Songs of hope and optimism

Subject: Songs of hope and optimism
From: Ed Pellow
Date: 14 Aug 00 - 05:51 PM

I've just heard the old Jon and Vangelis song 'I'll find my way home' on the radio, and it made me feel good, hopeful and optimistic.

So, just wondering, what songs make you optimistic about life, make you feel that everything will be OK, make you walk a bit taller when you're really down - you get the idea I hope.

Ed

Subject: RE: BS: Songs of hope and optimism
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 14 Aug 00 - 05:57 PM

Labi Siffre - something inside so strong. Played a lot when I was escaping from a violent partner, made me realise that he wasn't going to stop hitting me, but that I was capable of saying stop. When a particular friend was a bit slow in helping me when I asked him to, (thus making me a target for longer, meaning I got a fractured skull), the song made me realise that I could do it, that I would find somewhere to live with about 30mins notice and that he would get his just rewards....

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Songs of hope and optimism
From: Mbo
Date: 14 Aug 00 - 06:02 PM

"Till I See You Again" by Donovan.

Subject: RE: BS: Songs of hope and optimism
From: Marymac90
Date: 14 Aug 00 - 06:16 PM

Liz, I'm so sorry to hear that you were abused and injured, but I'm glad to hear that you found the strength to start a new life for yourself. I love Something Inside So Strong, too. I have it recorded by the Flirtations.

Others of this type are Stan Rogers' The Mary Ellen Carter; Hallelujah, The Great Storm is Over, and Thanksgiving Eve, both by Bob Franke; There's Another Train, recorded by the Poozies; The Rose; and Gordon Bok's Turning Toward the Morning. I could listen to this type of stuff for hours if I could get it to play in that order.

Marymac

Subject: RE: BS: Songs of hope and optimism
From: GUEST,dan evergreen
Date: 14 Aug 00 - 06:22 PM

Subject: RE: BS: Songs of hope and optimism
From: Thomas the Rhymer
Date: 14 Aug 00 - 06:27 PM

Rising of the moon. The words, though true to the day, are not the euphoric influence for me, though I love them... It is the way the tune, the chords and the enthusiasm combine that FILL me with hope and optimism. Thanks to the heavens above for the Clancy Brothers & Tommy Makem!

Subject: RE: BS: Songs of hope and optimism
From: Melani
Date: 14 Aug 00 - 06:38 PM

I have to go with "Mary Ellen Carter." There is a video about Stan Rogers called "One Warm Line", where a shipwrecked sailor credits it with saving his life. He sang it to himself over and over through the night while waiting to be rescued.

Subject: RE: BS: Songs of hope and optimism
From: Diva
Date: 14 Aug 00 - 06:55 PM

Well most of the songs I sing are miserable,but I like them. But there are a couple I particularly enjoy....Neil Gow's Apprentice and Rollin' Home,especially when sung by my mate Tom Lawrie.

Subject: RE: BS: Songs of hope and optimism
From: Thomas the Rhymer
Date: 14 Aug 00 - 07:11 PM

Miserable?

Subject: RE: BS: Songs of hope and optimism
From: Diva
Date: 14 Aug 00 - 07:15 PM

wrist slashers........Cruel Mither,Twa Brithers,Binourie......you get the idea

Subject: RE: BS: Songs of hope and optimism
From: GUEST,leeneia
Date: 14 Aug 00 - 07:17 PM

The group Metamora recorded a song telling the true story of Megan Murphy, a Colorado woman who risked her life to stop a runaway coach and horses at a historic tourist site in 1976. She was badly hurt but survived.

Everytime I sing it I get a lump in my throat and I salute the best impulses in humanity.

Subject: RE: BS: Songs of hope and optimism
From: Thomas the Rhymer
Date: 14 Aug 00 - 07:22 PM

Wrist slashers, fist bashers, cheer me up its true

And lots o times the fateful rhymes, sprinkle wisdom's dew!

Subject: RE: BS: Songs of hope and optimism
From: Susanne (skw)
Date: 15 Aug 00 - 05:05 PM

What's the Life of a Man. May not seem very optimistic to many people, but the sentiment chimes in with my beliefs, and I once gave it to a woman with terminal cancer who felt very comforted by it.
I could think of loads of others, some that have been mentioned, others too many to be listed. I find most songs uplifting in some way. Great thread! - Susanne

Subject: RE: BS: Songs of hope and optimism
From: IvanB
Date: 15 Aug 00 - 05:54 PM

"Fashioned in the Clay" done by Bok, Muir and Trickett

Subject: RE: BS: Songs of hope and optimism
From: Dulci46
Date: 15 Aug 00 - 06:17 PM

I See That Rainbow Shine & Ain't it a Wonderful Day

Subject: RE: Songs of hope and optimism
From: Ian Darby
Date: 18 Apr 02 - 09:10 PM

'The Book of Rules' by the Heptones.

'You must be Prepared to Dream,' by Ian Mc Nabb, from the album 'Head Like A Rock'. (features the Crazy Horse Band.)

Subject: RE: Songs of hope and optimism
From: Night Owl
Date: 18 Apr 02 - 09:45 PM

most ANY song written by Bill Staines...esp. "Quiet Faith of Man".

"You can trust the moon to move the mighty oceans
You can trust the sun to shine upon the land
You take the little that you know
And you do the best you can
And you see the rest with the quiet faith of man."

Subject: RE: Songs of hope and optimism
From: Big John
Date: 18 Apr 02 - 10:05 PM

The Good Times Are Coming, Mama Cass. "I'm not about to come unhinged when everything goes wrong, A fact is something to be faced but not for very long".

Subject: RE: Songs of hope and optimism
From: GUEST,Helen, on hubby's computer
Date: 19 Apr 02 - 07:02 AM

Whispering Hope
I Can See Clearly Now, by Jimmy Cliff

They are my two favourites.

Helen

Subject: RE: Songs of hope and optimism
From: Rich_and_Dee
Date: 19 Apr 02 - 10:28 AM

I'll add my vote for "Mary Ellen Carter".

Also "Land of the Leal" strikes me as amazingly brave and hopeful, given the extreme advertisity of the situation. This simple song, about a dying man's encouraging words to his wife, remind me of the best impulses in humanity.

Rich

Subject: RE: Songs of hope and optimism
From: SINSULL
Date: 19 Apr 02 - 10:58 AM

"Farther Along"

Subject: Lyr Add: DON'T LET THE GOOD LIFE PASS YOU BY
From: Cruiser
Date: 10 Jan 04 - 06:52 PM

'DON'T LET THE GOOD LIFE PASS YOU BY' - Mama Cass Elliot MCA Records

This song is one that always cheers me up on a Blue day. Heck, even the CDs title 'Mama's Big Ones' brings a smile.

I had almost forgotten this song till I heard Clay Hart sing it recently on a rerun of the Lawrence Welk Show.

My favorite line (other than the one 'bout holdin' a woman) is:

"Did you ever see the funny side of losin'?"

DON'T LET THE GOOD LIFE PASS YOU BY
(Sharon Leigh Rucker)

Did you ever lie and listen to the rainfall?
Did you ever own a homemade apple pie?
Did you ever watch a child while he was prayin'?
Just don't let the good life pass you by.

Did you ever hold a hand to stop its tremblin'?
Did you ever watch the sun desert the sky?
Did you ever hold a woman while she's sleepin'?
Friend don't let the good life pass you by

Man was made for lovin', not for buyin'
Gold can't give the things we really need.
Just look my friend, there's happiness in livin'
Somewhere between broke and being free.

Did you ever see the funny side of losin'?
Did you ever sit right down and have a cry?
Did you ever take the time to help a neighbor?
Just don't let the good life pass you by.

Well, man was made for lovin', not for buyin'
Gold can't give the things we really need.
Just look, my friend, there's happiness in livin'
Somewhere between broke and being free.

Did you ever see the funny side of losin'?
Did you ever sit right down and have a cry?
Did you ever take the time to help a neighbor?
Just don't let the good life pass you by.
Friend don't let the good life pass you by.

The following is from Joel Whitburn's 1998 book: "Bubbling Under Singles & Charts"

Bubbling Under the Hot 100: Peaked @ #110 in 1970.
Adult Comtemporary: #34.

Ferlin Husky also recorded this song, but it did not chart.

I also like 'The Good Times Are Coming' mentioned above by Big Jim. It is also on the 'Mama's Big Ones' CD.

Peaked @ #104 in 1970        Adult Contemporary: #19

---

Note from Joe Offer: Harry Fox Agency's songfile.com says the songwriter is Sharon Leigh Rucker.

Subject: RE: Songs of hope and optimism
From: akenaton
Date: 10 Jan 04 - 08:18 PM

I heard a song performed by Garnet Rogers. Its called "Good world after all".
I really loved the words ,but havn't been able to get a copy ,or even what CD its from,maybe someone can help ...Ake

Subject: RE: Songs of hope and optimism
From: Jerry Rasmussen
Date: 10 Jan 04 - 08:44 PM

"When we're walking together in glory
Hand in hand, through eternity
It's the love that will be remembered
Not wealth, not poverty"

When we're long Gone, recorded by the O'Kanes.

Turning Toward The Morning would be my #1, though...

Jerry

Subject: Lyr Add: AFTER ALL (Henry Lawson, Garnet Rogers)
From: akenaton
Date: 11 Jan 04 - 07:26 PM

AFTER ALL
(Henry Lawson, Garnet Rogers)

Brooding ghosts of this dark night have gone from bush and town.
My spirit revives in the morning breeze, tho' it died when the sun went down.
The river is high and the stream is strong. The grass is green and tall,
And I fain would think this world of ours is a good world, after all.

The light of passion in dreamy eyes, the page of truth well read,
The glorious thrill in a heart gone cold of a spirit once thought dead,
The song that goes to a comrade's heart, the tear of pride let fall.
My heart grows brave and the world to me is a good world after all.

Let our enemies go by their old dull paths. Let theirs be fault or shame.
The man who's bitter against the world has only himself to blame.
Let the darkest side of the past stay dark, and only good recall,
For I must believe the world to be a good world after all.

It might well be, I saw too plain, or maybe I was blind,
But I'll keep my face to the dawning light, tho' the devil stands behind.
Tho' the devil stands behind my back, till I see his shadow fall,
I'll read in the light of the morning stars, "Good world after all."

Rest, for your eyes are weary, love. He drove the worst away.
The ghost of the man I might have been is gone from my heart today.
We'll live for life and the best it brings, till our twilight shadows fall.
My heart grows brave and the world to me is a good world after all.

Subject: RE: Songs of hope and optimism
From: freightdawg
Date: 11 Jan 04 - 08:20 PM

Gotta be "A Wonderful World" - Louis Armstrong

humbly,

Freightdawg

Subject: RE: Songs of hope and optimism
From: Mudlark
Date: 11 Jan 04 - 09:25 PM

I'll cast a vote too for Quiet Faith of Man. I sing it often and it never pales.

For just bouncy cheerfulness Keep on the Sunny Side and Hello Stranger are 2 of my favs, as are some 20'/30's stuff...Sunny Side of the Street, Darktown STrutters Ball and just about any Tom Leher song.

Subject: RE: Songs of hope and optimism
From: pdq
Date: 11 Jan 04 - 10:01 PM

BILL CLIFTON 'River Of Memories"
    ELF-103-CD with Jimmy Gaudreau (mandolin and harmony singing)

This entire CD make you feel better. It is not really a Christian record, but a "Christian attitude" permeates every song. Very highly recomended.

Also, Clifton's live duet record with Red Rector shows how much two folk musicians can do by themselves. His Autoharp Centenial Celebration is great, including amazing jams with Mike Auldridge, but it is not currently on CD.

Subject: RE: Songs of hope and optimism
From: Gorgeous Gary
Date: 12 Jan 04 - 09:50 PM

Also from Garnet Rogers, "Seeds of Hope"

-- Gary

Subject: RE: Songs of hope and optimism
From: Walking Eagle
Date: 12 Jan 04 - 11:11 PM

I'll Fly Away>

Give Yourself to Love>
All My Life's a Circle>
Amazing Grace>

To name a few.

Subject: RE: Songs of hope and optimism
From: ced2
Date: 13 Jan 04 - 11:33 AM

Peat Bog Soldiers.. written in 1933 by some of the first victims in Hitler's concentration camps.. I think it may have been Belsen. Only 3 verses and the last one is as follows:-
But for us there's no complaining,
Winter will in time be past,
One day we shall cry rejoicing,
Homeland dear you're mine at last.
Then will the peat bog soldiers,
March no more with their spades,
To the moor.

Subject: RE: Songs of hope and optimism
From: YorkshireYankee
Date: 13 Jan 04 - 04:00 PM

Bells of Norwich (All shall be well again...)

YY

Subject: RE: Songs of hope and optimism
From: andymac
Date: 14 Jan 04 - 01:53 AM

I love "Peat Bog Soldiers" as it defines the essence of courage and optimism in an unbearably evil situation but the song that does it for me time and time again is Pete seeger sing "Darkest before the Dawn".

Andymac

Subject: RE: Songs of hope and optimism
From: YorkshireYankee
Date: 16 Jan 04 - 12:21 AM

Thanksgiving Eve

YY

Subject: Lyr Add: THIS IS MY SONG
From: LadyJean
Date: 16 Jan 04 - 12:59 AM

THIS IS MY SONG
Tune John Sibelius's "Finlandia Words by Lloyd Stone
Courtesy of "A Chorus of Two As It Were So To Speak"

This is my song oh God of all the nations.
A son of peace for lands afar and mine.
This is my land the country where my heart is
Here are my hopes, my dreams my holy shrine.
But other hearts in other lands are beating,
With hopes and dreams as true and high as mine.

My country's skies are bluer than the ocean.
And sunlight beams on clover leaf and pine.
But other lands have sunlight too and clover,
And skies are everywhere as blue as mine
Oh hear my song, thou God of all the nations,
A song of peace for all lands and for mine.



The two ladies who call themselves A Chorus of Two also sing a song called Sae Will We Yet, which can lift your spirits, especially if you're lifting spirits when you sing it.

Subject: RE: Songs of hope and optimism
From: johnfitz.com
Date: 16 Jan 04 - 01:29 AM

I just got in from a late gig. It's about twenty below and windy as hell...I also just finished bringing out two weeks of trash in barrels that kept falling over...and then trying to put trash stickers on--'cept the glue would freeze before you get it on the trash bags...now I just realized that it's recycling day as well...

I opt for "The Cremation of Sam Mcghee"...I recited it tonight to the tune of Streets of London...for the first time in twenty years it worked. No wonder Bill Staines tours as much as he can.

Subject: RE: Songs of hope and optimism
From: GUEST,Strollin' Johnny
Date: 16 Jan 04 - 09:38 AM

Obviously 'The Mary Ellen Carter' by the The Great One And Only Stan The Man.
'The Sound of Singing' - Eric Bogle.
'Singing The Spirit Home' - Bogle again!

Subject: RE: Songs of hope and optimism
From: Bobjack
Date: 16 Jan 04 - 09:43 AM

'Sing if you're glad to be gay' by Tom Robinson.

Subject: RE: Songs of hope and optimism
From: Rt Revd Sir jOhn from Hull
Date: 28 Jan 04 - 03:11 AM

Somewhere Along The Road-Maddy Prior [its in the DT]

Subject: RE: Songs of hope and optimism
From: GUEST,Big Jim from Jackson
Date: 28 Jan 04 - 10:48 AM

Dulci46, is that "Oh, What A Wonderful Day" writen by Sam Stone from Indiana? I didn't know anyone else was doing that song! Great song.

Liam Clancy and Tommy Makem do a comic song called "200 Year-Old Alcoholic" that has a great chorus.

Subject: Lyr Add: QUIET HILLS (Claudia Schmidt)
From: darkriver
Date: 09 Jan 06 - 04:09 AM

Claudia Schmidt's "QUIET HILLS"
as sung by Laurie Lewis (a capella).

Quiet Hills (Claudia Schmidt/Pragmavision Music 1994)

There is a darkness in these hills- I am not afraid (2x)
there is a darkness in these hills
though some may tremble, I am still
But I say hope lives in these quiet hills

There is a darkness in the land- I seek the taste of hope(2X)
There is a darkness in the land
With more sorrow than we can stand
But I say, hope lives in these quiet hills

There is a darkness in my heart- the taste of hope is sweet (2X)
There is a darkness in my heart,
But I can feel the healing start
And I say, hope lives in these quiet hills
And I say, hope lives in these quiet hills

Subject: RE: Songs of hope and optimism
From: JulieF
Date: 09 Jan 06 - 05:27 AM

If I'm at a sing around / session and all is not right with the world I have a tendancy to sing - A man's a man for a' that.

If I'm at a sing arround/session and all is not right with me, I have such a vast number of miserable songs in my repetoire that I ignore them and go for the comic - such as the jelly piece song or the hippo song. I did do them both in one evening once when I really didn't want to sing anything sad.

Wasn't it Lisa on the Simpsons that said - the blues are not to make you feel better they are to make other people feel worse.

J

Subject: RE: Songs of hope and optimism
From: GUEST,Sidewinder.
Date: 09 Jan 06 - 07:36 AM

All You Need Is Love.
Hey Jude.

Regards.

Sidewinder.

Subject: RE: Songs of hope and optimism
From: GUEST,saulgoldie
Date: 09 Jan 06 - 08:16 AM

"The Garden Song" David Mallett
"When The Rain Comes Down" Bob Devlin
Of COURSE, "M.E.C."

I find many anti-war songs full of hope. Hope for a time when truly all weapons are beaten into plows, and the arts and intellectual pursuits can flourish without fear.

"Christmas in the Trenches" John McCutcheon
"Crane Over Hiroshima" and "Peace Is..." both by Fred Small
"Let the Band Play Dixie" by Bob Gibson,
among others.


Great thread. Thanks for refreshing.

Subject: Lyr Add: AFTER ALL (Henry Lawson)
From: GUEST,Gerry (channeling Allan Sherman)
Date: 05 Nov 08 - 07:26 AM

The words of After All as given by Akenaton on 11 Jan 04 differ in dozens of (mostly small) ways from what's in the Lawson collection, Poetical Works. Perhaps Garnet Rogers changed a few things. Here's how it is in the book:

The brooding ghosts of Australian night have gone from the bush and town;
My spirit revives in the morning breeze, tho' it died when the sun went down;
The river is high and the stream is strong, and the grass is green and tall,
And I fain would think this world of ours is a good world after all.

The light of passion in dreamy eyes, and a page of truth well read,
The glorious thrill, in a heart gone cold, of the spirit I thought was dead,
A song that goes to a comrade's heart, and a tear of pride let fall---
And my soul is strong! and the world to me is a grand world after all!

Let our enemies go by their old dull tracks, and theirs be fault or shame
(The man is bitter against the world who has only himself to blame);
Let the darkest side of the past be dark, and only good recall;
For I must believe that the world, my dear, is a kind world after all.

It well may be that I saw too plain, or it may be I was blind:
But I'll keep my face to the dawning light, tho' the devil may stand behind!
Tho' the devil may stand behind my back, shall I see his shadow fall?
I'll read in the light of the morning stars---a good world after all.

Rest, for your eyes are weary, girl---you have driven the worst away---
The ghost of the man that I might have been is gone from my heart today;
We'll live for life and the best it brings till our twilight shadows fall;
My heart grows brave, and the world, my girl, is a good world after all.

Subject: RE: Songs of hope and optimism
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 05 Nov 08 - 08:09 AM

The Great Storm is Over
by Bob Franke

Subject: RE: Songs of hope and optimism
From: topical tom
Date: 05 Nov 08 - 10:52 AM

http://shockeys.com/friends/non-clearly.htm

   "Bright, Sunshiny Day".

Subject: Lyr Add: ONE DAY THE WARS WILL BE OVER
From: nutty
Date: 05 Nov 08 - 11:13 AM

I posted this in the Obama thread but it probably belongs here.

It has been sub-titled The Optimist's Song



ONE DAY THE WARS WILL BE OVER


First verse and Chorus
One day the wars will be over
One day our troubles will cease
One day we'll find the whole of mankind
Has learned to live in peace

One day the dark clouds will vanish
One day the sun will shine bright
One day we'll live, we'll love and forgive
One day we'll all walk in the light

One day there'll be no more fighting
One day there'll be no more pain
One day there'll be such unity
The world will be one again

One day in every country
The rich and the poor will unite
Despite colour or creed, they'll all see the need
To put an end to the fight

Subject: RE: Songs of hope and optimism
From: Joe_F
Date: 05 Nov 08 - 09:52 PM

How Can I Keep from Singing?
My Love Comes Rolling Down
Johnny Macree
A Mighty Fortress Is Our God
An die Freude
The Farthest Field
The Garden Song
Gaudeamus
I Know Where I'm Going
It Could Be a Wonderful World
Precious Friend

Subject: Lyr Add: I HEARD THE BELLS ON CHRISTMAS DAY
From: GUEST,Arkie
Date: 05 Nov 08 - 10:49 PM

This is a Christmas song, but I nominate I HEARD THE BELLS ON CHRISTMAS DAY.

The words were written by Henry Wordsworth Longfellow on Christmas Day in 1864. At the time, the country was engaged in the Civil War and Longfellow was still mourning the tragic loss of his beloved wife two years earlier when the hot wax from a candle fell unnoticed on her dress. The dress was ignited and engulfed her in flames. Longfellow tried to extinguish the fire and finally, in desperation, he wrapped his arms around her to smother the flames. He was severely burned on his face, arms and hands and was unable to shave after the accident. In addition, he was agonizing over a recent crippling war injury to one of his sons. The title of the original poem was Christmas Bells, but when a melody was added (actually there were two melodies and possibly more attached to the poem)a new title was used. The two verses about the war were eliminated in the version that was put to music.

I heard the bells on Christmas day
Their old familiar carols play,
And wild and sweet the words repeat
Of peace on earth, good will to men.

And thought how, as the day had come,
The belfries of all Christendom
Had rolled along the unbroken song
Of peace on earth, good will to men.

Till ringing, singing on its way
The world revolved from night to day,
A voice, a chime, a chant sublime
Of peace on earth, good will to men.

Then from each black, accursed mouth
The cannon thundered in the South,
And with the sound the carols drowned
Of peace on earth, good will to men.

It was as if an earthquake rent
The hearth-stones of a continent,
And made forlorn, the households born
Of peace on earth, good will to men.

And in despair, I bowed my head
"There is no peace on earth," I said,
"For hate is strong and mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good will to men."

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
"God is not dead, nor doth He sleep;
The wrong shall fail, the right prevail
With peace on earth, good will to men."

Subject: Lyr Add: FASHIONED IN THE CLAY (Elmer Beal)
From: Joe Offer
Date: 26 Jun 09 - 02:34 PM

My Walkman woke me up to this song this morning. I found that a couple of verses have been posted at Mudcat, but not the entire song. It's the title song for the Bok-Muir-Trickett album titled Fashioned in the Clay. Anbody know anything about what Elmer Beal has done since he wrote this song in 1983?

FASHIONED IN THE CLAY
(Elmer Beal, Jr., 1983)

When it seems that everyone is worried for themselves,
Buying plans for fallout shelters, stocking up the shelves,
Living in the fast lane, and staying high at night,
Thinking that by accident we'll blow out all the lights;

Look, now, at the potter whose wheel is spinning 'round,
Shaping with her hands the past and future from the ground:
Cups that will be filled and drunk, so warm in wintertime,
Plates and bowls for dinner served with candlelight and wine:

She believes, she believes,
By her work, it's so easy to see
That the future is more than the following day,
It's fashioned securely in the clay.

Look now at the farmer working in his field,
Hoping that the sun and rain will guarantee his yield.
Like the seed the wind has blown to unfamiliar ground,
He waits to see what fate will bring as each year rolls around.
He believes...

Elsewhere, there are lovers in a warm embrace,
Happy with their plans to carry on the human race.
Now the baby cries and wonders if it's all alone;
Softly, voices reassure: there'll always be a home.
They believe...

So, if you had been worried that tomorrow wouldn't come,
Look to see the ones whose lives are following the sun.
And the hope that springs so clearly from the work they do
Will spread a little further when it finds a place in you.

We believe, we believe,
By our work, it's so easy to see
That the future is more than the following day,
It's fashioned securely, in the clay.

Here are the notes, from Gordon Bok:

Elmer Beal is from Blue Hill, Maine. He's a farmer, woodcutter, educator and musician, and a maker of fine songs. He's also a member of Maine's favorite acoustic group, "Different Shoes."
Elmer says he wrote this for his wife, Carole, a potter, inspired by the optimism in her work, at the time it takes between starting the job and seeing the results. (GB)

Subject: RE: Songs of hope and optimism
From: Stringsinger
Date: 26 Jun 09 - 03:01 PM

I am uplifted by the songs of Tommy Sands. "The Music of Healing" and "There Were Roses"
point hope and optimism for me.

Lorre Wyatt's "Somos El Barco" always seems to work for us. It's simple, a nice tune
and singable chorus.

"Last Night I Had The Strangest Dream" started out as an ironic comment by Ed McCurdy and wound up anthemic not unlike "We Shall Overcome".

Pete Seeger's repertoire always includes these kinds of songs. Some he has written himself.

"Well May The World Go", "Quite Early Mornings", "My Dirty Little Stream", and more.

Frank Hamilton

Subject: RE: Songs of hope and optimism
From: Stringsinger
Date: 26 Jun 09 - 03:02 PM

P.S. for (P.S.) don't forget "If I Had a Golden Thread".