“Beautiful Dreamer” by Stephen Foster . . . . Ukulele Chord/Melody arrangement by Ukulele Mike Lynch . . . . contained in the 52 song Chord/Melody eBook ONE . . . . Now reduced to just $20

You Tube performance by Ukulele Mike

“Beautiful Dreamer” is a parlor song by Stephen Foster (1826–1864). It was published posthumously in March 1864, by Wm. A. Pond & Co. of New York. The first edition states on its title page that it is “the last song ever written by Stephen C. Foster. Composed but a few days prior to his death.” However, Carol Kimball, the author of Song, points out that the first edition’s copyright is dated 1862, which suggests, she writes, the song was composed and readied for publication two years before Foster’s death. There are at least 20 songs, she observes, that claim to be Foster’s last, and it is unknown which is indeed his last. The song is set in 9/8 time with a broken chord accompaniment.

The song tells of a lover serenading a “Beautiful Dreamer” who is oblivious to worldly cares and may actually be dead. Foster’s works feature many dead young women, including his sister Charlotte^[3] and “Jeanie”. Helen Lightner writes, “This sentimental ballad is folk-like in character with its repetitious but lovely melody and its basic harmonic accompaniment… The quiet and calm of this mood is portrayed by the monotony of the arpeggiated accompaniment, by the repetitiveness of the melodic pattern, and by the strophic form itself.”

This Chord/Melody arrangement of “Beautiful Dreamer” hardly uses any barre chords which makes it fairly easy to finger in regards to the left hand.  Of course, as in all Chord/Melody arrangements, we need only strum the strings with the thumb.  Below is a short excerpt from the opening of the song. . .

Here is the only instance of barring . . .

We simply barre all 4 strings at the 2nd fret then place the middle finger on the 3rd fret of the 1st string. . .

“Beautiful Dreamer” is contained in the very large (52 song) Chord/Melody eBook ONE.  It can be purchased by making a payment of $20 through the paypal button on the Ukulele Mike website: http://www.ukulelemikelynch.com     Once purchased, it will be personally emailed to you within the day . . .

Table of Contents

Each of the Chord/Melody eBooks can be purchased separately or all together at a combined discount . . .

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