it. Never the same song twice. The lyrics and tempo are fluid. I can honestly say this performance is as good as any I've ever heard. It's a sad song, but with a hint of gleeful defiance. It's like, "You broke my heart, ruined my life, but that won't stop me from singing." You do a good job with that. Thanks.

[parkdalian]

@Jacuzzitub Wow. Thank you - that is perhaps the best comment ever! I visited New Orleans a couple of years ago, and have been infatuated with the place for most of my life, so to have you say that means a great deal to me! Cheers.

[ednewbury]

It looks like a C and a G but I can't figure out the other chord - Am?

[ednewbury]

I like your version of this song. I'm somewhat of a ukulele beginner - could you possibly tell me the chord sequence for your interpretation of the song?

[rennyshelton]

I don't think you can get too much of this song, and you don't hear too many arrangements for the uke. Thanks.

[Allan500]

Very nice job.

[crc778Hypnodoc]

Excellent version and you play a mean Uke too

[jfj619]

Nice job. Ray Charles version is pretty awesome too,

[Fynbo66]

Lovely voice. Nearly as good as most of the versions I have heard :-)

[ja18kelly]

This sounds gorgeous!! could you write down the chords? ive been looking for them everywhere!!

[tunesgcea]

I like all your songs but this is my favorite. You have a pretty voice.

[gradiophonic]

love the kind you sing - hot!

"now i`m walking and talking to myself"

when i can perform this song too, i will show you..

cheers christoph