A Song For Today: August 2020

August 1:  Got a hold on me… “Chains” written by Carole King & Gerry Goffin and originally performed by The Cookies in 1962.  Here is a LYRIC VIDEO of the song performed by The Beatles in 1963.  Thanks to Peter for the song suggestion.  LYRICS & SONGFACTS SPOTIFY

August 2:  It makes me feel so good to know… “I Saw  Her Again” by The Mamas & The PapasLYRICS & SONGFACTS SPOTIFY

August 3:  How’d I get this? “Hallelujah” by Haim. It’s my birthday and I’m grateful beyond words for my life and the good fortune that has brought me to today.  Please consider making a donation to the Connecticut Food BankLYRICS & CHORDS SPOTIFY

August 4:  Through life I’ll be your prop… “Isn’t Love A Grand Old Thing” sung by Ada Jones and Billy Murray and written by William J McKenna and Frank Tannehill.  My grandfather, Abraham Jacob Klayman was born on this day in 1909; this song was one of the big hits that year.  LYRICS SPOTIFY

August 5:  Seeing things I never thought I’d see… “Summer Fly” by Cheryl Wheeler.  Happy Birthday to Bobbi Essagof and Lisa Shaw.  Sorry this is late, but Isaias had other plans.  LYRICS & SONG HISTORY  CHORDS SPOTIFY

August 6:  May we always sing along… “Sing Gently” by Eric Whitacre.  Thanks for the song suggestion and happy birthday to Dawn McCabe, who is one of the 17,562 different singers from 129 countries represented in this recording.  And a special shout-out to my wonderful sister-in-law Lisa Weitzman; I hope we have 50 more years to sing together.  SONG HISTORY SPOTIFY

August 7:  Wish upon a star  “Take Me Home” by Phil CollinsLYRICS & SONGFACTS  SPOTIFY

August 8:  May your past be the sound of your feet upon the ground… “Carry On” written by Nate Ruess and performed by fun.  LYRICS & SONGFACTS  SPOTIFY

August 9:  I heard the thunder clappin’… “Roll With The Changes” by REO Speedwagon (written by Kevin Cronin).  Thanks for the song suggestion and happy belated birthday to Andre Lambros! LYRICS & SONGFACTS  SPOTIFY

August 10:   Breakin’ rocks in the hot sun… “I Fought The Law” written by Sonny Curtis and performed here by The Clash.  Happy Birthday to two of my favorite lawyers:  Adam Wergeles & Josh Koskoff.  LYRICS & SONGFACTS SPOTIFY

August 11:  We got no troubles, life is the bubbles… “Under The Sea” by Alan Menken and Howard Ashman.  For Sadie and the SES cast of “The Little Mermaid”; we wish we could have seen this show in April but we’re proud of your resilience and flexibility.  LYRICS & SONGFACTS  SPOTIFY

August 12:  Get a glimpse beyond the illusion… “Carry On My Wayward Son” by Kansas (written by Kerry Livgren).  Thanks to Andre Lambros for the song suggestion and good luck to our son Bennett (who is anything but wayward) on his journey which begins today.  LYRICS & SONGFACTS  SPOTIFY

August 13:  Little by little, we meet in the middle…“Honeybee” by The Head & The HeartLYRICS & CHORDS  SONG HISTORY  SPOTIFY

August 14: Looking for words to say… “This Masquerade” written by Leon Russell and sung here by George Benson (I know many who love The Carpenter’s version, also). LYRICS & SONGFACTS SPOTIFY

August 15:  Pay attention to your dreams… “Drive” by Ric Ocasek and performed by The Cars.  Thanks to Mr. C for the song suggestion and happy birthday to Mrs. Welch!  🙂  LYRICS & SONGFACTS SPOTIFY

August 16:  People smiling everywhere that they go… “Lazy Day” written by George Fischoff and Tony Powers and performed by Spanky and Our Gang band.  Thanks to Sharyn Taymor for the song suggestion.  LYRICS & SONGFACTS  SPOTIFY

August 17:  Welcome to this one man show… “So Lonely” by Sting and The PoliceLYRICS & SONGFACTS  SPOTIFY

August 18:  Everything falls into place like the flick of a switch… “Days Like This” by Van Morrison.  Happy Birthday and thanks for the song suggestion to Laura Nelson! xo  LYRICS & CHORDS  SONG HISTORY SPOTIFY

August 19:  Make them play ’till the stars that were there before return above you… “Begin The Beguine” written by Cole Porter and sung by Andy WilliamsLYRICS & SONGFACTS SPOTIFY

August 20: Your love gives me strength enough… “Have A Little Faith In Me” performed here by Joe Cocker and written by John Hiatt (check out his version, too).  Happy Birthday to Jeanie Bacharach; thanks for being part of my life and, among other things, suggesting this beautiful song.  Happy day, also, to Jen Peterson Hull!  LYRICS & CHORDS  SONG HISTORY  SPOTIFY

August 21:  Don’t you let nothin’ stand in your way… “Ain’t No Stoppin’ Us Now” by McFadden & Whitehead.  Congratulations to Bennett on his White Coat Ceremony today.  WE ARE SO PROUD OF YOU!  Also, happy birthday to Susan Bamel Glickman. xo  LYRICS & SONGFACTS  SPOTIFY

August 22:  As long as 1 + 1 = 2… “Father & Daughter” written and performed by Paul Simon.  For my friend, Amy Koppe Murtagh, in honor of her father; he must have been an amazing guy to have raised such a kind, caring and talented woman.  xoxo  LYRICS & CHORDS SONG HISTORY  SPOTIFY

August 23:  Tell me more, tell me more… “Summer Nights'” written by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey and sung by John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John and the cast of the movie GreaseHappy anniversary to one of my favorite couples, Dave (also one of my favorite teachers) and Marianne Harrison! xo LYRICS & SONGFACTS  SPOTIFY

August 24:  It’s a new week and we could all use a little good luck from around the world… “Good Luck” by Daisy Chapman.  (No lyric video, but the lyrics are in the video description – click on “show more”).   SPOTIFY

August 25: Standing in the sunlight laughing… “Brown Eyed Girl” written by Van Morrison and performed here by Jimmy Buffett at the Newport Folk Festival in 2008.  Happy Birthday and thanks for the song suggestion to Erica Messina!  LYRICS & SONGFACTS  SPOTIFY

August 26:  A hundred years go by, it stands… “The Mason” from the musical “Working” based on the book by Studs Terkel.  The musical was written by Stephen Schwartz and Nina Faso and this song was written by Craig Carnelia; it’s sung here by David Patrick Kelly.  I think about Jim  & Dodo Bacharach and their generosity every time I hear it.  Congrats to my niece Ariana on building her first home. xoxo LYRICS & CHORDS  SONG HISTORY  SPOTIFY

August 27:  Even if the sky is falling down… “Safe and Sound” by Capital Cities.  It’s the first day for teachers in Westport; stay safe every one!  OFFICIAL VIDEO LYRICS & SONGFACTS  SPOTIFY

August 28:  I feel everything so deeply… “Reasons I Drink” by Alanis Morissette.  Happy Birthday to Brooklyn ladies Pamela Sidman (thanks for the song suggestion) and Betsy Alton. xo  OFFICIAL VIDEO LYRICS & CHORDS  SPOTIFY

August 29:  I want to be the one to walk in the sun… “Girls Just Want To Have Fun” written by Robert Hazard and performed by Cyndi LauperLYRICS & SONGFACTS  SPOTIFY  OFFICIAL VIDEO

August 30: Open up both your eyes…. “It’s In Every One Of Us” written by David Pomeranz and performed here by The Hollies.  Happy belated birthday (and thanks for the song suggestion) to Marshall Stern! LYRICS & CHORDS  SPOTIFY

August 31:  Once in a while you get shown the light… “Scarlet Begonias” by The Grateful Dead in honor of Jim Curran.  We are so grateful for the joy he brought to our lives by creating and sharing his amazing family with us.  Our love goes out to Stacie, Dylan, Shea, Carly & Charlie.  (Thanks to Kelly Konstanty for the song suggestion.) LYRICS & SONGFACTS  SPOTIFY

Sing Daily & Stay Healthy!