I recently watched a clip from the remarkable movie “Alive Inside Today”, and I can honestly say that it was an eye-opener. In fact, I’d go so far as to say that this movie is a must-watch for everybody who has elderly parents or loved ones and for those who take care of seniors.
The movie revolves around the role of music, including sing along songs for seniors, in enriching the lives of older adults who have descended into the abyss of dementia and Alzheimer’s.
I don’t think any of us can imagine how distressing it must be to forget every stitch of information that connects us to ourselves- all loved ones, all memories and everything that makes life worth living.
It is a tragic truth that many older adults are living their lives in abject misery and the drug-happy approach is not a viable or even humane solution!
Why don’t we understand the core of the problem?
Let’s get real; it’s not just seniors suffering from Alzheimer’s and dementia who are living in perpetual anguish. While the so called golden years should be about leaving behind the worries of professional and personal lives, that is not what they are for many older adults.
The majority of them grapple with loneliness and emotional disconnect. Is it any wonder then that behavioral issues are among the biggest and most common problems that senior care givers have to deal with?
Unfortunately, anti-psychotic drugs are the only solution that modern medicine offers to tackle the angst, and the aggression that stems from it. But, do you actually believe that drugging seniors is the right way to make up for the emotional gaps and the memory deficits that haunt them?
Hell NO!
Music is the balm they need!
Did you know that even when Alzheimer’s and dementia drown out all memories, music is able to reach a deeper part of the brain and fish them out?
Although science is yet to understand how and why this happens, there is ample of research to prove that the impact of songs is so deep reaching that it even circumvents the ravages of dementia and Alzheimer’s.
From soothing melodies that can calm raging negativity to foot tapping numbers that create a connect between the past and the present and from sing along songs for seniors that recreate the happy moments of the past to healing instrumentals that beckon sleep, music helps in innumerable ways.
And here is the shocking bit – It is often more effective than anti-psychotic drugs; not to mention, certainly cheaper and not harmful like the latter. Research suggests that while listening to music is beneficial, sing along songs are better because they help in a multitude of ways.
The Benefits Of Sing Along Music For Seniors
1. Fosters social connection
Sing along sessions for seniors are the most fun when a group is involved. Since all the participants spend at least an hour singing, clapping, reminiscing and even dancing with each other, of course there is a lot of socializing involved. All that social connection can do a tremendous amount of good for the brain, the body and confidence levels.
2. Offers much needed physical movement
Whether it’s just clapping or playing a simple percussion instrument or even a whole lot of foot tapping or an all-out dance session, the physical activity that is inevitably a part of sing along sessions is just as good as any other form of exercise. The one difference is that it is almost always more fun than any other type of indoor and outdoor activity. And that sure is a plus!
3. Jogs the noggin
According to a study from the Music Perception Journal, singing helps to improve cognitive functions not just in otherwise healthy older adults but also in those who suffer from neurological diseases. Neuroimaging tests were used in the study to understand the impact of music on the brain.
It was found that singing helps to stimulate and strengthen the emotional wellness and communication centers of the brain. So, sing along songs not only leave older adults feeling happier and better about themselves but they also offer tangible benefits in the form of clearer enunciation of words and improved memory.
4. More memories, more pleasure
While listening to songs and music in general is a very pleasurable experience, the enjoyment derived from songs increases manifold when a person sings along with the crooner. Because there is greater involvement in a sing-along than in passively listening to a song, it taps into deeper memories as a person gets completely involved in the experience and act of singing the song. Think of it as a form of meditation with a beat to it.
5. Kicks out anxiety and stress
Studies conducted at the George Washington University and Iceland’s Landspitali University Hospital have shown that singing helps to lower both anxiety and stress in older adults. Since singing is an inherently joyful act and it involves the mind and the brain completely, it is easy to understand how and why it has a soothing and calming effect on the brain.
6. Improves self-esteem
Research also indicates that sing along sessions enhance self-esteem and promote the feeling of better life quality and wellbeing. In other words, it is not only an enjoyable exercise but also an activity that improves a person’s ability and desire to feel joy and happiness.
7. Increases the levels of feel-good neurochemicals
One of the primary reasons for the significant benefits offered by sing- along songs for older adults is their ability to boost the happy chemicals in the brain. Both dopamine and serotonin levels surge in response to the activity and these neurochemicals play a vital role in energy levels and the sense of peace and happiness. Moreover, singing also increases the level of oxytocin, the hormone responsible for the sense of integration and togetherness.
8. Promotes better physical health
Researchers from the McGill University in Canada found that singing has a direct impact on the levels of immunoglobin A in the body. This substance plays a crucial role in the body’s natural defense mechanism. Studies have also shown that sing along music sessions improves breathing patterns, tone of voice and posture and lowers the number of hospital visits among the elderly.
How To Choose The Best Sing Along Songs For Seniors?
1. Easy lyrics
The more the rhyming in the lyrics and the simpler the words used, the easier it will be for older adults to dig out the song from the treasure chest of their memories. In fact, don’t be surprised if many of them don’t need to read out the lyrics and still remember them as they did in their hay days.
2. Not too slow not too fast
A misconception is that most seniors only enjoy long drawn out ballads. Well folks, you are forgetting that hot jazz, swing, pop and rock exploded onto the scene when these older adults were in their prime. So, what makes you think they would not have a taste for zesty numbers from their time? In fact, the best list of sing-along songs for seniors should have a wholesome mix of soulful ballads, a few fast numbers and mostly everything else in between.
3. Mix it all up in terms of years
If you have a group with participants from different age groups, I always like to work with the hits of the latter part of the decades in which they were teens. For instance, for a mix of sixty and seventy year olds, go with chartbusters of 1958-60 and 1968-70; this way you can cover the most memorable songs for the whole group and there is good chance that everybody will know or at least will have heard the songs you play.
4. Use zingy music
Even if there isn’t a lot of singing involved, a song with catchy, foot stomping music will elicit a lot of positive responses from the group. The thing to remember here is that a sing along at just the chorus, accompanied by a lot of clapping, is just as good as singing out the entire number. In fact, with the right songs, I guarantee that you will have at least a few seniors willing to get up and shake a leg. They have done it before and will love to do it again. So, don’t go with the break neck speed numbers that will exhaust your audience, but also stay away from the melancholic drawls.
5. Opt for soothing rhythmic songs like lullabies and even ballads for agitation management
This one is specifically for seniors’ groups with a lot of Alzheimer and dementia patients, who are often prone to agitation. Soft songs and lilting melodies are the most effective in calming the brain down and restoring a positive mood all around. Again, use songs that call for a lot of active participation. Your sing-along does not have to be limited to just words, use claps, taps, small percussion instruments to enhance involvement in the activity.
6. Pick songs from their salad years for the greatest connection
If you are looking for the greatest connect, opt for songs that they listened to in their teens and twenties. If you think about it, those are the years when people listen to the most amount of music and develop a taste for their favorite genres. Plus, those teeny bopper and youthful twenties songs are the ones that a person is most likely to remember. So, when you are trying to jog the memory of the elderly group members, songs they enjoyed in their teens and twenties will be the best.
7. Don’t shy away from bold lyrics from the classics of yesteryears
I agree that f-bombs were not at all common in the music of the bygone era. But, double entendre was all the rage and much enjoyed by the seniors of today, who were then in the rebellious teen years. So, remind them of all those fun times they had dancing to and singing songs that said a lot, albeit in a tongue in cheek way.
If you ask me for a few options, I’d tell you to look up the creative offerings of Little Richard. Along with the words that were deemed quite controversial for the time, his songs also featured foot stomping piano playing and percussions, which will be hit.
8. Ask for suggestions of old favorites and songs that have a special meaning
And this is the final tip of the day; when you are interested in pleasing a crowd, ask for their favorites. In fact, you could turn this into a group activity by asking for suggestions for songs along with an incident or a memory associated with that number.
It could be something as simple as- “when was the first time they heard the song?” or “how was the general response to it?” Anything that will make your participants think back to the time that was. When they remember the fun they had with a particular song and when that very song is played again at this time, psychologically, a bridge is created This bridge that spans from the past to the present instils the idea that it is still possible to have loads of fun and be happy. And, that is exactly the effect you are going for!
Where To Find Free Sing Along Songs For Seniors?
It goes without saying that Youtube is one of the best choices for sing along songs from the years gone by. The best part is that you get the original videos with most of the songs, which can further help to bring back happy memories associated with the song and turn it into a topic for discussion.
Moreover, you can also find new-age videos of the classics which have lyrics to go with the number. So, all you have to do is play them on the big screen and you can do away with the need for a lyrics booklet.
Another obvious choice is of course Spotify. In terms of sound quality, it is certainly better than Youtube, at least in case of most songs. However, Spotify is a paid service and you don’t get videos to go along with the songs.
The Best Sing Along DVDs For Seniors
If you don’t want to invest your time in finding and downloading old songs, you can always buy sing along cds for seniors. At the time of writing this article, some of the best products available included:
1. Sing along for seniors from Memorylanetherapy
Available in 2 volumes, you get about 60 songs from the set of 2 DVDs along with the lyrics book for both. The CDs have such classics as “you are my sunshine”, “save the last dance for me” and many others. You can buy both volumes for $56.50 or one volume for a bit over 430. They are available at https://memorylanetherapy.com/.
2. Sing along songs for the elderly from Eldersongs
These guys have come up with four volumes, each includes a CD and a song book. Look for “Eldersong Publications 16334 Sing-Along with Elder Song CD – Volume 4” on Amazon.com. The set includes the lyrics book and the CD and can be purchased for $22.49. You can also buy the collection from https://www.eldersong.com/cds. Each volume has a collection of 28-30 songs, including some of the greatest hits from the 30s, 40s and 50s.
3. Sing along songs for older adults from CDS Boutique
Like Eldersong, CDS offers an extensive collection of sing along DVDs for seniors. You will find everything from hymns to Christmas songs and from 50’s and 60s hits to songs from different countries. They don’t offer a book of lyrics in the set. But, these are interactive DVDs, so your listeners can read the lyrics off the screen. Single DVDs are available for $34.95 and you can buy multi- CD sets for around $131. These are available at https://www.cdsboutique.com/en/our-products/music-relaxation/dvd-entertainment.html.
Old Sing Along Songs For Seniors From The 1950s
1. Susie Q- Dale Hawkins
Oh Susie Q
Oh Susie Q
Oh Susie Q
I love you my Susie Q
I like the way you walk
I like the way you talk
I like the way you walk
I like the way you talk my Susie Q
Oh Susie Q
Oh Susie Q
Oh Susie Q baby I love you
My Susie Q
You say that you’ll be true
You say that you’ll be true
You say that you’ll be true
And never leave me blue my Susie Q
Oh Susie Q
Oh Susie Q
Oh Susie Q I love you my Susie Q
2. Fever- Little Willie John
You never know how much I love you
Never know how much I care
When you put your arms around me
I get a fever that’s so hard to bear
You give me fever
When you kiss me
Fever when you hold me tight
Fever in the mornin’
Fever all through the night
Listen to me, baby
Hear ev’ry word I say
No one could love you the way I do
‘Cause they don’t know how to love you my way
You give me fever
When you kiss me
Fever when you hold me tight
Fever in the mornin’
An’ fever all through the night
Bless my soul, I love you
Take this heart away
Take these arms I’ll never use
An’ just believe in what my lips have to say
You give me fever
When you kiss me
Fever when you hold me tight
Fever (fever, burn through) in the mornin’
Fever all through the night
Sun lights up the daytime
Moon lights up the night
My eyes light up when you call my name
‘Cause I know you’re gonna treat me right
You give me fever
When you kiss me
Fever when you hold me tight
Fever in the mornin’
An’ fever all through the night
3. Roy Orbison, ‘Ooby Dooby’
Hey baby, jump over here
When you do the ooby-dooby I just gotta be near
Ooby-dooby, ooby-dooby, ooby-dooby, ooby-dooby
Ooby-dooby, ooby-dooby, ooby-dooby, dooby-do-wah-do-wah-do-wah
Well you wiggle to the left, you wiggle to the right
You do the ooby-dooby with all of your might
Ooby-dooby, ooby-dooby, ooby-dooby, ooby-dooby
Ooby-dooby, ooby-dooby, ooby-dooby, dooby-do-wah-do-wah-do-wah
Well you wriggle and you shake, like a bit rattle snake
You do the ooby dooby ’till you think her heart’ll break
Ooby-dooby, ooby-dooby, ooby-dooby, ooby-dooby
Ooby-dooby, ooby-dooby, ooby-dooby, dooby-do-wah-do-wah-do-wah
Well you’ve been struttin’ ’cause now you know
How to do the ooby dooby, baby let’s go!
Ooby-dooby, ooby-dooby, ooby-dooby, ooby-dooby
Ooby-dooby, ooby-dooby, ooby-dooby, dooby-do-wah-do-wah-do-wah
4. Bill Haley & His Comets, ‘Rock Around The Clock’
One, two, three o’clock, four o’clock, rock
Five, six, seven o’clock, eight o’clock, rock
Nine, ten, eleven o’clock, twelve o’clock, rock
We’re gonna rock around the clock tonight
Put your glad rags on, join me hon’
We’ll have some fun when the clock strikes one
We’re gonna rock around the clock tonight
We’re gonna rock, rock, rock, ’til broad daylight
We’re gonna rock, we’re gonna rock around the clock tonight
When the clock strikes two, three and four
If the band slows down we’ll yell for more
We’re gonna rock around the clock tonight
We’re gonna rock, rock, rock, ’til broad daylight
We’re gonna rock around the clock tonight
When the chimes ring five, six and seven
We’ll be right in seventh heaven
We’re gonna rock around the clock tonight
We’re gonna rock, rock, rock, ’til broad daylight
We’re gonna rock, we’re gonna rock around the clock tonight
Oh, when it’s eight, nine, ten, eleven too
I’ll be goin’ strong and so will you
We’re gonna rock around the clock tonight
We’re gonna rock, rock, rock, ’til broad daylight
We’re gonna rock, we’re gonna rock around the clock tonight
When the clock strikes twelve we’ll cool off then
Start rockin’ ’round the clock again
We’re gonna rock around the clock tonight
We’re gonna rock, rock, rock, ’til broad daylight
We’re gonna rock, we’re gonna rock around the clock tonight
5. Shirley & Lee, ‘Let The Good Times Roll’
Come on baby, let the good times roll
Come on baby, let me thrill your soul
Come on baby, let the good times roll
Roll all night long
Come baby, yes, this is
This is something I just can’t miss
Come on baby, let the good times roll
Roll all night long
Come on baby, while the thrill is on
Come on baby, let us have some fun
Come on baby, let the good times roll
Roll all night long
Come on baby, just close the door
Come on baby, let’s rock some more
Come on baby, let the good times roll
Roll all night long
Feel so good
When you’re home
Come on baby, rock me all night long
Come on baby, let the good times roll
Come on baby, let me thrill your soul
Come on baby, let the good times roll
Roll all night long
Feel so good
When you’re home
Come on baby, rock me all night long
Come on baby let the good times roll
Come on baby, let me thrill your soul
Come on baby, let the good times roll
Roll all night long
Some More Old Sing Along Songs For Seniors From The 1950s
- The Platters, ‘Only You’
- Jerry Lee Lewis, ‘Great Balls of Fire’
- Frank Sinatra, ‘I’ve Got you Under My Skin’
- Little Richard, ‘Good Golly Miss Molly’
- Wanda Jackson, ‘Let’s Have A Party’
- The Drifters, ‘Money Honey’
- Elvis Presley, ‘Hound Dog’
- Chuck Berry, ‘Johnny B Goode’
Popular Sing Along Songs For Seniors From The 1960s
1. Del Shannon – I Wonder
As I walk along, I wonder
A what went wrong whit our love
A love that was so strong
And as I still walk on
I think of the thing’s we’ve done
Together, while our hearts were young
I’m a walkin’ in the rain
Tears are fallin’ and I feel a pain
A wishin’ you were here by me
To end this misery
And I wonder, I wa wa wa wa wonder
Why a why why why why why
She ran away
And I wonder where she will stay
My little runaway
My run run run run runaway
I’m a walkin’ in the rain
Tears are fallin’ and I feel a pain
A wishin’ you were here by me
To end this misery
And I wonder, I wa wa wa wa wonder
Why a why why why why why
She ran awayway
And I wonder where she will stay
My little runaway
A run run run run
Runaway
2. The Troggs, Wild thing
Wild thing, you make my heart sing
You make everything groovy, wild thing
Wild thing, I think I love you
But I wanna know for sure
Come on and hold me tight
I love you
Wild thing, you make my heart sing
You make everything groovy, wild thing
Wild thing, I think you move me
But I wanna know for sure
Come on and hold me tight
You move me
Wild thing, you make my heart sing
You make everything groovy, wild thing
Wild thing, you make my heart sing
3. Ben E King, Stand By Me
When the night has come
And the land is dark
And the moon is the only light we’ll see
No I won’t be afraid, no I won’t be afraid
Just as long as you stand, stand by me
So darlin’, darlin’, stand by me, oh stand by me
Oh stand by me, stand by me
If the sky that we look upon
Should tumble and fall
Or the mountains should crumble to the sea
I won’t cry, I won’t cry, no I won’t shed a tear
Just as long as you stand, stand by me
And darlin’, darlin’, stand by me, oh stand by me
Oh stand now, stand by me, stand by me
And darlin’, darlin’, stand by me, oh stand by me
Oh, stand now by me, stand by me, stand by me
Whenever you’re in trouble won’t you stand by me
Oh stand by me, won’t you stand by
4. Be my baby – The Ronettes
The night we met I knew I needed you so
And if I had the chance I’d never let you go
So won’t you say you love me? I’ll make you so proud of me
We’ll make ’em turn their heads every place we go
So won’t you, please?
(Be my, be my baby)
Be my little baby
(My one and only baby)
Say you’ll be my darlin’
(Be my, be my baby)
Be my baby now
(My one and only baby)
Whoa oh oh oh
I’ll make you happy, baby, just wait and see
For every kiss you give me, I’ll give you three
Oh, since the day I saw you, I have been waiting for you
You know I will adore you ’til eternity
So won’t you, please?
(Be my, be my baby)
Be my little baby
(My one and only baby)
Say you’ll be my darlin’
(Be my, be my baby)
Be my baby now
(My one and only baby)
Whoa oh oh oh
So come on and be
(Be my, be my baby)
Be my little baby
(My one and only baby)
Say you’ll be my darlin’
(Be my, be my baby)
Be my baby now
(My one and only baby)
Whoa oh oh oh
Be my, be my baby
(Be my little baby)
My one and only baby
Be my, be my baby
My one and only baby
Be my, be my baby
My one and only baby
Be my, be my baby
5. The Beatles – I want to hold your hand
Oh yeah, I’ll tell you somethin’
I think you’ll understand
When I say that somethin’
I want to hold your hand
I want to hold your hand
I want to hold your hand
Oh please, say to me
You’ll let me be your man
And please, say to me
You’ll let me hold your hand
Now, let me hold your hand
I want to hold your hand
And when I touch you
I feel happy inside
It’s such a feelin’ that my love
I can’t hide
I can’t hide
I can’t hide
Yeah, you got that somethin’
I think you’ll understand
When I say that somethin’
I want to hold your hand
I want to hold your hand
I want to hold your hand
And when I touch you
I feel happy inside
It’s such a feelin’ that my love
I can’t hide
I can’t hide
I can’t hide
Yeah, you got that somethin’
I think you’ll understand
When I feel that somethin’
I want to hold your hand
I want to hold your hand
I want to hold your hand
I want to hold your hand
Source: LyricFind
Some More Popular Sing Along Songs For Seniors From The 1960s
- The Foundations – Build me up Buttercup
- The Shirelles – Will You Love Me Tomorrow?
- The Beatles – In my life
- The Crystals – Then He Kissed Me
- Elvis Presley – Suspicious Minds
- The Beach Boys – Good Vibrations
- The Supremes – You Can’t Hurry Love
Fun Sing Along Songs For Seniors From The 1970s And Beyond
1. John Lennon – Imagine
Imagine there’s no heaven
It’s easy if you try
No hell below us
Above us only sky
Imagine all the people
Living for today (ah ah ah)
Imagine there’s no countries
It isn’t hard to do
Nothing to kill or die for
And no religion, too
Imagine all the people
Living life in peace
You may say that I’m a dreamer
But I’m not the only one
I hope someday you’ll join us
And the world will be as one
Imagine no possessions
I wonder if you can
No need for greed or hunger
A brotherhood of man
Imagine all the people
Sharing all the world
You may say that I’m a dreamer
But I’m not the only one
I hope someday you’ll join us
And the world will live as one
2. ABBA – Dancing Queen
Ooh
You can dance
You can jive
Having the time of your life
Ooh, see that girl
Watch that scene
Dig in the dancing queen
Friday night and the lights are low
Looking out for a place to go
Where they play the right music
Getting in the swing
You come to look for a king
Anybody could be that guy
Night is young and the music’s high
With a bit of rock music
Everything is fine
You’re in the mood for a dance
And when you get the chance
You are the dancing queen
Young and sweet
Only seventeen
Dancing queen
Feel the beat from the tambourine, oh yeah
You can dance
You can jive
Having the time of your life
Ooh, see that girl
Watch that scene
Dig in the dancing queen
You’re a teaser, you turn ’em on
Leave ’em burning and then you’re gone
Looking out for another
Anyone will do
You’re in the mood for a dance
And when you get the chance
You are the dancing queen
Young and sweet
Only seventeen
Dancing queen
Feel the beat from the tambourine, oh yeah
You can dance
You can jive
Having the time of your life
Ooh, see that girl
Watch that scene
Dig in the dancing queen
Dig in the dancing queen
3. Marvin Gaye – Let’s get it on
I’ve been really tryin’, baby
Tryin’ to hold back this feeling for so long
And if you feel like I feel, baby
Then, c’mon, oh, c’mon
Let’s get it on
Ah, baby, let’s get it on
Let’s love, baby
Let’s get it on, sugar
Let’s get it on
We’re all sensitive people
With so much to give
Understand me, sugar
Since we’ve got to be here
Let’s live
I love you
There’s nothing wrong with me
Loving you, baby no no
And giving yourself to me can never be wrong
If the love is true, oh baby
Ooh don’t you know how sweet and wonderful life can be ooh
I’m asking you baby to get it on with me ooh ooh
I ain’t gonna worry
I ain’t gonna push, won’t push you baby
So c’mon, c’mon, c’mon, c’mon, c’mon, baby
Stop beatin’ ’round the bush, hey
Let’s get it on
Let’s get it on
You know what I’m talkin’ ’bout
C’mon, baby
Let your love come out
If you believe in love
Let’s get it on
Let’s get it on, baby
This minute, oh yeah
Let’s get it on
Please, please get it on
I know and you know what I’ve been dreaming of, don’t you baby?
My whole body makes that feelin’ of love, I’m happy
I ain’t gonna worry, no I ain’t gonna push
I won’t push you baby, woo
C’mon, c’mon, c’mon, c’mon, c’mon, darlin’
Stop beatin’ ’round the bush
Oh, gonna get it on
Threatenin’ you, baby
I wanna get it on
You don’t have to worry that it’s wrong
If the spirit moves ya
Let me groove ya good
Let your love come down
Oh, get it on
C’mon, baby
Do you know the meaning?
I’ve been sanctified
Girl, you give me good feeling
I’ve been sanctified
Oh dear I, baby
Nothing wrong with love
If you want to love me just let your self go
Oh baby, let’s get it on
4. Lou Bega – mambo no 5
Ladies and gentlemen, this is Mambo Number Five
One, two, three, four, five
Everybody in the car, so come on, let’s ride
To the liquor store around the corner
The boys say they want some gin and juice
But I really don’t wanna
Beer bust like I had last week
I must stay deep because talk is cheap
I like Angela, Pamela, Sandra and Rita
And as I continue you know they getting sweeter
So what can I do? I really beg you, my Lord
To me is flirting it’s just like sport, anything fly
It’s all good, let me dump it, please set in the trumpet
A little bit of Monica in my life
A little bit of Erica by my side
A little bit of Rita is all I need
A little bit of Tina is what I see
A little bit of Sandra in the sun
A little bit of Mary all night long
A little bit of Jessica, here I am
A little bit of you makes me your man
Mambo Number Five
Jump up and down and move it all around
Shake your head to the sound
Put your hand on the ground
Take one step left and one step right
One to the front and one to the side
Clap your hand once and clap your hands twice
And if it looks like this then you doing it right
A little bit of Monica in my life
A little bit of Erica by my side
A little bit of Rita is all I need
A little bit of Tina is what I see
A little bit of Sandra in the sun
A little bit of Mary all night long
A little bit of Jessica, here I am
A little bit of you makes me your man
Trumpet, the trumpet
Mambo Number Five
A little bit of Monica in my life
A little bit of Erica by my side
A little bit of Rita is all I need
A little bit of Tina is what I see
A little bit of Sandra in the sun
A little bit of Mary all night long
A little bit of Jessica, here I am
A little bit of you makes me your man
I do all to fall in love with a girl like you
‘Cause you can’t run and you can’t hide
You and me gonna touch the sky
Mambo Number Five
Holiday special sing along hymns for seniors
1. Rudolph the red nosed reindeer – Gene Autry
You know Dasher and Dancer and Prancer and Vixen
Comet and Cupid and Donner and Blitzen
But do you recall
The most famous reindeer of all?
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
Had a very shiny nose
And if you ever saw it
You would even say it glows
All of the other reindeer
Used to laugh and call him names
They never let poor Rudolph
Join in any reindeer games
Then one foggy Christmas Eve
Santa came to say
“Rudolph, with your nose so bright
Won’t you guide my sleigh tonight?”
Then how the reindeer loved him
As they shouted out with glee
“Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
You’ll go down in history”
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
Had a very shiny nose
And if you ever saw it
You would even say it glows
All of the other reindeer
Used to laugh and call him names
They never let poor Rudolph
Join in any reindeer games
Then one foggy Christmas Eve
Santa came to say
“Rudolph, with your nose so bright
Won’t you guide my sleigh tonight?”
Then how the reindeer loved him
As they shouted out with glee
“Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
You’ll go down in history
2. White Christmas – Bing Crosby
I’m dreaming of a white Christmas
Just like the ones I used to know
Where the treetops glisten and children listen
To hear sleigh bells in the snow
I’m dreaming of a white Christmas
Just like the ones I used to know
Where the treetops glisten and children listen
To hear sleigh bells in the snow
I’m dreaming of a white Christmas
With every Christmas card I write
May your days be merry and bright
And may all your Christmases be white
I’m dreaming of a white Christmas,
Just like the ones I used to know
May your days be merry and bright
And may all your Christmases be white
I’m dreaming of a white Christmas,
With every Christmas card I write
May your days be merry and bright
And may all your Christmases be white
May your days be merry and bright
And may all your Christmases be white
And may all your Christmases be white (all your Christmases be white)
And may all your Christmases be white (all your Christmases be white)
And may all your Christmases be
(All your Christmases be white)
(All your Christmases be white)
3. Silver bells – Bing Crosby, Carol Richards
Silver bells, silver bells
It’s Christmas time in the city
Ring-a-ling, (ring-a-ling) hear them ring (ting-a-ling)
Soon it will be Christmas day
City sidewalks, busy sidewalks
Dressed in holiday style
In the air there’s a feeling of Christmas
Children laughing, people passing
Meeting smile after smile
And on every street corner you hear
Silver bells, (silver bells) silver bells (silver bells)
It’s Christmas time in the city
Ring-a-ling, (ring-a-ling)
Hear them ring, (hear them ring)
Soon it will be Christmas day
Strings of street lights, even stoplights
Blinkin’ bright red and green
As the shoppers rush home with their treasures
Hear the snow crunch, see the kids bunch
This is Santa’s big day
And above all this bustle you hear
Silver bells (The corner Santa Claus)
Silver bells (Is busy now because)
It’s Christmas time in the city
Ring-a-ling, it fills the winter air
Hear them ring, you hear it everywhere
Soon it will be Christmas day
City sidewalks, busy sidewalks (Silver bells)
Dressed in holiday style (Silver bells)
In the air there’s a feeling of Christmas (It’s Christmas time in the city)
Children laughing, people passing (Ring-a-ling)
Meeting smile after smile (Hear them ring)
Very soon it will be Christmas day
4. The Twelve Days of Christmas – Roger Whittaker
On the first day of Christmas my true love sent to me
A partridge in a pear tree
On the second day of Christmas my true love sent to me
Two turtle doves
And a partridge in a pear tree
On the third day of Christmas my true love sent to me
Three French hens, two turtle doves
And a partridge in a pear tree
On the fourth day of Christmas my true love sent to me
Four calling birds, three French hens, two turtle doves
And a partridge in a pear tree
On the fifth day of Christmas my true love sent to me
Five gold rings, four calling birds, three French hens, two turtle doves
And a partridge in a pear tree
On the sixth day of Christmas my true love sent to me
Six geese a laying, five gold rings, four calling birds
Three French hens, two turtle doves
And a partridge in a pear tree
On the seventh day of Christmas my true love sent to me
Seven swans a swimming, six geese a laying, five gold rings
Four calling birds, three French hens, two turtle doves
And a partridge in a pear tree
On the eighth day of Christmas my true love sent to me
Eight maids a milking, seven swans a swimming, six geese a laying
Five gold rings, four calling birds, three French hens, two turtle doves
And a partridge in a pear tree
On the ninth day of Christmas my true love sent to me
Nine drummers drumming
On the tenth day of Christmas my true love sent to me
Ten pipers piping
Nine drummers drumming, ten pipers piping
Drumming, piping, drumming, piping
Eight maids a milking, seven swans a swimming, six geese a laying
Five gold rings, four calling birds, three French hens, two turtle doves
And a partridge in a pear tree
On the eleventh day of Christmas my true love sent to me
Eleven ladies dancing, ten pipers piping, nine drummers drumming
Eight maids a milking, seven swans a swimming, six geese a laying
Five gold rings, four calling birds, three French hens, two turtle doves
And a partridge in a pear tree
On the twelfth day of Christmas my true love sent to me
Twelve Lords a leaping, eleven ladies dancing, ten pipers piping
Nine, drummers drumming, eight maids a milking
Seven swans a swimming, six geese a laying
And five gold rings, four calling birds, three French hens, two turtle doves
And a partridge in a pear tree, and a partridge in a pear tree
The Most Popular Sing Along Songs For Senior Citizens
If you have a mixed bunch with 60, 70 and 80 year olds, here is a playlist that will be a hit with almost all of them. These are the classics that they must have listened to or even hummed in their younger days.
1. The Beatles – Love Me Do
Love, love me do
You know I love you
I’ll always be true
So please, love me do
Whoa, love me do
Love, love me do
You know I love you
I’ll always be true
So please, love me do
Whoa, love me do
Someone to love
Somebody new
Someone to love
Someone like you
Love, love me do
You know I love you
I’ll always be true
So please, love me do
Whoa, love me do
Love, love me do
You know I love you
I’ll always be true
So please, love me do
Whoa, love me do
Yeah, love me do
Whoa, oh, love me do
2. Nat King Cole – LOVE
L – is for the way you look at me
O – is for the only one I see
V – is very, very, extraordinary
E – is even more than anyone that you adore can
LOVE is all that I can
Give to you
LOVE is more than just a game for two
Two in LOVE can make it
Take my heart and please don’t break it
LOVE
Was made for me and yoooou!
Instramental Break
L – is for the way you look at me
O – is for the only one I see
V – is very, very, extraordinary
E – is even more than anyone that you adore can
LOVE is all that I can
Give to you
LOVE is more than just a game for two
Two in LOVE can make it
Take my heart and please don’t break it
LOVE
Was made for me and yoooou!
3. Shake, rattle and roll – Bill Haley and His Comets
Get out from that kitchen
And rattle those pots and pans
Get out from that kitchen
And rattle those pots and pans
Well, roll my breakfast
‘Cause I’m a hungry man
I said, shake, rattle, and roll
I said, shake, rattle, and roll
I said, shake, rattle, and roll
I said, shake, rattle, and roll
Well, you’ll never do nothing
To save your doggone soul
Wearing those dresses
Your hair done up so nice
Wearing those dresses
Your hair done up so nice
You look so warm
But your heart is cold as ice
I said, shake, rattle, and roll
I said, shake, rattle, and roll
I said, shake, rattle, and roll
I said, shake, rattle, and roll
Well, you’ll never do nothing
To save your doggone soul
Go! Go! Go! Go! Go!
I’m like a one-eyed cat
Peeping in a sea food store
I’m like a one-eyed cat
Peeping in a sea food store
I can look at you
‘Til you don’t love me no more
I believe you’re doing me wrong
And now I know
I believe you’re doing me wrong
And now I know
The more I work
The faster my money goes
I said, shake, rattle, and roll
I said, shake, rattle, and roll
I said, shake, rattle, and roll
I said, shake, rattle, and roll
Well, you’ll never do nothing
To save your doggone soul
Shake, rattle, and roll
4. The Tennessee waltz- Patti Page
I was dancing with my darling to the Tennessee Waltz
When an old friend I happened to see
I introduced her to my loved one
And while they were dancing
My friend stole my sweetheart from me
I remember the night and the Tennessee Waltz
Now I know just how much I have lost
Yes, I lost my little darling the night they were playing
The beautiful Tennessee Waltz
5. Singing in the rain – Gene Kelly
I’m singin’ in the rain
Just singin’ in the rain
What a glorious feeling
I’m happy again
I’m laughin’ at clouds
So dark up above
The sun’s in my heart
And I’m ready for love
Let the stormy clouds chase
Everyone from the place
Come on with the rain
I’ve a smile on my face
I’ll walk down the lane
With a happy refrain
Just singin’
Singin’ in the rain
Dancin’ in the rain
Da da da da da da
I’m happy again
I’m singin’ and dancin’ in the rain
I’m dancin’ and singin’ in the rain
6. Johnny Cash – You are my sunshine
The other night dear, as I lay sleeping
I dreamed I held you in my arms
But when I awoke, dear, I was mistaken
So I hung my head and I cried
You are my sunshine, my only sunshine
You make me happy when skies are gray
You’ll never know dear, how much I love you
Please don’t take my sunshine away
I’ll always love you and make you happy
If you will only say the same
But if you leave me and love another
You’ll regret it all some day
You are my sunshine, my only sunshine
You make me happy when skies are gray
You’ll never know dear, how much I love you
Please don’t take my sunshine away
You told me once, dear, you really loved me
And no one else could come between
But now you’ve left me and love another
You have shattered all of my dreams
You are my sunshine, my only sunshine
You make me happy when skies are gray
You’ll never know dear, how much I love you
Please don’t take my sunshine away
In all my dreams, dear, you seem to leave me
When I awake my poor heart pains
So when you come back and make me happy
I’ll forgive you dear, I’ll take all the blame
You are my sunshine, my only sunshine
You make me happy when skies are gray
You’ll never know dear, how much I love you
Please don’t take my sunshine away
7. Judy garland – Over the rainbow
Somewhere over the rainbow, way up high
There’s a land that I’ve heard of once in a lullaby.
Somewhere over the rainbow, skies are blue
And the dreams that you dare to dream,
Really do come true.
Someday I’ll wish upon a star
And wake up where the clouds are far behind me.
Where troubles melt like lemon drops,
Way above the chimney tops,
That’s where you’ll find me.
Somewhere over the rainbow, blue birds fly
Birds fly over the rainbow
Why then, oh why can’t I?
Somewhere over the rainbow, blue birds fly
Birds fly over the rainbow
Why then, oh why can’t I?
If happy little bluebirds fly beyond the rainbow
Why, oh why can’t I?
8. Elvis Presley – Blue suede shoes
Well, it’s one for the money
Two for the show
Three to get ready
Now go, cat, go
But don’t you
Step on my blue suede shoes
Well you can do anything
But stay off of my blue suede shoes
Well, you can knock me down
Step in my face
Slander my name all over the place
Well do anything that you want to do
But uh-uh, honey lay off of them shoes
And don’t you step on my blue suede shoes
Well, you can do anything
But stay off of my blue suede shoes
Let’s go, cat!
Ah, walk the dog
You can burn my house
Steal my car
Drink my liquor
From an old fruit jar
Well do anything that you want to do
But uh-uh, honey lay off of my shoes
And don’t you
Step on my blue suede shoes
Well, you can do anything
But stay off of my blue suede shoes
Rock it
Yeah
Well, it’s one for the money
Two for the show
Three to get ready
Now go, go, go!
But don’t you
Step on my blue suede shoes
Well, you can do anything
But stay off of my blue suede shoes
Well, it’s
Blue, blue
Blue suede shoes
Blue, blue
Blue suede shoes, yeah!
Blue, blue
Blue, suede shoes, baby
Blue, blue
Blue suede shoes
Well, you can do anything
But stay off of my blue suede shoes
The 5 Best Toys For Seniors – To Keep Them Entertained