Michelle did the arrangement for this one – here are her thoughts to share… The song was composed in 1926 by Irving Berlin, as a last-minute addition to the Rodgers and Hart musical ‘Betsy’. Although the show ran for only 39 performances, ‘Blue Skies’ was an instant success, with audiences on opening night demanding 24 encores of the piece from star Belle Baker. I do love Willie Nelson’s recording of ‘Blue Skies’. It was a #1 country music hit in 1978. ‘Blue Skies’ is one of many popular songs whose lyrics use a “bluebird of happiness” as a symbol of cheer: “Bluebirds singing a song—Nothing but bluebirds all day long.” The sunny optimism of the lyrics are undercut by the minor key giving the words an ironic feeling. Although the pulse strum (staccato) we are using seems simple enough, the difficulty is in continuing at a steady even pace through the whole song. You need to imagine a metronome clicking in your head to keep that even timing. Tapping your foot/toe is a great way to engage your whole body in the rhythm. The descending line in the instrumental adds a nice flair to our arrangement! Hope you enjoy this cheerful number!