In Spite Of Ourselves (from The Daily Ukulele) (arr. Jim Beloff): Ukulele

Jim Beloff's arrangement captures the song's offbeat charm and conversational warmth in a format that ukulele players at various levels can access. The two-page scope makes it manageable for a lesson or casual performance while preserving the original's character and humor.

Wry and affectionate, like overhearing two people who genuinely enjoy each other's company trading jabs and compliments. The arrangement captures that conversational ease while maintaining the slight melancholy underneath the humor.

Ukulele students who are ready to work with fingerpicking arrangements and appreciate songs rooted in storytelling. This works well for intermediate players comfortable with chord changes and melodic expression.

• Lean into the conversational phrasing of the lyrics; let the melody breathe rather than rushing through the lines.
• Balance the fingerpicking pattern with clarity in the melody notes so the story comes through without getting lost in accompaniment texture.
• Pay attention to dynamics in the verse sections to set up the emotional peaks when they arrive.

Include this in a repertoire showcase celebrating singer-songwriters, or use it as a bridge piece between folk standards and contemporary country material. Its short length makes it ideal as an encore or a standalone feature in a casual concert setting.

• Fingerpicking patterns with independent melodic and accompaniment lines
• Phrasing that prioritizes lyrical storytelling over technical display
• Chord transitions at moderate tempos
• Dynamic control across verse and chorus sections