The Best Things In Life Are Free (from The Daily Ukulele) (arr. Liz and Jim Beloff): Ukulele
The Best Things In Life Are Free (from The Daily Ukulele) (arr. Liz and Jim Beloff) Sheet Music Preview

The Best Things In Life Are Free (from The Daily Ukulele) (arr. Liz and Jim Beloff): Ukulele

As performed by Ray Henderson / Arranged by Jim Beloff / Arranged by Liz Beloff

Item: 35-DS00379574
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Description

The Best Things In Life Are Free (from The Daily Ukulele) (arr. Liz and Jim Beloff): Ukulele isn't in MakeMusic Cloud just yet...but it could be. Let us know you'd like to see it, and you'll help shape what comes next. In the meantime, start a free trial and dive into thousands of interactive titles your students can play along with today.

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Additional Details
Publisher: Hal Leonard
Page Count: 1
SKU: 35-DS00379574

More about this title

About the Artist: Ray Henderson

Ray Henderson (1896–1970) was one of the most prolific songwriters of the 1920s and 1930s, crafting standards that defined the era's popular song vocabulary. His melodies combined infectious charm with harmonic sophistication, earning him collaborations with lyricists Buddy DeSylva and Lew Brown, and later with Irving Caesar. Henderson's gift for writing universally singable tunes ensured his catalog remained in the hands of musicians and audiences decades after his death.

In ukulele arrangements, Henderson's songs translate beautifully because of their clear melodic shape and compact form. "The Best Things In Life Are Free" exemplifies his ability to create music that sounds effortless to play while remaining emotionally genuine.

Why we love this

This arrangement captures the optimistic, playful spirit of 1920s songwriting without demanding technical fireworks from players. The Beloffs have distilled the tune to its essential melody and harmonic backbone, making it accessible for intermediate ukulele students while preserving the song's character and charm. It's a perfect vehicle for building confidence in melodic phrasing and learning how to shape a classic pop standard.

What to expect

Sunny and unbothered. The melody floats with an easy optimism, and the harmonic language feels warm without being saccharine. There's an invitation here to play with a genuine smile, not forced cheerfulness but rather the natural brightness of a song that has genuinely delighted listeners for a century.

Who it's for

Intermediate ukulele players ready to tackle a recognizable standard from the American songbook. This arrangement works for classroom ensemble settings, student recitals, or solo practice where the goal is building musicality alongside technical fluency.

How to get the most out of it

  • Lean into the rhythm lightly rather than playing strictly metronomic. The swing feel of this era lives in gentle rhythmic give and take, not in rigid precision.
  • Shape the melody with subtle dynamic shaping at phrase endpoints; let each line breathe rather than resetting volume at every measure.
  • Pay attention to the harmonic changes without overselling them. A gentle touch on the chord transitions keeps the piece moving forward conversationally.

How to use it

Include this in a concert pairing it with other standards from the same era to create a focused "Golden Age of Songwriting" set, or program it as a palate cleanser between more demanding contemporary works. It also serves well as an opening number, setting an inviting tone for the audience from the first note.

Skills your students will build

  • Phrasing and dynamic shaping in a melody-driven arrangement
  • Chord transitions and harmonic awareness
  • Rhythmic flexibility and swing feel interpretation
  • Performing with expressive confidence in a recognizable standard

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