Suggestions wanted: comforting songs

Subject: Suggestions wanted: comforting songs
From: Karen Impola
Date: 15 Mar 20 - 04:38 PM

Hi folks. I am a radio host and am looking for suggestions of songs that will be comforting in a time of crisis, for next week's show. I don't want songs *about* illness or flu or epidemics (although Boiled in Lead's "The Microorganism" has been going through my head for days. I want songs that say hang on, we will get through this together, this will pass.

Jane Voss's "Father Down the Road" is one of my go-to songs for this kind of mood, but I just listened to it and the first line says "The storm is over . . ." Unfortunately, the storm is most definitely NOT over.

I created another thread asking if there were any recorded versions of "Farther Along" that don't reference Jesus, just so I can be inclusive. I think people might have misunderstood what I was asking for. I'll play a Jesusful version if I have to, but I just wondered if anyone knew of a recording that didn't contain that one verse.

Gordon Bok's "Turning Toward the Morning" is on my list, as is Cindy Mangsen's "The Dark of the Moon".

Songs with a message of "we're apart now but we'll be together again in the future" are also applicable.

Thanks in advance.

Subject: RE: Suggestions wanted: comforting songs
From: cnd
Date: 15 Mar 20 - 06:48 PM

Off the top of my head most of the ones I know are religious in nature. I'll go through and look my catalog with a closer look at some point, but is there any genre/boundary limits you're looking for? I assume you want folk music, but can it be newer or should it be older? For example, would any of (these) songs work?

Subject: RE: Suggestions wanted: comforting songs
From: fat B****rd
Date: 15 Mar 20 - 07:21 PM

Kate Bush and Peter Gabriel "Don't Give Up".

Subject: RE: Suggestions wanted: comforting songs
From: Joe Offer
Date: 15 Mar 20 - 07:34 PM

Singing through the Hard Times, written by Utah Phillips but sung by people we know and love.

-Joe-

Subject: RE: Suggestions wanted: comforting songs
From: gillymor
Date: 15 Mar 20 - 07:46 PM

Lean on Me- Bill Withers
People Get Ready- Curtis Mayfield
Wonderful World- Eva Cassidy did a good version

Subject: RE: Suggestions wanted: comforting songs
From: gillymor
Date: 15 Mar 20 - 09:03 PM

May You Never- John Martyn
Stand By Me- Ben E. King
Keep on the Sunny Side- Carter Family, Norman Blake, The Whites...

Subject: RE: Suggestions wanted: comforting songs
From: GUEST,keberoxu
Date: 15 Mar 20 - 09:41 PM

"Life Is So Peculiar" -- duet, Louis Armstrong and Louis Jordan

many recordings of "I'll Walk Alone,"
but I favor the recording featuring
Dinah Shore and a vocal ensemble,
recorded when orchestras and bands were on strike
and only vocalists were available as backing musicians.

" 'Til Then" -- the Mills Brothers

"Civilization (Bongo Bongo Bongo)" -- Louis Prima and his band

Subject: RE: Suggestions wanted: comforting songs
From: Mrrzy
Date: 15 Mar 20 - 09:49 PM

Splendid Isolation?

Subject: RE: Suggestions wanted: comforting songs
From: Karen Impola
Date: 15 Mar 20 - 10:35 PM

Thank you, keep 'em coming!

The show uses a very broad definition of "folk music" - trad and contemporary, acoustic and electric, mostly American and Celtic/British but other parts of the world as well. Some blues, country, old jazz and swing too.

Subject: RE: Suggestions wanted: comforting songs
From: Phil Cooper
Date: 15 Mar 20 - 11:07 PM

Dave Carter's Gentle Arms of Eden. Phil Ochs Power and Glory.

Subject: RE: Suggestions wanted: comforting songs
From: EBarnacle
Date: 15 Mar 20 - 11:08 PM

As Pete said, "Fold music is what people sing."
I was glad to see Bongo, Bongo Bongo above.
Consider Lorre Wyatt's Somos el barco, with its message of unity.
As sung by Peter, Paul and Mary:
https://www.bing.com/search?q=somos+el+barco+video&form=ANNTH1&refig=868f5676438a4849b81ea95dbed19337&sp=3&qs=AS&pq=somos+el+bar

Subject: RE: Suggestions wanted: comforting songs
From: GUEST,kenny
Date: 16 Mar 20 - 08:55 AM

2 from Dougie MacLean : "This Love Will Carry", and "Wild And Windy Night".
https://youtu.be/2p16cu_1vp0

https://youtu.be/U9hNANVnkHo

Subject: RE: Suggestions wanted: comforting songs
From: GUEST,henryp
Date: 16 Mar 20 - 09:50 AM

Time passes slowly by Bob Dylan

Time passes slowly up here in the mountains
We sit beside bridges and walk beside fountains
Catch the wild fishes that float through the stream
Time passes slowly when you’re lost in a dream

Bob Dylan on New Morning
Judy Collins on Whales and Nightingales

Subject: RE: Suggestions wanted: comforting songs
From: Helen
Date: 16 Mar 20 - 03:37 PM

Two of my favourite uplifting songs in times of trouble are

Whispering Hope performed in 1949 by Gordon MacRae and Jo Stafford. There are many versions available including one by Willie Nelson but I just found this one performed by
Firm Faith Zimbabwe to a slightly different tune.

I Can See Clearly Now by Jimmy Cliff which is a song about going through troubling times and getting to the other side, but personally I think looking forward with hope is a good thing.

Subject: RE: Suggestions wanted: comforting songs
From: GUEST,keberoxu
Date: 16 Mar 20 - 04:43 PM

"Up a Lazy River" -- Mills Brothers

"Out In the Country" -- Three Dog Night

"I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm"    --    Mills Brothers

"G. I. Jive"    --    Johnny Mercer

"Baby, It's Cold Outside" -- duet between
Ray Charles and Betty Carter (slow, but it SWINGS)

"Push Ka Pee Shee Pie (calypso bebop)"   --
Louis Jordan and his Tympany Five

"I'm Gonna Sit Right Down and
Write Myself a Letter",
"Ain't Misbehavin' ",
"Keepin' Out of Mischief Now,"
"Your Feet's Too Big,"
"Two Sleepy People"   
--    all by Fats Waller

Subject: RE: Suggestions wanted: comforting songs
From: Helen
Date: 16 Mar 20 - 04:57 PM

"Up a Lazy River" - I love Louis Armstrong's version of this. Lo-o-o-ve it!!

Or his version of "When You're Smiling" or "Wrap Your troubles in Dreams"

Subject: RE: Suggestions wanted: comforting songs
From: GUEST,henryp
Date: 16 Mar 20 - 06:10 PM

And then there are Disney songs;
Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah (Song of the South)
When You Wish Upon A Star (Pinocchio)
and more!

Plus
Sweet Baby James; James Taylor
You've Got A Friend; Carole King/James Taylor
You've Got A Friend In Me; Randy Newman (Toy Story)

Subject: RE: Suggestions wanted: comforting songs
From: keberoxu
Date: 16 Mar 20 - 06:16 PM

If you want uplifting, as in 'rise again' :

"The Mary Ellen Carter,"    --   Stan Rogers
(He wrote the song --
have others recorded the song?)

Subject: RE: Suggestions wanted: comforting songs
From: keberoxu
Date: 16 Mar 20 - 06:24 PM

And who was it who sang:

"when the lights come on again,
all over the world ... "

Subject: RE: Suggestions wanted: comforting songs
From: GUEST,petecockermouth
Date: 16 Mar 20 - 06:28 PM

bella ciao
a mans a man for a'that
chumbawumba - we get knocked down but we get up again
freedom come all ye

Subject: RE: Suggestions wanted: comforting songs
From: PHJim
Date: 17 Mar 20 - 02:01 AM

Precious Friend - Pete Seeger

Subject: RE: Suggestions wanted: comforting songs
From: mg
Date: 17 Mar 20 - 02:33 AM

Holy Cross Choir - Ngaphesheya

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lgorLeXzSwQ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lgorLeXzSwQ

Subject: RE: Suggestions wanted: comforting songs
From: GUEST,Lin
Date: 17 Mar 20 - 05:56 AM

"Song of the Wandering Aengus" by Donovan. A very soothing song with beautiful imagerey.

Sorry for any typos above. I'm super tired and it is almost 3:00 AM
but couldn't sleep.
Do you know the song?

Subject: RE: Suggestions wanted: comforting songs
From: GUEST,Jerry
Date: 17 Mar 20 - 01:36 PM

Tom Lehrer’s “We’ll All Go Together, When We Go”?
Sorry....I’ll get my coat.

Subject: RE: Suggestions wanted: comforting songs
From: CupOfTea
Date: 17 Mar 20 - 09:23 PM

I remember Caroline Paton describing Gordon Bok's "comfort songs" (definitely a plural) as if were a whole class, as contrasted to tunes or shanties. TURNING TOWARD THE MORNING is likely top of that list, but consider also HEARTH AND FIRE, TURNING OF THE YEAR, ISLE AU HAUT LULLABY. His voice alone is the sound of comfort, and choice of songs from other sources, filled with that same spirit: JULIAN OF NORWICH, TAK A DRAM, GOOD WISH, HEY HO LITTLE FISHES.

It makes me think of other singers who just gravitate to these sorts of songs, (though none of them shy away from silliness or a murderous ballad) like Caroline. Margaret Nelson, Cathy Barton, Sally Rogers, Hills/Herdman/Mangsen, Dave Carter, Curtis & Loretta, Garnet Rogers, Mustard's Retreat...mining the repertoires of those who you know sing songs of comfort is a great source.

Cheers (and howdy Karen!)
Joanne in Cleveland

Subject: RE: Suggestions wanted: comforting songs
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 17 Mar 20 - 10:14 PM

We'll meet again
Swimming to the other side
Over the rainbow/wonderful world (israel kamakawiwo'ole version)
Amazing Grace.

And two I always find comforting, but it might not suit your listeners -
"When we go rolling home"
"They don't write 'em like that any more".(as sung by Vin Garbutt.)

Subject: RE: Suggestions wanted: comforting songs
From: GUEST,Gerry
Date: 18 Mar 20 - 04:03 AM

Peggy Seeger, Love Call Me Home.

Subject: RE: Suggestions wanted: comforting songs
From: GUEST,henryp
Date: 18 Mar 20 - 10:26 AM

Waterloo Sunset - Ray Davies

But I don't feel afraid
As long as I gaze on
Waterloo sunset
I am in paradise

Subject: RE: Suggestions wanted: comforting songs
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 18 Mar 20 - 10:56 PM

If you listen to this story about whales and their clicks I'll think you'll find his analogy to human behavior very comforting.

Subject: RE: Suggestions wanted: comforting songs
From: Phil Cooper
Date: 19 Mar 20 - 08:02 AM

I was just thinking of Bob Franke's song Halleluiah the great Storm is Over when I was taking the trash out a few minutes ago. Not speaking metaphorically about the song.

Subject: RE: Suggestions wanted: comforting songs
From: Karen Impola
Date: 20 Mar 20 - 01:58 AM

Phil, that's one I remember playing a few weeks after 9/11 (when I finally got my show back after rolling news coverage). That, and Jane Voss's "Farther Down the Road", which begins with the line "The storm is over". But, you know, the storm isn't over at this point. It's looming.

Subject: RE: Suggestions wanted: comforting songs
From: mg
Date: 20 Mar 20 - 02:55 AM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b5mqR-ehY9s

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b5mqR-ehY9s

Subject: RE: Suggestions wanted: comforting songs
From: mg
Date: 20 Mar 20 - 03:39 AM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OjmWQ3YxDH0&list=PL2xdf_G6o83XU38mdGFW9j52DAagvqD2J&index=12

steal away

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OjmWQ3YxDH0&list=PL2xdf_G6o83XU38mdGFW9j52DAagvqD2J&index=12

Subject: RE: Suggestions wanted: comforting songs
From: EBarnacle
Date: 20 Mar 20 - 07:51 PM

SRS, we seem to be on the same wavelength. My own divagations led me to the youtube sites where there are several postings of whale songs:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nDqP7kcr-sc

When Songs of the Humpback Whale was first released, I would lie on the carpet with my head at the focal zone of the speakers and just float away.

Subject: RE: Suggestions wanted: comforting songs
From: GUEST
Date: 21 Mar 20 - 05:31 AM

This is very good though we'd need to forget the handshakes at the moment:-

Merry Hell: We Need Each Other Now.

Subject: RE: Suggestions wanted: comforting songs
From: GUEST
Date: 21 Mar 20 - 05:32 AM

Sorry that was me, Acorn4 - seem to have dropped my cookie somewhere!

Subject: RE: Suggestions wanted: comforting songs
From: GUEST,henryp
Date: 22 Mar 20 - 05:14 AM

Sportdiver.com; Judy Collins: How a Pop Song Saved Whales By Marina Guerges August 28, 2015

In 1970, singer-songwriter Judy Collins recorded her hit album Whales and Nightingales. Included in the album is a song called “Farewell to Tarwathie,” in which Collins debuted a haunting duet, singing alongside the sounds of whales. Accompanying the lyrics (“I bid you farewell / I’m bound off for Greenland / and ready to sail in hopes to find riches / in hunting the whale”), Collins incorporated recordings of whale songs. The impetus for the song came after biologist Roger Payne handed Collins a reel-to-reel tape of whale songs in the summer of 1969. “It was very emotional,” Collins told Michael May of Public Radio International. “Angst for being a human being on a planet where they also live, guilt for doing what we do to them.”

Payne had obtained the recordings from sound engineer and military researcher Frank Watlington. “These sounds are, without exception, the most provocative, most beautiful sounds by any animal on Earth. After a long while of listening, I suddenly realized: ‘My God, this thing is repeating itself,’” says Payne. He distributed the recordings to musicians, composers and singers. His purpose, as Payne told PRI’s May, “was to build them into human culture.” After releasing the album, Collins donated a portion of the royalties to Payne’s conservation work. Payne later hit gold when Capitol Records picked up his recordings and released Songs of the Humpback Whale. Payne’s album inspired a Greenpeace movement called Save the Whales. In 1972, the Marine Mammal Protection Act was established to protect all marine mammals in U.S. waters, including whales. In the 1980s, the International Whaling Commission banned deep-sea whaling; today, only a handful of countries hunt whales.

Subject: RE: Suggestions wanted: comforting songs
From: GUEST,kenny
Date: 22 Mar 20 - 06:25 AM

Recently posted on "Youtube", and I'm very sorry that I missed the band "Coig" when they were here in the North of Scotland recently.
I don't "have the Gaelic", but this certainly fits th ebill as far as I'm concerned. The singer is Rachel Davis.

Subject: RE: Suggestions wanted: comforting songs
From: GUEST,kenny
Date: 22 Mar 20 - 06:26 AM

Pressed "submit" too soon : here's the link :

https://youtu.be/JPJTjYDI-5Q

Subject: RE: Suggestions wanted: comforting songs
From: GUEST,henryp
Date: 24 Mar 20 - 10:10 AM

My heart's tonight in Ireland...in the sweet County Clare.

Andy Irvine/Planxty

Subject: RE: Suggestions wanted: comforting songs
From: mg
Date: 25 Mar 20 - 12:20 AM

amazing grace https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=abIYADJQ0pY


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=abIYADJQ0pY