This tune is as sweet and light as they come. Show your audiences you are a clever speller, as well as being wise in the ways of love.
Love & Weddings
After the Lovin’
They don’t come any sweeter than this love song. Sing this lovely tune on an afterglow or for a change of pace during a show.
All Alone! (Von Tilzer)
This cute come-hither uptune is fine for both women and men. Hey, it is time for some billing and cooing in the parlor.
All I Have to Do Is Dream
You can’t go wrong with a hit by the Everly Brothers. This version is a little bit fancier than the published Harmony Explosion arrangement. Now available for SATB mixed voices.
All Night Long
The wonderful Chilton Price wrote this spicy song. Though no more than R rated, the song makes its meaning clear. Ms. Price’s biggest hit was “You Belong to Me.” She composed the latter song alone, though a couple of the band members who introduced the piece wangled their way into a share of the compensation. This practice has not been at all rare. Hey, do you think Elvis really wrote “Love Me Tender”?
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.
Annie’s Song
The lovely John Denver song, this piece is good for weddings—and any other occasion when you want to express your feelings for your beloved.
Anniversary Song
Yes, this song starts with the famous line “Oh, how we danced on the night we were wed.” It is just the right tune for this occasion. Continue reading Anniversary Song
Aura Lee/Love Me Tender
These two love songs, debuted almost 100 years apart, are identical musically. Elvis has not left the building yet. The men’s version is available from the BHS; the women’s, from Sheet Music Plus under “Love Me Tender.”
Be My Life’s Companion
Do you want to stay young, at least in your heart? Then this is the song for you.
Because You Loved Me
Here is a lovely pop song by Celine Dion, in the mold of “The Wind Beneath My Wings.” Sing it at weddings or any time love is in the air.
Believe It or Not
No, this isn’t Ripley’s. Peformed by Joey Scarbury, this is the theme song from the early-’80s TV show The Greatest American Hero. Make yourself and your audiences happy with this most uplifting tune!
Best Things Happen While You’re Dancing, The
What are these wonderful, romantic things that happen on the dance floor? Your can probably guess, and your audiences will love hearing about them.
Bill
Ladies, do you love your man for, well, no certain reason, but you love him just the same? This song tells your story.
Book of Love
This lively tune was a one-hit wonder back in 1958 for the Monotones. Hailing from Newark, N.J., the doo-wop group reached #5 with this pop classic. This was their only chart hit, but maybe if they had picked a more musically-skilled name. . . .
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.
Button Up Your Overcoat
As cute as they come, this tune is available in regular and senior-citizens’ versions. Chris Arnold has recorded learning tracks for both versions. Do give this happy tune a try.
Bye Bye Love
Here is one of the Everly Brothers’ finest tunes. The men’s, women’s and mixed versions of this lively tale of lost love are all published by the BHS, so you would order the arrangement from them.
Call Me Irresponsible
Sung by the likes of Frank Sinatra, Dinah Washington and Michael Bublé, this tune gives a cheery declaration of love.
Can’t Buy Me Love
This classic from the Fab Four is not only lively and wise, it is contestable too (though SAI groups should check with a Music judge). 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.
Can’t Help Falling in Love
The King sang this pop classic, so your audiences are sure to love being transported into the past by it.
Candle on the Water
From the Disney film Pete’s Dragon, this beautiful song explores the depths of true love. What a lovely image the title paints, eh?
Come Rain or Come Shine
Ella Fitzgerald made this tune famous. It is just right for pledging undying devotion at weddings and other happy occasions.
Crying
This Roy Orbison song is a popular classic, of course. Very few barbershop groups have a lead(s) who can handle the rangy melody, so the lead, tenor and bass take turns with it. (Sorry about that, baris.)
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.
Doris
Written by barbershopper Ken Carter for his late wife, this song is short, sweet, sad and most heartfelt.
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.
Etkö uskalla mua rakastaa
What? You mean you don’t have a song in Finnish in your repertoire? My friend, you have a serious shortage of double letters in your life. Actually, this is a lovely song in any language, and an English translation is in the works. So take a chance and givve itt aa tryy.
First Time Ever I Saw Your Face, The
This lovely Roberta Flack song has passed the test of time. Give your audiences some warm fuzzies with this deeply moving tune.
For Once in My Life
Stevie Wonder in barbershop? Absolutely! Indeed, this pop classic is even contestable.
Forever and a Day
Barry Manilow co-composed and performs this ballad, a powerful declaration of love. This tune would fit most weddings very well but works fine for almost all occasions.
Get Me to the Girl Medley
An ultra-cool combination of Get Me to the Church on Time and The Girl That I Marry, this medley is both hip and loving. No longer exclusive to Alchemy.
Glory of Love, The
This song is beyond happy. “Ecstatic” might be a better word, as the both the highs and lows of glorious love are celebrated.
Good Old-Fashioned Lover Boy
Composed back in 1976 by Freddie Mercury, this tune is happy and seductive at the same time. You will be Queen for a Day if receive loving treatment this good.
Happy
Diana Ross sang this tender song of the happiness love brings. This is definitely not the Pharrell Williams tune.
Hawaiian Wedding Song
Great for weddings, of course, this tenor solo also adds a special touch to any show.
Hello, Mary Lou
The lively Ricky Nelson song works just fine for contest or show. Audiences purely love this one.
Hello, Young Lovers
A classic song for older singers, this ballad from The King and I is as timeless as it is beautiful. Give it a whirl and see what you think.
Here’s to My Lady
A classy easy-beat, very romantic, this song would be just right for honoring the bride on her wedding day.
I Believe in You
A beautiful, haunting piece, “I Believe in You” encourages a friend who is down and out to believe in herself or himself. The lyrics are mostly in English, partly in French. The format is solo with four-part background, with the final chord splitting into seven parts. Do check this wonderful song out for your chorus!
I Can’t Give You Anything but Love/Cuddle Up a Little Closer
A fresh, new take on both of these tunes, this medley is both energetic and loving. Not a bad combination, eh, so do give this piece a try.
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 Don’t Want to Set the World on Fire
When well-known barbershopper Darryl Flinn first heard my current quartet, Lock 4, he remarked on what a fine voice our lead, Keith, had and declared him to be the lost Ink Spot. So naturally I went back and arranged Keith’s favorite Ink Spot song. The piece lives more vividly with guitar accompaniment, and there is even a traditional, uh, spot for a bass recitation.
By the way, our quartet’s name has a double meaning. The Ohio & Erie Canal came through Akron back in the day, and of course we barbershoppers love to lock and ring those chords!
I Have a Love
This gorgeous tune is from the classic musical West Side Story. The format is solo plus chorus, five parts for women. Romantic love was never explained any better.
I Love My Baby (My Baby Loves Me)
Be young and in love again with this swingy, zippy tune. Try something new for contest. SAI carries the women’s version of this happy, lively song.
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.
I Only Want to Be with You
Popularized by Dusty Springfield in the ’60s, this happy love song was arranged for all of the LABBS ladies.
I Say a Little Prayer
When I first got involved with the Cleveland Heights High School Barbershoppers, I asked the young women what song they would most like to have arranged. Thinking of the Julia Roberts film “My Best Friend’s Wedding,” they choose this one. This sweet tune is now available to other youth groups, and there is also a version for the grown-ups which is pitched down a little.
I Think You’re Wonderful
A very happy uptune for kids of all ages, this song just gushes friendship and love.
I Told Them All About You
The old Whippoorwill song has now been arranged with the correct melody and updated. Yo, it really rocks!
I Will
What a delightful love song this is! An easy-beat piece with an almost Latin feel, it was a hit for the Beatles back in 1968. Lennon and McCartney sure knew how to write ’em!
I Wish You Love
Songs don’t get much prettier than this tempo ballad. The arrangement is patterned after Natalie Cole’s rendition, so it is bittersweet—more sweet than bitter—and heartfelt rather than being just energetic, as some barbershop renditions are. Do yourself a favor and check out this lush gem!
I’d Rather Be the Girl in Your Arms (Than the Girl in Your Dreams)
A cute, clever uptune for women, this song urges a reluctant man to take action—now!
I’ll Never Say “Never Again” Again
A lively swing number, this contestable tune was a hit for SAI medalist ReMix for the women and BHS medalist SRO for the men. We can’t really be sure about love, can we? Please specify whether you would like to preview the original ReMix version or Mo Field’s revision with intro by Jay Giallombardo—or both!
I’ll String Along with You
Do you want an easy, happy way to profess your love? You won’t come to the end of your rope if you sing this easy-beat tune, which is no longer exclusive. So tie it up for your group!
I’m Nobody’s Baby
This tempo ballad just drips loneliness. Songs like this can sometimes effect a real healing when a listener who is in the same boat realizes that he or she is not alone.
If
This tender pop hit, made famous by Bread, is a most moving love song. It makes a great song for weddings, Singing Valentines and much more.
If I Loved You
Songs don’t get much more beautiful and poignant than this one. From the musical Carousel, this piece tells a tale that is, well . . . not so theoretical after all.
If You Believe
A most uplifting pop love ballad, this tune is full of goodness and inspiration.
In My Life
The lovely Beatles tune is great for any combination of voices. Express your deep love sweetly and gently with this rock classic.
In the Shade of the Old Apple Tree
Different verses set up happy and sad versions. This classic deserves another visit from you.
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.
Island of Dreams
The ’60s group The Seekers (I’ll Never Find Another You, Georgy Girl) sang this captivating song. It is arranged for eight-part mixed voices.
It’s Magic
Metropolis hams this tune up, but it can be sung straight just fine. Profess your love with this soaring song.
It’s So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday
In 1991 this song was a big hit for Boyz II Men. Formed in 1988 in Philadelphia, this R&B vocal group recorded a whopping eight Top-10 tunes in just a little over four years. Do yourself, and your audiences, a favor and check out this beautiful, poignant song of lost love.
It’s the Girl
Is it the moonlight that makes love happen? This jumpin’ tune tells you where it’s at. Metropolis had big fun with this one, as will you and your audiences.
Jones Boy, The
The whole town’s talkin’ about the Jones boy. Why? Because he’s in love, of course! Have great fun with this Mills Brothers’ song.
Killing Me Softly with His (Her) Song
This powerful Grammy Award winner, sung by Roberta Flack, is now available in two versions. One is as usual, while the other, as sung by MAXX Factor, is delightfully twisted.
Last Night on the Back Porch
Always a fun uptune, this song makes for lively, old-fashioned fun.
Let It Be Me
The Everly Brothers sang this heartfelt love ballad with great Success. It was a Top 10 hit for the duo back in 1960. Now available for SATB mixed voices (as well as for men and women).
Let Me Be Your Wings
This wonderful, romantic song was written by Barry Manilow and featured in the movie Thumbellina. And isn’t the title just lovely?
Little Pal
This classic barbershop ballad speaks of a wayward father saying goodbye to his son. Hope springs eternal. . . .
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.
Love Changes Everything
If you are not familiar with this Andrew Lloyd Webber song, you owe it to yourself to find it, whether this arrangement or in some other form. It is purely gorgeous.
Love’s Old Sweet Song
This classic ballad creates a vivid mood of love. Yes, it is “just a song at twilight.”
Mandy Lee
This classic barbershop ballad tells of a sweet, gentle love. And ain’t it grand. . . .
Margie
Everyone likes this popular standard. Love and marriage, anyone?
Mary in the Morning
Pretty and rhythmic, this pop ballad lets you express your feelings for your beloved most sweetly. If sweet is your thing, have a listen to this tune.
Mary, You’re a Little Bit Old Fashioned
A classic barbershop ballad if ever there was one, this tune is gentle and loving.
May You Always
A modernish tempo ballad, this tune is suitable for contest. It conveys a sweet sentiment with powerful, creative lyrics and images. Have a look and a listen. . . .
Meet Me Tonight in Dreamland
Everyone knows and loves this classic ballad from the turn of the last century. Will your dreams come true?
Merry Christmas, Darling
The Carpenters’ moving hit is available in various versions: women’s, men’s, mixed and as a solo plus four parts for a chorus specialty number. They don’t get any sweeter than this.
Mexicali Rose
This C&W classic harmonizes just fine for barbershop and has multi-cultural appeal. A Spanish translation of the chorus is included. Sing both choruses to please a wide audience, even in contest.
More
The theme from the movie Mondo Cane, this easy-listening classic is great for shows, glows and weddings. And it’s not really a dog’s world after all, is it?
Moving Picture Hero of My Heart, The
This cute novelty number is for women only. The old-fashioned references make for great fun.
Music Man Ballad Medley
Check out this fine mix of Sincere, It’s You and Lida Rose. These love songs from the timeless musical comedy are sure to to transport your audiences back 100 years to River City, Iowa.
My Foolish Heart
Here is a wonderful ballad about falling in love despite having been burned many times in the past. Power Play sang this hopeful, powerful tune. Just about everyone in your audiences will be able to identify with these powerful feelings!
My Guy
When this song went all the way to #1 back in 1964, it was no miracle. Written and produced by Smokey Robinson—get it?—this happy tune of loyal love made in big on both the pop and R&B charts for Motown star Mary Wells. This tune will make your audiences smile, and you as well!
My Love Is like a Red, Red Rose
By gosh, no one wrote ’em quite like the Scottish poet Robert Burns. If you like singing the old songs, and if you like singing love songs, this piece from 1794 qualifies nicely as both.
My Prayer
This arrangement of the beautiful #1 hit for the Platters (1956) debuted at a barbershopper’s wedding. You can spread the love by picking up on this hopeful tune.
My Romance
Though usually performed as a ballad, this lovely tune works just fine in a swinging tempo. This one is guaranteed to bring out the feeling of cool cat or kitten in you.
My Romance/It’s You
A truly gorgeous contest ballad medley, this piece is a clear winner. The interweaving of these two songs is really something special.
My Sally
Sally in our alley is not just any girl. No, it is your beloved mother, says this vintage song.
My Wild Irish Rose
No one doesn’t like this classic ballad. This particular arrangement is just that little bit different.
Nancy Lee
This is a simple, old-fashioned song about a sweetheart. And sweet it is. . . .
Nightingale Sang In Berkeley Square
This contestable version of a beautiful ballad is most sincere but also rather sophisticated. Do give this strong song a try.
No No Never
Performed in English by Texas Lightning, this song was the German entry in the Eurovision Song Contest 2006. Has a fine rock/pop/country feel to it.
Oh! My Love Is like a Red, Red Rose
This arrangement uses an ancient melody and Robert Burns’s classic lyrics. Burns composed this poem way, way back, in 1794. Love is timeless, eh?
Orange Colored Sky
This tune is fun, lively and makes a great opener or closer. Short and to the point, It is available in both contest and show versions.
Peg o’ My Heart
No one doesn’t enjoy this easy-beat tune. It makes a fine change of pace for your performances.
Perfect Story
Idina Menzel, who played the Wicked green witch Elphaba on Broadway, sings this haunting tune. You are sure to tug on your audiences’ heartstrings when you sing about a mother reassuring her child that even though she and her husband must part, the child is wonderful and is truly loved.
Pokarekare Ana
This gem of a Maori love song was originally arranged for The Ritz, who won quartet gold in 1991. They sang it with great success on a trip to New Zealand. The Musical Island Boys, our champ in 2014, picked up on it too, as have many other groups in that country. The lyrics are about half in English, but no worries, for Polynesian words are easy to sound out.
Precious Friends
Folk legend Pete Seeger penned this uplifting song. Use this piece to honor a friend(s) or simply to inpire your audiences. Arranged for chorus and soloist.
Roses Bring Dreams of You
A solid but not simplistic ballad, this song was wonderfully rendered by Power Play. The lovely tag has been featured in The HARMONIZER.
Secret Love
Arranged for the LABBS organization, this lush tune works for men too. Isn’t it great when you can let a happy secret out. . . .
She Believes in Me
This uplifting pop/country hit pays homage to the beloved lady who gives you so much support. Sing it to bring out your inner Kenny Rogers!
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.
Something
There are not many prettier or more heartfelt songs than this Beatles’ love ballad. While most of the group’s tunes were written by the duo of Lennon and McCartney, this song was penned by lead guitarist George Harrison. This arrangement is probably good for contest but could possibly incur a small penalty. Hey, it would be worth it to perform such a lovely song!
Song Is Ended, The
The great Irving Berlin composed this haunting tune back in 1927. Berlin paints a brilliant, poignant image for the end of a love affair. The men’s version of this arrangement is published by the BHS.
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.
Taking a Chance on Love
No one doesn’t love this happy, swingy tune. Your contest and show audiences are sure to enjoy hearing you sing it. So take a chance and sing through it. What have you got to lose?
That Lovely Weekend
Though this ballad was most popular in the UK, barbershoppers the world over will enjoy its sweet, romantic sentiment.
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.
Their Hearts Were Full of Spring
A beautiful song of lifelong love, this piece will warm your audiences’ hearts. So sing to the young person we can all carry with us for life.
Theme from Ice Castles
Also called Through the Eyes of Love, this song is especially lovely. Give this delightful piece a try. Your audiences will be glad you did.
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.
There’s a Little Spark of Love Still Burning
An old-fashioned love ballad, this tune is about a wish for a “little spark” to become a great flame once again.
Till We Meet Again
This WWI ballad never goes out of style. So it’s time for you to “Smile the while. . . .”
To Know Him (Her) Is to Love Him (Her)
Emmylou Harris revived this rock’n’roll hit in the album Trio, along with standout performers Linda Ronstadt and Dolly Parton. The original was a #1 hit back in 1958 for the Teddy Bears, one of whose members, Phil Spector, was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of fame as a writer and producer in 1989.
To Where You Are
Performed by our 2003 international champion quartet, Power Play, this powerful love sung was debuted by Josh Groban in 2001, when he was barely out of his teens. Now pushing 40, Groban is still going strong, so dropping out of college to turn pro was not such a bad idea, eh?
Too Marvelous for Words
This clever love song is just too marvelous not to sing. Hey, that is what international medalist State Line Grocery thought. How about you? Are you marvy enough?
Too Young
An ageless song of young love, this tune tells of the greater wisdom of the younger folks. But singers of any age can have a hit with this piece, for sure.
Treat Me Nice
The King himself sang this cautionary love story. The Musical Island Boys might just be willing to share it with you.
Try a Little Tenderness
This popular classic speaks to all the men in your audience—and the women sure do hope the menfolk will listen.
Ukulele Lady
Here is some gentle, sweet, lighthearted fun for you and your audiences. Mm, can’t you just feel the warm breeze and taste the drink with the little umbrella in it.. . . . The highly entertaining quartet Boardwalk can.
Unchained Melody
Similar to Acoustix’s take on the old rock ‘n’ roll version, this chart is plenty weird. Your tenor gets the chance to shine here, but—heck, sing it anyhow. . . .
Wedding Bells Are Ringing for Sally
This is a sad ballad of lost love. Your beloved is getting married but to someone else. You can really jerk some tears with this tune.
Wedding of Mr. and Mrs. Swing
A Cab Calloway tune that really swings, this witty song has something for everyone. It is no longer exclusive to Sweden’s Dalton Bros., so do give it a shot.
Wedding of the Painted Doll
This classic can be sung in either German or English. The song is way cute.
Wedding Song
This song is just right for weddings, naturally. Pizza, Pooh and Magpie—well, that is what the Beatles called Peter, Paul and Mary—sang this piece with great success.
What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve?
This popular hit has a lot going for it. Sweet, gentle, flattering, wry—it is just plain fun to sing, and to listen to as well. Treat your seasonal audiences to this delightful tune!
What Is This Thing Called Love
Your audiences will surely be able to relate to this classic, hip lament about love. Can you solve the mystery?
When I Get You Alone Tonight
A fun song about billing and cooing, this lively tune paints vivid picture of innocent romance.
When I Grow Too Old to Dream
A beautiful Sigmund Romberg tempo ballad, this song tells of a bittersweet parting that is more sweet than bitter. Do check out this lovely tune.
When You and I Were Young, Maggie
This pensive, timeless ballad has certainly stood the test of time. The reprise of the theme melody in the tag is a nice added touch.
When Your Old Wedding Ring Was New/Dear Old Sue
Here is a square medley of love that has a wonderfully old-fashioned ring to it. The bass’s recitation on the second chorus of “When Your Old Wedding Ring Was New” is heartfelt and unique. Ain’t lifelong love grand?
Where Is Love?
There are not many lovelier, more touching Broadway ballads than this. A bonus is that this song is contestable. I often listen to Tim Waurick’s full mix of this arrangement just for enjoyment.
Where the Blue of the Night Meets the Gold of the Day
This tempo ballad paints a picture as lovely as its title. Is someone waiting for you? I sure hope so.
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.
Whispering
Here is an easy-beat, contestable love song that is most gentle and enjoyable. This tune is now available in both men’s and women’s voicing.
Who’s Gonna Love You When I’m Gone?
Did you ever have the feeling that you just should not leave home? Hey, when the cat’s away, the kitten just may play.
Whole New World
A #1 hit for Peabo Bryson and Regina Belle in 1993, this lovely tune soars into the stratosphere to tell us of the joys of new love. And believe it or not, this song works just fine in BHS contests. So take a magic carpet ride on this theme song from the animated film Aladdin.
Wind Beneath My Wings, The
Here is the inspirational Bette Midler hit about the man behind the woman, or vice versa. Do give this powerful piece a try. The arrangement is now available for SATB mixed voices, where it also fits very nicely.
With Two Wings
Marvelously energetic 8-parter about men and women working together, as sung by Friends.
You and Me (We Wanted It All)
Written by Peter Allen and Carole Bayer Sager, this bittersweet tune tells of a love so hot that it had to burn out. The young lover in all of us will be able to relate to this tale.
You Walk with Me
This beautiful tempo ballad comes from the Broadway musical version of The Full Monty. At first hearing, I assumed it was a religious piece. While “You Walk with Me” certainly can be sung that way, in the musical it is sung by two people who love each other. Do yourself a favor and look this song up, whether through a preview from me or simply online.
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.