A rock hit for Swedish group Ace of Base, this arrangement is not for the faint of heart. Sure, it is just that little bit bitter, but she earned it.
Solos
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.
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
Ave Maria
If you have a lead singer inclined toward sacred music, this solo is for you.
Beach Boys Medley
Celebrating the surfer dude and dudette in all of us; songs include “I Get Around,” “Fun, Fun, Fun,” “In My Room” and “California Girls.”
Beautiful Savior
Quite inspirational, this song in a unique mix of musical styles. It was arranged for the Stone Mountain (Ga.) Chorus and popularized by International champ Vocal Spectrum.
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.
Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy
The jumpin’ WWII tune made famous by the Andrews Sisters, this song is sure to please your audience members of all ages.
Butterfly Kisses
Pop/country hit about a father and daughter that is sure to go over big at weddings.
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 in the Wind
This is Elton John’s moving tribute to Princess Diana. The lyrics of this beautiful song still resonate today.
Candle on the Water
A beautiful song from the Disney film “Pete’s Dragon,” this explores the depths of true love.
Christmas Dinner
A folky song written by Paul Stookey (of Peter, Paul & Mary), this piece warms the heart during a cold time of year.
Christmas Shoes, The
A country song with lots of heart, this seasonal song will have your audiences reaching for their hankies. Feature your lead on this one.
Come Go with Me
This doo-wop classic earned the Dell-Vikings a gold single in the golden year of 1957. The BHS publishes the men’s version of this sure winner.
Copacabana (At the Copa)
You have never heard the Barry Manilow hit quite like this before. With solo, four harmony parts and two rhythm lines, the song requires a chorus or octet to make it swing.
Cycles
Frank Sinatra sang this moving song of life’s ups and downs.
Daydream
“What a day” for singing this Lovin’ Spoonful pop classic. This cheery arrangement is for chorus plus soloist.
Do You Remember These?
This Statler Brothers’ tune revives all sorts of ’50s nostalgia. The arrangement could even be redone for contest.
Eighteen Wheels on a Big Rig
Who would believe counting to 18 in Roman numerals could be so funny? This novelty song has to be heard to be believed.
Eleanor Rigby
Plenty unique and maybe even strange, this Beatles’ tune has lots of key changes and melody swaps.
Folsom Prison Blues
Do you have an outlaw sort of bass who is looking for a solo? This is a good one, with one caveat: The song is arranged to be accompanied by guitar and bass fiddle. It could be redone someday but not just yet, for the piece is exclusive to Boardwalk right now. After all, doesn’t Pookie remind you quite a bit of Johnny Cash?
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
Four Seasons Medley
Combines Big Girls Don’t Cry, Walk Like a Man, Sherry and Can’t Take My Eyes Off You. This medley provides an opportunity for your tenor or falsetto-singing lead or bari (or even your bass?) to show off in fun fashion.
Good Book Song, The
This offbeat tune comes from the film “A Mighty Wind.” (Hey, that would not be a bad quartet name!) You have never heard the stories of Noah and the Ark and David and Goliath told like this. Requires a guitar and string bass. Exclusive to Boardwalk right now.
Graduation Day
This pop hit is great for school-days shows. Or you can sing it to add some gentle enjoyment to any performance.
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.
Green Green Grass of Home
This melancholy country song is a sure winner. There are many ways to get back home. . . .
Groovy Kind of Love, A
A pop hit for the Mindbenders (1966) and for Phil Collins (1988), the song has been sung lately by the King’s Singers. Makes a great solo for tenor or high lead/bari. The bass also gets some licks in too. Do have a look at this uniquely wonderful chart.
Happy
Diana Ross sang this tender song of the happiness love brings. This is definitely not the Pharrell Williams tune.
Have a Nice Day
Very funny for contest or shows, as sung by Shenanigans. Just how many things can go wrong today?
Hawaiian Wedding Song
Great for weddings, of course, this tenor solo also adds a special touch to any show.
I Guess He’d Rather Be In Colorado
A poignant song of a city dweller who yearns for the great outdoors, this song is just a little bit melancholy.
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 Like Beer
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 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 Will
What a delightful love song this is! The Beatles sure knew how to write ’em. . . .
I’m Gonna Sit Right Down and Write Myself a Letter
Everyone likes this fun, offbeat love song. Great for men and women alike, it is now available in both contest and show versions. Learning tracks now exist for the women’s contest chart.
Ich will keine Schokolade
This cute German song tells of a woman who wants love, not just chocolate.
If You Believe
A most uplifting pop love ballad, this tune is full of goodness and inspiration.
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
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.
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 Was Almost like a Song
The King’s Singers sang this bittersweet song, which is available in both tenor- and bass-solo versions. Purely lovely. . . .
Jamaican Noel
Every voice part gets a solo in this lively, happy Christmas tune. Well-known composer and arranger Kirby Shaw has penned a winner here!
King of the Road
Everyone enjoys this light-hearted hobo song by Roger Miller. And it could even be edited to be contestable.
Kriminal Tango
Melodramatic novelty song, in German. Have great fun with this “Krimi.”
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 Darlin’
A solid gold hit from 1957 for the Diamonds, this doo-wop tune will give your lead a chance to shine and your tenor some hammy moments.
Live Like an Angel
Written by barbershopper Stewart Girlock, this gospel song is of professional quality. Yes, there are angels among us.
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
Mary in the Morning
Pretty and rhythmic, this pop ballad lets you express your feelings for your beloved most sweetly.
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
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.
Motown Medley
With 16 pages of fast musical action, this medley will make you fasten your seat belt. There are some solos with four-part background, so this song is meant for a chorus to sing. Only the women’s version is available right now, but it could be redone for men.
My Boyfriend’s Back
Nobody doesn’t enjoy this fun, catty pop #1 hit from 1963. This tune is good for young and old alike, so give it a whirl.
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 tune.
Neutron Dance
This 1985 hit by the Pointer Sisters is guaranteed to energize your audiences.
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.
Operator
This happy song of faith moves along with considerable energy. Manhattan Transfer made the piece famous—and your group can help it stay that way.
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.
Playing Right Field
Peter, Paul and Mary sang this funny, sweet song about being the last kid chosen. Do check it out!
Red Solo Cup
Country star Toby Keith sings this homage to his favorite container for adult beverages. The lead handles the funny, quirky recitation. This a different kind of love song. See—or sip—for yourself!
Santa Baby
Originally arranged for a female soloist with men’s quartet or chorus, the piece is now available for five women’s voice parts. This seductive song is cool, hot and fun. Continue reading Santa Baby
Send In the Clowns
This moving, haunting song is especially powerful as a bass solo. Enjoy Stephen Sondheim at his best!
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!
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.”
Sing It A Cappella
A doo-wop gospel tune a la Glad, this song really fits us barbershoppers. We sure do love to sing it a cappella, eh?
Skylark
Hopeful songs of love don’t come any prettier than this. Makes a great solo for a tenor or high lead. Also available in “normal” version.
Smell the Flowers
This country hit tells us to enjoy life right now. Hey, when else is there?
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
Summer Sunshine Medley
This medley is a winner any time of year, with Those Lazy-Hazy-Crazy Days Of Summer, Summer In The City, Sunny Afternoon and Sunshine On My Shoulders. Some like it hot!
Thank You, World
A great Statler Brothers’ tune honoring music, this song is heavy on old-fashioned values and references.
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
Theme from Ice Castles
Also called Through the Eyes of Love, this song is especially lovely. Give this delightful piece a try.
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
Debuted by champ quartet Power Play, this powerful love sung has been recorded by Josh Groban. Haven’t heard of this young man with the mature voice? Get hep, cat!
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.
We Rise Again
This song of resilience and hope was composed by Leon Dubinsky, a songwriter from Sydney, Nova Scotia, for a 1984 stage musical titled The Rise and Follies of Cape Breton. The Rankin Family’s 1993 rendition popularized the song across Canada. The message of this song is certainly fitting for the time we live in. So lift your audience’s hearts, and your own, with this soaring song.
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 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
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. Now available for SATB mixed voices.
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.
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 Must Come In at the Bottom
The Good Lord called on this man to become a bass singer. Though the fellow lacked faith, God’s will—and sense of humor—prevailed. Feature your stud bass with this clever tune.
Your Horoscope for Today
No matter what your sign, dude, wicked things are in store for you for the foreseeable future. This Weird Al tune is quite funny, not to mention way intense.