A Song For Today: June 2020

June 1:  I got everything I need and nothin’ that I don’t… “Homegrown” by the Zac Brown Band.  Happy Birthday to Ellen Hardy, Sarah Kochanski, Laura Pendergast & Lesli Shapiro!  LYRICS & SONGFACTS  SPOTIFY

June 2:  Take me along for the ride… Mr. Spaceman written by Roger McGuinn and performed by The Byrds.  Thx, Peter Propp, for the suggestion.  LYRICS & CHORDS SONG HISTORY  SPOTIFY

June 3: Gotta stand your ground… “Worth Fighting For” by Emily HearnLYRICS  SPOTIFY

June 4: Today is the GFS “Virtual” Hoedown and this song is a GFS favorite:  “Old Dan Tucker” sung here by 3rd graders from GFS in 2005-06.  Here’s another version by Grandpa Jones and another by Bruce Springsteen (and the Spotify version is from Suzy Boggus). Enjoy!  SONG HISTORY  SPOTIFY

June 5:  When this old world is getting you down… “Up On The Roof” written by Gerry Goffin and Carole King and sung here by James Taylor.  We’ll miss you, Boomer.  LYRICS & CHORDS SONG HISTORY  SPOTIFY

June 6: You’ll get it soon, I bet… “The Power of Yet” sung by Janelle Monáe, written by Bill Sherman & Joey Mazzarino and produced by Sesame Street.  Today at 10:00 I’ll be watching Sesame Street’s “COMING TOGETHER: STANDING UP TO RACISM” Town Hall for Kids & Families on CNN.  Join me today, then watch THIS EPISODE ABOUT RACISM from 1993.  Happy Birthday to Julie Owen Bain & Lesley Addario Bentivegna!

June 7:  It’s not born in you; it happens after you’re born… “You’ve Got To Be Carefully Taught” from South Pacific and written by (watch this video:) Rodgers and Hammerstein.  I chose the version by James Taylor, but you should also listen to the version from the 1958 movie (it looks as if John Kerr is singing, but his voice was dubbed by Bill Lee).   Thank you for the song suggestion (and happy belated birthday) to Cynthia Wallace.  Also, to Griffin Burke, who has chosen to spend his life defending our country.  We are so grateful and appreciative.  xo LYRICS & CHORDS  SONG HISTORY SPOTIFY

June 8:  Leave your worries on the doorstep… “On the Sunny Side of the Street” performed by Peggy Lee & Benny Goodman and written by Dorothy Fields & Jimmy McHugh.  Happy Birthday to one of the sunniest people we know…Dodo Bacharach.  LYRICS & SONGFACTS  SPOTIFY

June 9:  My love she will know…“It’s Alright” written by Curtis Mayfield and sung by Huey Lewis & The News. Happy Birthday to my beautiful niece, Sophia, and a special thank you to my wonderful friend, the talented, fun Illustrated Gallivant who designed the Sing Daily logo, gave great advice, made the best cards, asked thoughtful questions, and had an amazing zest for life.  This is one of two songs she picked for her birthday this year, though she never wanted a shout-out.  She was humble, strong, kind, generous and always up for a get-together.  If she were still here, she would share wise words and tell us that It’s Alright, even though, right now my heart is split in two. LYRICS SPOTIFY

June 10:  Sing these songs of freedom… “Redemption Song” by Bob Marley.  LYRICS & SONGFACTS  SPOTIFY  Happy Birthday to Maura Keating Hirschler and Sharon Freeman. LYRICS & SONGFACTS  SPOTIFY

June 11:  Go make a legacy… “High Hopes” by Panic At The Disco.   Congratulations to the class of 2020 everywhere, but especially the Staples High School kids (we’re so proud of you!).  (Thx to GFS kids for introducing me to this song in our weekly Distance Learning Sing-Alongs!) LYRICS & SONGFACTS SPOTIFY  (*For those of you had high hopes for the 1959 version of this song, stay tuned for tomorrow’s SOTD.)

June 12:  Anyone knows an ant can’t move a rubber tree plant… “High Hopes”* written by Jimmy Van Heusen and Sammy Cahn and sung here by Frank Sinatra.  LYRICS & SONGFACTS  SPOTIFY (*For those of you had high hopes for the 2018 version of this song, check out yesterday’s SOTD.) (Note: social media artwork created by Rose Wood from Pinterest @milopnut)

June 13:  An old friend can give advice… “Mama Said” by Lukas GrahamLYRICS & SONGFACTS  SPOTIFY

June 14:  You are something special…“Beautiful Soul” by Jesse McCartney (written by Adam Watts and Andy Dodd.  Happy Birthday to two beautiful souls: Marisa Zeitlan & Suzanne Urban. xo LYRICS & CHORDS SONG HISTORY  SPOTIFY

June 15:   I promise you I’ll be singing… “Sunshine” by Jonathan Edwards.  Happy Birthday to Justin Heller, Steve Dodd, Paula Harvey & Kurt Anderson! LYRICS & SONGFACTS  SPOTIFY

June 16: I’m better on the other side… “Don’t Start Now” performed by Dua Lipa and written by Dua Lipa, Emily Warren, Caroline Ailin and producer Ian Kirkpatrick.  Thanks to 5th grader Sierra for introducing me to this song; I will miss you (congratulations on moving up!).  LYRICS & SONGFACTS SPOTIFY

June 17:  A young man with many reasons why…  “There But For Fortune” by Phil Ochs.  No lyric video today, but this one is worth listening to several times until you learn the words.  Happy Birthday to Jeanie Bennett!  LYRICS & CHORDS  SONG HISTORY  SPOTIFY

June 18: ‘Cause every time I hear that melody something breaks inside… “Grapefruit Moon” by Tom Waits.  Happy Birthday to David Burke. xo LYRICS & CHORDS SONG HISTORY SPOTIFY

Juneteenth:   I wish I could give all I’m longing to give…  “I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel To Be Free” written by Billy Taylor and Dick Dallas and sung here by Nina SimoneSONG HISTORY  LYRICS & SONGFACTS  SPOTIFY

June 20:  I never could have come this far without you… “Kind and Generous” by Natalie Merchant.  Happy Anniversary to Russell & Lisa and Happy Birthday to Mary Ellen Barry.  LYRICS & SONGFACTS  SPOTIFY

June 21:  I’d rather be a free man in my grave than living as a puppet or a slave… “The Harder They Come” by Jimmy Cliff.  Happy Birthday, and thanks to the song suggestion to Alisyn CamerotaLYRICS & SONGFACTS  SPOTIFY

June 22:  That’s what I say… “I Can’t Get No Satisfaction” by The Rolling StonesLYRICS & SONGFACTS  SPOTIFY

June 23: Tomorrow there’ll be sunshine and all this darkness past “Land of Hope and Dreams” by Bruce Springsteen sent with special birthday love to Chrissy Brennan and remembering the beautiful Sal Uy.  Also, Happy Birthday to Brianne Chasanoff, Jen Purdy & Ann Mueller,  LYRICS & SONGFACTS  SPOTIFY

June 24:  A reason to be living… “Love Is A Many Splendored Thing” sung by Andy Williams (music by Sammy Fain and lyrics by Paul Francis Webster).  Happy Birthday and thanks for the song suggestion to Arline Gertzoff!  LYRICS & CHORDS  SONG HISTORY SPOTIFY

June 25:   Go forward slowly… “You’re Somebody Else” by Flora Cash (Shpresa Lleshaj and Cole Randall).  Thanks to the Chapman Family for introducing me to this song.  LYRICS & SONGFACTS  SPOTIFY

June 26:   So deep within the heart of me… “You’re So Much A Part of Me” originally sung by The Browns in 1960, the year that Ruthie Klayman and Larry Sherman got married.  In the next 60 years, they had 4 kids with 4 significant others, 8 grandchildren, a large extended family and a ton of wonderful friends.  We are SO glad you got married and we are so lucky to be part of your lives! 🙂  LYRICS

June 27:  But ain’t we got love… “We’re Not The Jet Set” by Bobby Braddock and sung here by George Jones & Tammy Wynette.   Happy anniversary to my wonderful husband, Peter Propp. Thanks for the life you’ve given me.  LYRICS & CHORDS  SONG HISTORY SPOTIFY

June 28:  Let’s enjoy this confination… “Gotta Be Patient” by Stay Homas and performed by Michael Buble with Barenaked Ladies & Sofia Reyes.  Thanks to Allison Dowd Stabile for the song suggestion (better late than never??)  Here’s the OFFICIAL VIDEO  LYRICS &  CHORDS   SONG HISTORY  SPOTIFY

June 29:  I ain’t built for speed… “Built For Comfort” written by Willie Dixon and sung here by Howlin’ Wolf.   Thanks for the song suggestion and Happy Birthday to Marcus Dippo.  Also, a birthday shout-out to the wonderful Meghan Murray.  LYRICS & SONGFACTS SPOTIFY

June 30:  Tuesday on the island… “Coconut Telegraph” by Jimmy Buffett.  No lyric video; just sway from side to side if you don’t know the words to the verses – then break out in some lively la-la’s midway through.  Thanks, Russell and Lisa, for sharing the island with us. 🙂 LYRICS & CHORDS   SPOTIFY

Sing Daily & Stay Healthy!