🌤️ About the Song
Released in 1972, I Can See Clearly Now is the ultimate “coming out the other side” anthem. Johnny Nash — one of the first American artists to fully embrace reggae before it was mainstream — wrote it while living in Jamaica and soaking up the island’s rhythms.
The song is deceptively simple: no fancy chords, no vocal fireworks, just pure optimism delivered with calm conviction. It’s the musical equivalent of opening the curtains after a storm and realising the world didn’t end after all.
The reggae-influenced bounce gives it a laid-back groove that feels like sunlight on your skin. It’s been covered by Jimmy Cliff, Hothouse Flowers, and every busker within a mile of a beach — but Nash’s original still sounds like the genuine sigh of relief we all needed.
🎸 Ukulele Playing Tips
- Chords: C – F – G – Am (or if you’re brave, capo 2 for D – G – A – Bm to match the record).
- Strumming pattern: Island strum all the way — Down–Down-Up–Up-Down-Up with a little off-beat bounce.
- Tempo: Around 92 bpm. Smooth, mid-tempo, relaxed.
- Tone: Keep it bright and airy; strum near the fretboard for that soft “reggae pop” shimmer.
- Dynamics: Start mellow for verse one, then open up with a grin for “It’s gonna be a bright, bright, sun-shiny day.”
- Bonus trick: Lightly mute your down-strokes with the side of your palm to create that gentle reggae skank feel.
- End tip: Finish on a long, sustained Cmaj7 (0002) — instant sunshine.
🧠 Trivia You Can Drop Casually
- Johnny Nash co-founded his own label, JAD Records, and was one of the first to record a young Bob Marley.
- The song went to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100, staying there for four weeks — proper chart domination.
- Jimmy Cliff’s 1993 cover for the film Cool Runnings brought it roaring back into pop culture.
- Nash wrote it after recovering from illness — literally a song about clarity returning. No wonder it feels so good.
🌈 Final Word
Play I Can See Clearly Now like the sun’s just come out after the week from hell.
Let it bounce, let it breathe, and don’t hold back that grin — this song isn’t about perfection; it’s about joy.
If you can make just one person start humming along before the first chorus, you’ve done Johnny proud.
