The Horses Sheet Music Preview

The Horses: Ukulele

As performed by Daryl Braithwaite

Item: 35-DS00376565

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Additional Details
Publisher: Hal Leonard
Page Count: 3
SKU: 35-DS00376565

More about this title

About the Artist: Daryl Braithwaite

Daryl Braithwaite is an Australian rock and pop singer best known for his 1988 hit "The Horses," which became a staple of classic rock radio and remains one of the most recognizable songs in Australian popular music. His career spans decades, anchored by a distinctive vocal style and an instinct for melodies that resonate across generations. For music educators, Braithwaite's work offers accessible entry points into contemporary song arrangement and covers that students genuinely want to learn.

"The Horses" exemplifies how a straightforward rock composition can achieve enduring appeal through strong melodic writing and emotional authenticity. The song's structure and arrangement make it ideal for classroom study, offering students the chance to engage with material from their own cultural landscape rather than purely classical or traditional repertoire.

Why we love this

This arrangement captures everything students love about "The Horses" while keeping the ukulele part accessible enough for intermediate players to feel successful without sacrificing the song's emotional core. The three-page layout provides enough detail to prevent frustration while maintaining space for interpretation and personal musicality.

What to expect

Nostalgic yet immediate; "The Horses" carries genuine warmth and a touch of longing without veering into sentimentality. The ukulele's natural brightness complements the song's reflective melody, creating an intimate sound that feels personal even in group settings.

Who it's for

Intermediate ukulele students who want to tackle a recognizable contemporary song with emotional weight. This works equally well for solo performers preparing a recital piece and for ensemble applications where ukulele adds color to a fuller arrangement.

How to get the most out of it

  • Nail the rhythmic pocket before worrying about dynamics. This song lives in its groove, so lock in the strumming pattern with a metronome first.
  • Let the melody breathe during verses. Resist the urge to fill every space; the original's power comes partly from restraint.
  • Adjust your tempo slightly if ensemble playing feels stiff. A comfortable swing in the feel will make the arrangement come alive.
  • If performing solo, consider light percussive tapping on the ukulele body during choruses for added texture and energy.

How to use it

Include this in a "Songs Across Cultures" or "Popular Music Through the Decades" concert to show students that meaningful musical choices aren't limited to classical forms. It also pairs well with other accessible pop or rock arrangements as a palette cleanser between heavier pedagogical selections.

Skills your students will build

  • Strumming consistency and rhythmic accuracy in popular song contexts
  • Melodic phrasing and breath management in vocal doubling situations
  • Dynamic control across verse and chorus structures
  • Familiarity with song form analysis (intro, verse, chorus, bridge)
  • Arrangement interpretation and personal musicality in contemporary repertoire

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