This weekend for 10 Things of Thankful, I’ve decided to share 10 songs that I am very thankful for. Each of these songs brings a smile to my face. With some of them, it’s just the music that does it, but mostly I love the lyrics too.
1) First up is:
All Will Be Well by the Gabe Dixon Band.
My 15-year-old daughter has this song on a mix she made to listen to in the mornings. She’d wake up to the music, then come downstairs and slot her iPod into my husband’s docking system and we’d all get to listen along, whether we wanted to or not. At first, I didn’t pay too much attention because I was busy making packed lunches and checking gym kits. But gradually the songs began to get a hold on me. This wasn’t the first one I fell in love with, but when I did, I fell hard. I love the music, and I love the lyrics. I mean, all will be well – what’s not to love?
But my favourite line is probably: “…even after all the promises you’ve broken to yourself.” Who hasn’t made promises to themselves and then broken them? Lately, I’ve realised that when I do this, it’s when I need to be most compassionate, most loving with myself so this song fits perfectly with that.
2) Sit Down by James. This is an oldie and such a goodie. Although this song was originally released in 1989, it still sounds great. I’ve chosen a version the band did for the charity Comic Relief with comedian Peter Kay. Again I like the lyrics and the idea that the singer is inviting those who are sad to sit down next to him. Lovely sentiments.
Okay, and I couldn’t resist adding the original video so you can see the guys in the band haven’t changed a bit in all those years. (Cough, cough.)
3) Good Thing by The Woodentops.
I know nothing about the Woodentops, except that I loved this song when it was released (on vinyl) in 1986, and that I love it still. Like Sit Down, this was released on the indie label Rough Trade. At the time this came out, I was living in Glasgow and working as a fashion designer. It wasn’t the happiest time of my life by any means – I was broke, with a failing business, living in a damp, dark room, but I used to play this on my old record player and dance around my bedroom. And when it ended, I’d play it again! And again. I was thankful for it then, and I’m thankful for it still!
4) What I Wouldn’t Do by A Fine Frenzy
This is another song my daughter introduced me to. I love its cheerful melodic feel. I am particularly thankful that I got to know it (and All Will Be Well) through my daughter because – well because it’s just so nice when you like the same music as your teenagers do!
5) Ode to Joy by Beethoven
Although there are full orchestra versions of Ode to Joy on YouTube, I feel in love with it when listening to my children practise it on the piano, and so I’ve chosen a piano version.
6) The Fairy Wedding Waltz, written by J. W. Turner
Like Ode to Joy, I fell in love with the Fairy Wedding Waltz when listening to a family member play it. In this case, I was a young girl and the player was my mother. I can’t give you a recording of her playing it, or conjure up for you the joy I felt at hearing this magical tune as she played, but this video is the next best thing.
7) Singing in the Rain by Gene Kelly
My younger daughter (13 years old) suggested this song, which just goes to show that it still appeals to all ages even after over sixty years. I’m thankful for that, and it’s totally appropriate for today since it’s been raining heavily here all day, and has only just stopped now in the late afternoon.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D1ZYhVpdXbQ&list=PLhMe4VsPgy4DOOBFqDiqKth7V1F219hZE
8) Wonder by Emeli Sandé and Naughty Boy
Last year at the Olympics Emili Sandé sang a version of Abide With Me that sent shivers down my spine. I’ve chosen Wonder instead because my younger daughter suggested it and because its upbeat tempo and lyrics fit with the rest of the songs we’ve chosen here.
9) Somewhere In My Heart by Aztec Camera
Like Emili Sandé, Aztec Camera are from Scotland. Or rather, that should be they were from Scotland because the band doesn’t exist any more although its singer Roddy Frame still works as a solo musician. This version of Somewhere In My Heart is from the 1980s as you can probably tell from the haircuts! In the comments on YouTube, someone has written: “picks you up when you feel down.” I agree.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n4pWcVPUybE
10) All Will Be Well by Michael Marra
In spite of Michael Marra being a Scottish singer, I hadn’t heard of him till a few days ago, when an old friend from my college days shared this song on Facebook. Since this list began with All Will Be Well, it seems right to end it that way too. This is a totally different song to Gabe Dixon’s, but just as good in its quieter way.
12 Comments on “10 Things of Thankful – Songs to Make You Smile”
Hey, “Sit Down” by James is the song Lizzi dedicated to me on her 10 Things list! I also love “Singin’ In The Rain” – both the song AND the movie! You’re right about it being timeless; my 14 year old daughter loves both of them, too.
Lizzi clearly likes good music then! As for “Singin’ in the Rain” – hunting out the video has made me want to watch the movie again since it’s been a while…
Dyanne, thanks for popping by!
Ach! Dyanne got there first – was about to jump in and say that ‘Sit Down’ is a song I’ve always loved and found to be moving, uplifting and quite beautiful in sentiment. A solid favourite.
I’ve not heard any of the others (bar singin in the rain, and tbh I preferred ‘Good Morning’ because it’s *so* me)
What a wonderful way of doing your Ten Things. Fascinating look into your musical world – thank you 🙂
Lizzi, yes Dyanne beat you to it. And I echo everything you write about “Sit Down.” It just lifts me up to hear it.
I also really like “Good Morning,” and did consider using but since my younger daughter picked “Singin'” I went with that. I guess that’s part of what happens with songs – sometimes the associations they have add to the appeal.
And if you don’t know the other songs, do listen in – you’ll never stop smiling again afterwards. 🙂
Thanks for the hop!
Glad you enjoyed the post.
I vote for the ‘Singin’ in the Rain’ it is, at once *so* from another time, but the way the music comes up and the dancing (of course)…
Glad you could join us on this rather fun blog weekend event.
Clark, thank you all for hosting it!
I only know 2 of these songs (not including Sit down, which I heard at Lizzi’s first). Ode to Joy must be a common song for piano students, as my two pianists learned it. I love that song, simply because it was the first real song my kids learned.
Singin’ in the Rain, of course, is the other. 🙂
Your daughter has MUCH better taste in music than my daughter!
Great way to do the thankful list. Thanks for linking up!
Christine, I think you are probably right about Ode To Joy being a common one for students. It is great. As for my daughter’s taste in music – it has got a lot better lately!
Thanks for your comment.
What a cool and unconventional list! I always include one song in my list but doing it with ten songs is really awesome!
Glad you enjoyed them Joy. I will pop over and listen to your song choice too.
I love the idea of an all-music post! I’m making my way through the videos right now, and so far, I’m really enjoying these songs. Thanks for sharing!
Kristi, I’m so glad you like the songs too!