Did you ever wish your quartet consisted of Superman, Batman, Spider-Man and, well… Mighty Mouse? Your wish can be granted with this clever batch of parodies. This piece goes very well in a set with the parody version of When I Lost You. Continue reading Aging Superheroes Medley
Seniors
Anti-Marriage Medley
This medley has a, shall we say, certain point of view. A combination of 1912 songs “I Was Married Up in the Air” and “When You’re Married,” this piece takes a dim view of the institution of marriage and could serve as a light-hearted warning for men who are considering taking the plunge.
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
Be My Life’s Companion
Do you want to stay young, at least in your heart? Then this is the song for you.
Beer Medley
There is lots of fun to be had with this foamy piece. The tunes included are, in order: “Fritz (Fritz, Bring Us Some Schlitz),” “Beer Barrel Polka,” “In Heaven There Is No Beer,” “Under the Anheuser Bush” and “The Night That She Cried in My Beer.” Wet enough for 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
Butterfly Kisses
Pop/country hit about a father and daughter that is sure to go over big at weddings.
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.
College Years
A short, heartfelt intro for a college-days show, this song could be put into a medley with another college piece(s).
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
Cycles
Frank Sinatra sang this moving song of life’s ups and downs. Your audience members will definitely be able to relate to the message of this tender piece.
Do You Remember These?
This Statler Brothers’ tune revives all sorts of ’50s nostalgia. The arrangement could even be redone for contest.
Dogs, The
Way raunchy but cute, but this song tells of what happened when the dogs all had a party. And what happened afterward was. . . .
Dollar Down, A (and a Dollar a Week)
How much debt can you get into if you make your purchases for a dollar down and a dollar a week? Well, if you buy enough items that way—and get the same terms when you run afoul of the law—the answer is: plenty! Both the Limelighters and Woodie Guthrie had hits with this clever little ditty back when. Give it try, it’ll only cost you a buck. . . .
Doo Wacka Doo
Ah, how much fun is it to sing a recently written tune about the songs and excitement of the Roaring ’20s? Big fun, that’s how much! This song will be exclusive to The Velvet Frogs until the fall of 2017, but you can start thinking right now about singing this delightful number.
Doris
Written by barbershopper Ken Carter for his late wife, this song is short, sweet, sad and most heartfelt.
God Bless Our Senior Citizens
Here is a great to honor residents of nursing homes. They will love you for it.
Going Home
A timeless song that has been redone to be contestable, this piece is purely wonderful. Do check out this gentle, deep journey.
Golf Medley
These parodies will ring true to anyone with even a passing familiarity with this obsession, er, sport. Goes great with I’ve Been Workin’ on My Golf Game. A bonus is that all of the songs are in public domain, thus making copyright dealings a breeze.
Gospel Home Medley
These two songs about your home in the sky go together so well that they even intertwine at one point. Have a good time letting out some energy with this one.
Grandma’s Feather Bed
This lively, happy, nostalgic John Denver song is great fun for either sex to sing. Now available in contest and show versions. James Estes has recorded learning tracks for the contest chart.
Gravity Blues
This hilarious number bemoans the effects of aging on a woman’s body. Seattle feminist Lisa Koch composed this clever song, and Lisa did yours truly the honor of incorporating a phrase from this arrangement into her own performances.
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.
House I Live In, The
What Is America to me? This song lists many everyday things in heart-warming, inspiring fashion. Give this tune a listen.
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 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 Like Beer (bass melody)
Tom T. Hall’s ode to the ethereal amber beverage is great fun. This whimsical tune is available as either a lead or bass solo.
I Like Beer (lead melody)
Tom T. Hall’s ode to the ethereal amber beverage is great fun. This whimsical tune is available as either a lead or bass solo.
I Pledge My Allegiance
This country-flavored patriotic number is no longer exclusive to Accent. It speaks of pledging your allegiance to that “grand old flag.”
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 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 a Middle-Aged Man
Your audiences will howl at this novelty tune, composed by Joe Hunter and Tom and sung by Reveille. This may not be the best time of life for every man. Does he need to take Viagra? Depends…
I’m a Middle-Aged Woman
This ribald tune, written by Seattle’s own Lisa Koch, is available in both PG and R-rated versions. You pretty much have to see/hear this one to believe it.
I’m Returning Everything…
George Burns sings this funny song about the end of a marriage, a piece with quite a surprise twist at the end.
I’ve Been Workin’ on My Golf Game
Bet you can guess what song this parodies. Also bet you can guess how much success the poor duffer experiences after all his or her hard work. This tune goes great in a contest set with the “Golf Medley.”
If I Had My Life to Live Over
Two different verses put fresh, and very different, spins on Lou Perry’s lovely chorus. Both the sadder slant and the renewal-of-vows version make a familiar piece into something new.
If You’ve Only Got a Moustache
The great Stephen Foster wrote many beautiful, poignant songs, as well as some lighthearted ones. Guess which kind this is. This song, as well as its composer, was featured at the 2015 Pittsburgh International convention.
In My Album of Memories
This heartfelt ballad was written by barbershop patriarch Hal Purdy. Hal started the famous Purdy Corral, an institution at International conventions for years.
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 Evening by the Moonlight
This is a surprisingly strong contestable version of the old ballad. Do give it a look and listen.
Knock Knock Song
Spike Jones and His City Slickers did a bang-up job on this number way back when. There is plenty of room for fun, including making just about every sound effect you can think of.
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)
Let Them Be Little
A country tune with lots of heart, this plea to allow children to act their age is a real gem. It is no longer exclusive to the fine senior quartet Melodies & Memories.
Let There Be Peace On Earth
A show closer with a great message, this song offers the best wish possible. The men’s version of this arrangement is published by the BHS, and it works great for women and mixed groups as well. Continue reading Let There Be Peace On Earth
Let’s Do It Again
This uptune about the good old days helped the Grand Tradition win a medal back in the day. It can be sung in a driving way or as an easy-beat. Though it sounds pretty old, this happy piece was actually written in the 1950s.
Little Boy, The
A most moving ballad, this was perhaps the signature song for the Interstate Rivals, the international champion quartet in 1987. The intense women’s version is The Little Girl.
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
Live Like an Angel
Written by barbershopper Stewart Girlock, this gospel song is of professional quality. Yes, there are angels among us.
Lost in the Stars
This is a contestable version of a most powerful song. Judges in the Performance category have assured me that this song does not really function a religious number, but rather as a lament about feeling quite alone. The arrangement is no longer exclusive to the Brothers in Harmony, who sang it most dramatically in International competition.
Love’s Old Sweet Song
This classic ballad creates a vivid mood of love. Yes, it is “just a song at twilight.”
Man on the Flying Trapeze, The
A golden-oldie novelty number, this light-hearted song carries a timeless message regarding what sort of man appeals to the ladies.
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. . . .
Mississippi Squirrel Revival
Must be heard to be believed. The strange and marvelous workings of the Holy Spirit—or, well, something—are detailed in this hilarious piece. Can I get an “Amen!”?
My Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys
Willie Nelson is probably the best-known singer to perform this poignant song. Shades of America’s pioneer past.
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)
My Little Girl
Tim McGraw sang and co-wrote this beautiful song. Guaranteed to melt any parent’s heart, this piece is no longer exclusive to the fine seniors quartet Melodies and Memories.
My Wife Is on a Diet
This witty song is popular with high school boys for some reason. Go figure. Of course, grownups like this Cincinnati Kids’ song even more.
Naughty Lady of Shady Lane
This allegedly sinful sweetie turns out to be a brand new baby girl. Guaranteed to have be an audience-pleaser. The chart is no longer exclusive to Susan Wells, the Southern Belle.
O, America
Celtic Woman popularized this moving tribute to the spirit of the USA. Even singers and audiences from other lands will be touched by this powerful piece.
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?
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
Old Friends Medley
Composed of Paul Simon’s Bookends and When You and I Were Young, Maggie, this medley is dedicated to my paternal grandfather.
Old Lamplighter, The
Take a trip down memory lane with this sweet old song. It was arranged for Vintage Mix, a delightful Wisconsin quartet composed of teenage quadruplets. Their grandfather used to sing it to them, and they purely fell in love with it. Give yourself the same chance. . . .
Old Shep
This wonderfully maudlin tale of a boy and his dog was written by Red Foley and Arthur Willis. The story was based on a German Shepherd, Hoover, a dog Foley owned as a child. Hoover died due to an unfortunate incident with a neighbor. Elvis Presley really made the lyric live, and so can your quartet or chorus.
Old Spinning Wheel, The
A most evocative, nostalgic ballad, this song paints a beautiful picture of days gone by. Not surprisingly, this song is really not about a spinning wheel, but love.
Ones Left Standing
This powerful song sounds as though it were written for 9/11. Though it appeared about a year earlier, the amazing sentiments make it a great song for any group’s repertoire.
Paging Mister Sousa
No longer exclusive to the Spirit of Phoenix, this rousing tune grabs our barbershop audiences right from the start.
Pal of My Dreams
A truly marvelous ballad, this song was debuted by Power Play. Hey, the lovely tag alone makes it worth singing. This is the only song I have arranged that sounds as though Lou Perry could have done it.
Pals of the Little Red School
A moving ballad about missing childhood friends, this song is wonderfully nostalgic.
Pennies from Heaven
Yes, it does work in contest. There are not many prettier ballads than this one around. Even more fun is that it can be sung as a swinging uptune too.
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
Rock-A-Bye Baby
Power Play sang this sweet lullaby to fine effect. There is more substance to it than you would think, so give this song a try.
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.
Send In the Clowns
This moving, haunting song is especially powerful as a bass solo. Enjoy Stephen Sondheim at his best!
Senior Moments
The first line of the chorus is “Senior moments, brain farts.” What more do you need to know about this humorous afterglow song? It will have your audiences rolling in . . . their wheel chairs.
She Had to Go and Lose It at the Astor
Well, now, what did our Minnie lose at that famous hotel? This humorous tune with a surprising punch line will tell you. Your audiences will enjoy this harmless fun—promise!
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
Silver Threads Among the Gold
A classic ballad of aging, this chorus (only) is most lovely.
Sinatra Medley
A sure show-stopper, this tribute to Old Blue Eyes contains Put Your Dreams Away, Love and Marriage, My Kind Of Town (Chicago Is), Nancy (With the Laughing Face), My Way and Theme from “New York, New York.”
Slumber My Darling
One of the great Stephen Foster’s less well-known tunes, this piece is nonetheless wonderful. This lullaby might even be a little bit better for fathers to sing than mothers.
Smell the Flowers
This country hit tells us to enjoy life right now. Hey, when else is there?
So Many Voices Sing America’s Song
It is just about impossible to go wrong with this beautiful tribute to the USA. Do give it a listen.
Soldier Medley
The songs included in this medley are Irving Berlin’s “Oh! How I Hate to Get Up in the Morning” and “This Is the Army, Mister Jones” and the George M. Cohan tune “Over There.” This lively compilation should stir up the martial energy just fine!
Song’s Gotta Come from the Heart
Ya gotta have heart, and this lively Power Play tune lets your audience know that you do. There is energy galore in this tune.
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
Sweet She (He) Ain’t
Ever wonder what would happen if your group reversed its standing position? A barbershop classic might well come out backward, to highly funny effect. This tune is a sure audience-grabber. It fits both men and women just fine.
Sweet Violets
A fun nonsense song that takes you in circles, this vintage tune surprises your audience every few seconds. Could this be the next big barbershop hit? Well, maybe not, but it is large fun to sing and listen to!
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, World
A great Statler Brothers’ tune honoring music, this song is heavy on old-fashioned values and references.
Thanks for the Memory
Bob Hope’s theme song is just the thing to close your show with. Some of the lyrics have been changed to provide barbershop references. Nice, eh?
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.
There’ll Be No New Tunes on This Old Piano
Ragtime Joe may be just a little bit obstinate, but his taste in music is outstanding. Your audiences are sure to love this barbershop classic.
This Is All I Ask
Songs don’t come much prettier than this one. Do you want to take pleasure in all the beautiful things in life, large and small? I’ll bet you do, and so will your audiences. . . .
Those Old-Time Sing-Along Songs
I wrote and arranged the setting for this medley of sing-along standards: She’ll Be Comin’ ‘Round The Mountain, I’ve Been Workin’ on the Railroad and My Bonnie Lies over the Ocean. Your audiences will enjoy participating rather than simply listening.
Thousand Thoughts of You, A
Nat “King” Cole sang this haunting song of lost love. Sad songs just do not get any prettier than this. Available in contest and show versions
Tomorrow
A peppy Dixie uptune, this song is a solid choice for contest. Hey, you will be home . . . tomorrow.
Two Kinds of Seagulls
A folky tune that is really cute, this song speaks of He-gulls, She-gulls, Mom-bats, ad-bats . . . well, you get the idea. Silly fun for all audiences.
Uncle Watt’s Original Fantascinatin’ Roadside Stand
Funny and wordy, as sung by Joker’s Wild, this piece could be made contestable. You will not believe the rapid-fire list of roadside attractions included in this clever song.
What Ever Happened to the Old Songs
Here is a new twist on an all-time favorite of us barbershoppers. Various popular oldies are referenced within this piece, and your audiences will enjoy recalling all of them.
Whatever Happened to Randolph Scott
This Statler Brothers’ lament about modern times stresses solid, old-fashioned values. Things were just a whole lot clearer back then. . . .
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 I Lost You
Voted the best barbershop ballad of all time by Arrangement judges, this song will touch your listeners’ hearts.
When I Lost You (Aging Superheroes Parody)
Are your superpowers—and maybe even some of your normal ones—fading away? If so, you will be able to relate to this clever parody. Not surprisingly, it goes well with the Aging Superheroes Medley.
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 the River Meets the Sea
What a beautiful song this is. A metaphor for the afterlife, the piece can be a great comfort at funeral and at other times as well.
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
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 Did Robinson Crusoe Go with Friday on Saturday Night
This cute novelty tune tells of the wild things that can happen on a faraway island.
Yesterday
The lovely Beatles’ tune may be the most recorded of all time. The men’s version of this arrangement is published by the BHS. Now available for SATB mixed voices. Continue reading Yesterday
Yesterday, When I Was Young
This is a powerful song from the French, with a sophisticated sentiment of regret. It is especially good for mature groups.
Yesterday’s Roses
This ballad of lost love contains some lovely, sad images. You can picture the petals slowly falling—and so can your audiences.
You Ain’t Gettin’ Diddly Squat
Quite humorous Christmas tune about a kid who has been bad. This sure winner can be sung all year ’round. Continue reading You Ain’t Gettin’ Diddly Squat
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
Your Tattoo
Love does not always last forever, but some things do. This humorous song is just fine for contest, so do give it a whirl.