A most powerful piece, this popular hit by Toto is sure to thrill your audiences. Probably more suitable to chorus than quartet. Be sure to check out Perpetuum Jazzile’s version on YouTube and consider adding their stormy sound effects to your performance. Continue reading Africa
Learning Tracks Women’s
All the Way
This wonderfully intense ballad is great for contest. Flipside first sang it in most heartfelt fashion. Now top women’s groups such as MAXX Factor and Gem City have taken this song to a new level. Continue reading All the Way
Animal Crackers
Do you share this secret vice? Are you just wild about this classic treat? Surely many of your audience members will be able to relate. Continue reading Animal Crackers
Another Op’nin’, Another Show
A great show opener, this Broadway standard will get any performance off to an energetic start. Continue reading Another Op’nin’, Another Show
Anything You Can Do
An eight-part song from Annie Get Your Gun that is a sure hit for a combined number with a chorus or quartet of the opposite sex. Can you guess who wins in the end? Also available in eight-part male and female versions. Continue reading Anything You Can Do
Are You Lonesome Tonight
This song from The King works well for both princes and princesses. Give your audiences the royal treatment by singing them this heartfelt ballad. This piece is a real winner that expresses both sadness and hope. Continue reading Are You Lonesome Tonight
Art Is Calling for Me
Hilarious Victor Herbert song for women only, requires a soprano who can sing high in operatic fashion. Continue reading Art Is Calling for Me
As Long As I’m Singin’
Bobby Darin made this cheery song popular. This tune is just right for opening your shows with lots of happy energy. Continue reading As Long As I’m Singin’
Bare Necessities
From the animated musical “The Jungle Book,” this delightful tune will charm audiences and judges alike. Storm Front sang it until they decided to be unremittingly hilarious. Continue reading Bare Necessities
Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony
Mix of classical music and fun lyrics, a real kick; lyrics have a soap-opera theme, which could be changed. Continue reading Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony
Blackbird Parody
There are all sorts of goofy key changes and lyrics in this light-hearted spoof. Can be sung in contest. Hi-Fidelity was runner-up for the Contemporary A Cappella Society of America’s novelty song of the year award with this delightful number. Continue reading Blackbird Parody
Blew by You
This parody is quite clever. What blew by you? The singer’s toupee! The piece has been a barbershop hit since Power Play sang it and Crossroads subsequently picked up on it. Continue reading Blew by You
Blue Bayou
No joke, this is the straight version of the Roy Orbison song, covered so beautifully by Linda Ronstadt, among others. Your group can set a sultry Louisiana mood with this pop hit. Continue reading Blue Bayou
Blue Suede Shoes
Step on the gas with this vintage Carl Perkins/Elvis Presley tune.
Breaking Up Is Hard to Do
The lively pop hit by Neil Sedaka can now be sung in contest. Big fun awaits you! Anne Bureau has recorded women’s tracks for both the contest and show versions. Continue reading Breaking Up Is Hard to Do
Bye Bye Love
Here is one of the Everly Brothers’ finest tunes. The men’s version of this lively tale of lost love is published by the BHS. Continue reading Bye Bye Love
Can’t Buy Me Love
This classic from the Fab Four is not only lively and wise, it is contestable too (though perhaps not for SAI). But whether for contest or show, this song is a sure winner. “Everybody tells me so!” Tim Waurick’s tracks for women are purely great, and he now has them for men too. Continue reading Can’t Buy Me Love
Christmas in About Three Minutes
One of the most cheerful messes you will ever encounter, this potpourri crams a ton of tunes into 180 seconds. Think you can count them all in real time? Not likely. . . .
Curtain Falls, The
Hey, if this heartfelt closer about show biz is good enough for Bobby Darin, it should be a hit for your group too. Continue reading Curtain Falls, The
Devoted to You
It doesn’t get any better than the Everly Brothers singing about true love. Would make a fine addition to wedding vows. Continue reading Devoted to You
Dream a Little Dream of Me
For contest or show, this song is beloved by audiences and performers alike. The men’s version of this arrangement is published by the BHS. Continue reading Dream a Little Dream of Me
Fa-La-La
These lyrics from “Deck the Hall” are transplanted onto various other pieces, resulting in much good cheer. Continue reading Fa-La-La
Five Minutes More
Love needs just a little more sometimes. You are sure to enjoy this gentle tune. It is no longer exclusive to Fermata Nowhere, so get it while it’s warm and sweet! Continue reading Five Minutes More
Football Medley
“Mr. Touchdown USA” and “Football Hero” comprise this All-American medley. Show your spirit by adding this high-energy piece to your repertoire. Continue reading Football Medley
For Good
From the musical “Wicked,” this song features a heartfelt, intense dialogue between witches Elphaba and Glinda. If your group has two good soloists with medium to high voices, this is the ticket for you. Also available in one-soloist version. Tracks for the former have been recorded for women by Shawn Thomas. Continue reading For Good
Gee, I Wish I Was Back in the Army
The great Irving Berlin composed this offbeat piece. Why in the world would a carefree civilian want to go back to the regimentation of the military? Irving tells you all about it in highly humorous fashion. Continue reading Gee, I Wish I Was Back in the Army
Get Me to the Church on Time
This tune from “My Fair Lady” is a sure hit with your audiences. International champ Power Play sang it delightfully, and it is now available to your group. Continue reading Get Me to the Church on Time
Good Enough for Now
Weird Al Yankovic penned and sang this highly, um, offbeat number. It probably sets a world’s record for backhanded compliments to one’s sweetie. Happily, this piece is contestable. Continue reading Good Enough for Now
Goodbye Medley
An enormously funny and interesting conglomeration, the arrangement is even contestable. This winner has been recorded by SAI queens the BUZZ. The medley bashes the opposite sex, well, just a little bit. Continue reading Goodbye Medley
Goodnight, Sweetheart, Goodnight
Have yourself some fun with a little doo-wop barbershop. Sing this with tongue in cheek, yours or your sweetie’s. . . . Continue reading Goodnight, Sweetheart, Goodnight
Hey, Good Lookin’
This country classic is as lively and cheery as they come. I promise you this will be extra fun for you to sing, and for your audiences to hear. Continue reading Hey, Good Lookin’
Hickey
Now available for men too, this hilarious song of what happened in the back seat of the teen’s car is pretty odd and offbeat. Continue reading Hickey
Hit the Road, Jack
Women with male solo. Continue reading Hit the Road, Jack
How D’Ya Like Your Eggs in the Morning
A purely delightful tune, Eggs tells of folks who don’t care, um, egg-zactly how their breakfast is cooked as long as a kiss and a hug are involved. Think Rock Hudson and Doris Day. Continue reading How D’Ya Like Your Eggs in the Morning
I Believe
This inspirational classic is a hit on any show. Power Play put their family touch on this heartfelt tune. Continue reading I Believe
I Don’t Know Enough About You/I Don’t Know Why
A contestable medley that is both slick and sweet, this piece was a hit for 2003 quartet champ Power Play. Hey, love is not always very easy to explain . . . Continue reading I Don’t Know Enough About You/I Don’t Know Why
I Had Someone Else Before I Had You/Who’s Sorry Now
You will have a lively chance to work out some of your love-related hostilities with this snappy medley. Continue reading I Had Someone Else Before I Had You/Who’s Sorry Now
I Only Have Eyes for You
This popular classic is now available in two versions. One has the shimmering feel of the rock ‘n’ roll hit, while the other is a contestable tempo ballad as sung by Metropolis. The latter can be sung either straight or, as the quartet did it, humorously. Continue reading I Only Have Eyes for You
I’d Give a Million Tomorrows
This is a truly wonderful new take on old love ballad. Feelings of regret can be powerful, indeed. Continue reading I’d Give a Million Tomorrows
I’ll Never Fall in Love Again
Dionne Warwick sang this classic by Burt Bacharach and Hal David. Though arranged for the Ladies Association of British Barbershop Singers, the song works fine for men too. Continue reading I’ll Never Fall in Love Again
I’ll Never Say “Never Again” Again
A lively swing number, this contestable tune was a hit for ReMix for the women and Metropolis for the men. We can’t really be sure about love, can we? Continue reading I’ll Never Say “Never Again” Again
I’m Beginning to Like It
This one is tough to explain. Think of a typical ’30s swing tune with modern lyrics like “hard-rock diet,” “in your face” and “MTV and AMC.” Way cool, and it is contestable too! Continue reading I’m Beginning to Like It
If I Can Dream
If you are not familiar with this song, do yourself a favor and find a clip of Elvis Presley singing it. This plaintive plea drives and drives and drives, as 2014 international champ Musical Island Boys showed us so well. In 2017 this song became a LABBS “polecat” number, sung by all of their ladies.
Learning tracks
- Dan from Big Apple Chorus (contact Tom)
If I Didn’t Have You
From the animated film Monsters Inc., this happy tune was sung as a duet by Billy Crystal and John Goodman. As a bonus, the arrangement is contestable. Continue reading If I Didn’t Have You
If We Ever Needed the Lord Before
This traditional gospel tune is available in both barbershop and modern versions. At this most interesting time in history “we sure do need Him now,” wouldn’t you agree? Continue reading If We Ever Needed the Lord Before
In My Life
The lovely Beatles tune is great for men and women alike. Express your deep love sweetly and gently with this hit song. Continue reading In My Life
In the Still of the Nite
The Boyz II Men redo of the classic doo-wop hit is popular with singers and listeners of all generations. The Society publishes the men’s version. Continue reading In the Still of the Nite
Isle of Inisfree, The
If your group has a soloist with lots of heart, this lovely tune will take your audiences back home to Ireland. It was the theme from the John Wayne movie The Quiet Man. Continue reading Isle of Inisfree, The
It’s Today
From the musical Mame, this happy, driving song urges you to celebrate the day. It makes a really energetic opener and is great for both men and women. Continue reading It’s Today
Just a Baby’s Prayer at Twilight
A little child prays for her Daddy, who is off to war. This song will bring a tear to your eye. Continue reading Just a Baby’s Prayer at Twilight
Kazoo Koncerto
Big fun is ahead when your group whips out its kazoos. The energy builds and builds to a great finish. This unique number is sure to delight your audiences. Continue reading Kazoo Koncerto
Lazy River (Up a)
Fine for either contest or show, this cheerful song helped Marquis win gold at the 1995 International, in Miami Beach. Though a bit rangy, this piece pretty much sings itself. Continue reading Lazy River (Up a)
Little Girl, The
The women’s version of The Little Boy, this powerful ballad helped both Growing Girls and Swinglish Mix become Sweet Adelines International Queens of Harmony. Continue reading Little Girl, The
Longest Time, The
Billy Joel’s hit is doo-wop barbershop at its most enjoyable. The BHS publishes the men’s version, and the song works great for the ladies as well. Continue reading Longest Time, The
Lullaby in Ragtime, A
This is a contestable editing of the barbershop classic. They don’t come any sweeter than this, so give the song a whirl. Continue reading Lullaby in Ragtime, A
Mary, Did You Know
Powerful, reverent song, this piece is a hit at Christmas or any other time of year. Available in male, female and mixed voices. Continue reading Mary, Did You Know
My Life Flows On (How Can I Keep from Singing)
This beautiful hymn speaks of joy in the face of suffering. The lyrics are just about as strong as those of It Is Well with My Soul, which is saying something. Continue reading My Life Flows On (How Can I Keep from Singing)
Old Cape Cod
This pop standard paints a lovely picture. Delight your audiences, and the judges too, with this sweet, swingy song. Continue reading Old Cape Cod
Orange Colored Sky
This one is way fun and makes a great opener or closer. It is available in both contest and show versions. Continue reading Orange Colored Sky
Place in the Choir
Celtic Thunder sings this happy, lively, energetic, creative, wonderful, fantastic song. You owe it to yourself to check it out for your quartet or chorus. You just do! Can be sung with or without a backup band. Continue reading Place in the Choir
Razzle Dazzle
From the hit musical and movie Chicago, this fast-paced song is quite lively and clever. So it’s time for you to “hypnotizzy” your audiences. . . . Continue reading Razzle Dazzle
Second Star to the Right
A beautiful ballad from the animated film Peter Pan, this song was debuted at the 2009 Anaheim International contest by The Alliance. Tim Waurick has recorded fine learning tracks for both men and women. While this piece stands alone just fine, it would make a lovely companion to a Peter Pan or pirate medley in contest. Continue reading Second Star to the Right
Side by Side
Some surprise harmonies flavor this arrangement of the classic barbershop song. Power Play won gold with this upbeat, lively tune. Continue reading Side by Side
Silhouettes (On the Shade)
Truly a rock’n’roll classic that will take your audiences back, this tune offers lighthearted fun. The BHS publishes the men’s version. Continue reading Silhouettes (On the Shade)
Sleigh Ride
Inspired by the Andy Williams version of the holiday song, this arrangement features five key changes. That makes for a most energetic piece, for sure. Continue reading Sleigh Ride
Smile
As sung by The New Tradition, Nightlife, Ringmasters and many other groups, this piece is really powerful. You could close your shows with it or sing it in just about any other position. This arrangement is my all-time favorite. It works well for BHS, HI, etc. contests, but I am not sure about SAI. Continue reading Smile
Solitaire
Who would have pictured this haunting song by the Carpenters being sung in contest? Well, one quartet did, and now your group can too. Continue reading Solitaire
Something Inside So Strong
Arranged to help the Dutch Association of Barbershop Singers (DABS) celebrate its 20th anniversary, this song is as strong as it gets. It has been used for protest and inspiration by a wide variety of oppressed groups, though anyone can relate to its powerful, uplifting message. Continue reading Something Inside So Strong
Sound Celebration
I wrote and arranged this energetic song honoring music and other sounds of life around us. The men’s version of this arrangement is published by the BHS. There is now an SATB version for YMIH/YWIH singers, as well one for women’s voices. Continue reading Sound Celebration
Spreadin’ Rhythm Around
This fast piece definitely cooks, with a scat section for each voice part. There is nothing more fun than singing about music. Continue reading Spreadin’ Rhythm Around
Sugartime
What could be sweeter than singing this McGuire Sisters’ piece of confection? Your quartet or chorus will find out you definitely have not bitten off more than you can chew. Continue reading Sugartime
Sunshine of Your Smile, The
First a barbershop hit for the 1956 champ Confederates, this ballad is a real powerhouse. This arrangement is available as sung by 2003 champ Power Plan and in a longer version better suited for choruses. Continue reading Sunshine of Your Smile, The
Swinging on a Star
Great fun for singers and audiences alike, this lively tune is available in both contest and show versions. It is easily one of my most popular charts. Power Play sang it with much success, and it works just fine for the ladies as well. Continue reading Swinging on a Star
Thank You for the Music
What could be more inspiring than singing about our music? This uplifting arrangement is no longer exclusive. Continue reading Thank You for the Music
That’ll Be the Day
The rock hit performed by Buddy Holly, Linda Ronstadt and many others, this tune is a lot of uppity fun. Continue reading That’ll Be the Day
That’s My Weakness Now/That Certain Party
Swing Street on the ladies’ side and SRO for the men sang this energetic love medley. Pick up on this proven winner for your group. Continue reading That’s My Weakness Now/That Certain Party
There, I’ve Said It Again
That’s right: I love you! And I just cannot hide it. Everyone will enjoy this catchy pop standard. Continue reading There, I’ve Said It Again
Way You Look Tonight, The
And now for something completely different. This jazzy version of a song usually heard as a barbershop ballad is patterned after Frank Sinatra’s interpretation. If you have some swing in your soul, give this one a look and a listen. Continue reading Way You Look Tonight, The
We’re Number One
A cute song for a group wid a criminal image, dis barbershopper-written tune is just plain moider! Continue reading We’re Number One
What Would I Do Without My Music
This powerfully uplifting show song is sung by numerous women’s choruses. Singing about our music is the best! Continue reading What Would I Do Without My Music
When I Just Wear My Smile
Ready to thumb your nose at fashion snobbery? With its ever-so-mildly risque lyrics, this Mama Cass tune is bound to be hit, whether on the contest stage or in a show. Continue reading When I Just Wear My Smile
When I Sing
Jazzy, fun, a natural for barbershoppers, this song is a sure winner. Do check it out. Continue reading When I Sing
When I’m Sixty-Four
This Beatles’ song is always a kick, for singers and audience members alike. The men’s version of this arrangement is published by the BHS. Of course, you can vary the lyrics to reference any age that ends in a four. Continue reading When I’m Sixty-Four
When There’s Love at Home
A beautiful, heartfelt song, this is a pure joy to sing and listen to. Power Play debuted it, and it has since become a barbershop staple. Continue reading When There’s Love at Home
Wherever There’s Me, There’s You
You may not be familiar with this song, but it is way cheerful and appealing. Your group wants to sing it; you just don’t know it yet. Anne Bureau has made some killer tracks to help you learn this tune fast. Continue reading Wherever There’s Me, There’s You
You Ain’t Gettin’ Diddly Squat
Quite humorous Christmas tune about a kid who has been bad. Continue reading You Ain’t Gettin’ Diddly Squat
You Can’t Get a Man with a Gun
The great Irving Berlin makes some of his best word plays in this delightful song. From the musical Annie Get Your Gun, this contestable tune is for women only. Continue reading You Can’t Get a Man with a Gun
You Meet the Nicest People
Light and sweet, this Christmas tune will add sparkle to your holiday shows. Wouldn’t you like to meet it? Continue reading You Meet the Nicest People
You’ve Got a Friend
What’s not to like about this Carole King classic? Great for honoring a special person or delighting all of your audiences. Continue reading You’ve Got a Friend
You’ve Got to See Mamma Every Night
This is a highly cute song that lays down the law about fidelity. For sure it is for women only, and the ladies know how to sing it! Continue reading You’ve Got to See Mamma Every Night
Young and Foolish
Great for contest, this ’50s ballad builds to a surprising level of power. The men’s version is published by the BHS, and the song is great for women as well. Continue reading Young and Foolish