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Hawaiian koa ukulele hanging on a wooden wall display – made in Hawaii ukuleles for superior warmth and projection

Jun 20, 2025

Counting Stars – OneRepublic’s Anthem Translates Beautifully

Why this driving, dynamic hit is a bold and rewarding choice for uke players — and how Island Bazaar helps you find the perfect instrument to keep up with its energy

When Counting Stars exploded onto the scene in 2013, it blended folk-pop instrumentation with EDM rhythms in a way few songs had done before. Its syncopated strumming, emotional drive, and memorable chorus made it an instant favorite for performers — and as it turns out, it fits beautifully on ukulele.

Whether you’re looping the rhythm, building a solo performance, or just strumming along, this song gives uke players a chance to stretch their skills — rhythmically and emotionally.

🌌 A Song About Letting Go of the Money Chase

Frontman Ryan Tedder wrote the song while on tour with Beyoncé — and found inspiration in turning away from chasing wealth and toward a life of purpose. That theme resonates with musicians, creatives, and dreamers alike.

“Everything that kills me makes me feel alive…”
A perfect lyric to belt out with your uke in hand and heart on your sleeve.

🎶 Why It’s a Surprisingly Great Uke Song

  • Rhythmic drive makes it ideal for chunk strumming and body percussion

  • Chord progression (Am, C, G, F) repeats throughout — easy to learn

  • Great for practicing dynamics, tempo control, and phrasing

  • Works especially well with low-G tuning or loop pedal backing

🎵 Ready to find the right ukulele for your sound? Browse Island Bazaar Ukuleles — our curated collection includes everything from beginner-friendly models to high-end handcrafted instruments for bold performances like this.

🎯 Playing Tip: Groove First, Then Lyrics

Use a muted percussive strum to mimic the handclap-style beat from the original track. Once you’ve locked into the groove, layer in lyrics and melodic variations. A uke that stays in tune, feels good to hold, and projects well will help you keep the momentum — especially if you're building a solo performance.

🔗 Sources


Ed Fagenson

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