I lead a caroling group that hits 10 nursing homes every Fourth of July and Christmas. I suppose many or most won't get past Grishka's restrictions, but most of the songs we sing have the universality he's seeking. Some that will qualify even with Grishka are "I've Been Working on the Railroad," "You Are My Sunshine," and "Jingle Bells." Would "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" pass your muster, Grishka? What about "Yankee Doodle"? "Daisy, Daisy"? "Don't Fence Me In"? "Red River Valley"?

People also seem to respond to "America the Beautiful," "Battle Hymn of the Republic" (and parodies), "Silent Night," "O Come All Ye Faithful" (and many know the Latin). On July 4, they respond to "God Bless America," "You're a Grand Old Flag," "I'm a Yankee Doodle Dandy," and "This Land Is Your Land."

I don't know how it is in other countries, but older people in the U.S. know and sing patriotic and religious songs for pleasure. They often know the songs well, and can have a really good time singing them. I tried popular songs of the 30s and 40s, and the people didn't respond as well as I hoped they would.

-Joe-