“Pencil Full of Lead” is chaos — the best kind. A horn-fuelled, foot-stomping, brass-band explosion of joy where Paolo Nutini sounds like he’s just found life too good to handle.

It’s part New Orleans swing, part Scottish mischief, and all grin. He rattles off a list of things he loves (his shoes, his house, his girl) with manic charm and that raspy voice that sounds like it’s been aged in oak barrels.

On ukulele, it’s ridiculous fun — a fast, syncopated strum that makes the whole thing bounce like a pub jam that got out of hand.

🎸 Ukulele Playing Tips

We’ll play it in C major, nice and bright.

You’ll need C, F, G7, A7, and D7.

Verse progression: [C] – [F] – [C] – [G7]

Chorus: [F] – [C] – [G7] – [C]

Bridge: [A7] – [D7] – [G7] – [C]

Strumming pattern: fast swing down–down–up–up–down–up, around 120–130 bpm.

Keep your wrist loose and let the uke “bounce.” If you can’t stop smiling, you’re doing it right.

Optional trick: throw in muted “chuck” strums between lines for that jumpy rhythm section feel.

Singing tip: Don’t worry about precision — the magic’s in the looseness. Half-sing, half-talk, all charm.

💡 Trivia You Can Drop Casually

• Paolo wrote and recorded Pencil Full of Lead while experimenting with vintage mics and old-school brass arrangements.
• The horn parts were inspired by Louis Prima and Fats Domino — the big-band swing energy is pure 1950s mischief.
• The song reached #17 in the UK charts and became a live favourite for its chaotic energy.
• The “I got food in my belly…” lyric became a kind of folk mantra about gratitude and joy.

🌈 Final Word

“Pencil Full of Lead” is what happens when happiness gets drunk and starts dancing on the tables. On ukulele, it’s a burst of unstoppable optimism.

Play it fast, lean into the grin, and remember: this song’s not about perfection — it’s about momentum.

If you can get through the chorus without bobbing your head or laughing, check your pulse.