Help me choose a song.

1. 68

   Christoph Reillyposted 15 years ago

   Hi everybody.  I am looking for a song that would play behind a short video for a non-profit organization I am working on. I thought some of you would have a knowledge of music that could be helpful. Please add any suggestions and thanks for your help!
   
   GUIDELINES:
   
   The song should be upbeat, but not saccharine. It should be
   fairly contemporary (0 to 15 years) – though older songs will be considered if they are particularly appropriate. It is helpful if the song has enjoyed some popularity, but it probably shouldn’t be a major hit.
   
   The song lyrics should highlight one or both of these themes:
   
   (1)   
   giving, sharing, connecting, being “in this together;”
   
   (2)   
   gaining a new view or perspective (on the world or your life).
   
   The lyrics should be fairly open-ended (general) so they can be
   matched with images of adults and teens enjoying one another’s company.
   If the lyrics are too sexually oriented that will be a problem. Examples of two potential contenders: “Give A Little Bit” by Supertramp, redone by Goo Goo Dolls (theme 1) and (though a bit corny and overdone) “I Can See Clearly Now” by Johnny Nash and others (theme 2).
   
   Again, I appreciate your suggestions!

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   1. 55

      1twoknowposted 15 years agoin reply to this

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      rzaqungposted 15 years agoin reply to this

      How about "From a Distance" by Bette Midler or " When The Childrens Cry" by Whitelion

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         AEvansposted 15 years agoin reply to this

         I like those too!!

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      marcoliveiraposted 15 years agoin reply to this

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         marcoliveiraposted 15 years agoin reply to this

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            marcoliveiraposted 15 years agoin reply to this

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            marcoliveiraposted 15 years agoin reply to this

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         marcoliveiraposted 15 years agoin reply to this

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   4. 61

      RJSkainsposted 15 years agoin reply to this

      Mr. Blue Sky by the Electric Light Orchestra. (ELO)

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2. 58

   Mark Knowlesposted 15 years ago

   He Ain't Heavy, He's my Brother. The Hollies

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3. 68

   Christoph Reillyposted 15 years ago

   Thanks, Mark. Yea, that's a good one!

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4. 0

   Janettaposted 15 years ago

   Like A Rolling Stone - Bob Dylan
   Peace Train - Cat Stevens
   Waiting For The World to Change - John Mayer
   Seen All Good People - Yes
   Lean On Me

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5. 68

   Christoph Reillyposted 15 years ago

   Great list, Janetta. Thanks for the suggestions. I'm off to listen to the Mayer song now, which I can't place.
   
   Oh, sure. I've heard that. I like John Mayer a lot.

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6. 61

   R. Blueposted 15 years ago

   Love is but a song we sing
   Fear's the way we die
   You can make the mountains ring
   Or make the angels cry
   Though the bird is on the wing
   And you may not know why
   
   Come on people now
   Smile on your brother
   Everybody get together
   Try to love one another right now
   
   Some may come and some may go
   He will surely pass
   When the one that left us here
   Returns for us at last
   We are but a moment's sunlight
   Fading in the grass
   
   Come on people now
   Smile on your brother
   Everybody get together
   Try to love one another right now
   
   Come on people now
   Smile on your brother
   Everybody get together
   Try to love one another right now
   
   Come on people now
   Smile on your brother
   Everybody get together
   Try to love one another right now
   
   If you hear the song I sing
   You will understand (listen)
   You hold the key to love and fear
   All in your trembling hand
   Just one key unlocks them both
   It's there at your command
   
   Come on people now
   Smile on your brother
   Everybody get together
   Try to love one another right now
   
   Come on people now
   Smile on your brother
   Everybody get together
   Try to love one another right now
   
   I said...
   Come on people now
   Smile on your brother
   Everybody get together
   Try to love one another right now
   
   Right now...
   Right now...

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7. 68

   Christoph Reillyposted 15 years ago

   Thanks R. Blue. Loved that song when I was a kid.

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8. 70

   Shirley Andersonposted 15 years ago

   We Are Family by Sister Sledge?  The words are probably perfect except it says, "I got all my sisters with me" and you mentioned teens, which likely means both sexes.
   
   Lean on Me by Bill Withers?  Perhaps too syrupy and overdone?
   
   Geez, I'm sure there's a ton more but I can't think of any right now.  I'll be back to throw in my two cents worth if I think of something.  I'm sure the perfect one's out there.
   
   Let's Work Together by Canned Heat?
   
   Good luck, Chris.

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   Christoph Reillyposted 15 years ago

   Thanks Shirley! "Lean On Me" is under consideration though it's a bit too saccharine.  "Let's Work Together" is definitely a contender.  Thanks.

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10. 59

    Cris Aposted 15 years ago

    Hey Chris for your consideration
    
    Black or White - Michael Jackson
    One Love - Bob Marley
    People are People - Depeche Mode
    One - U2
    Everyday People - Sly and the Family Stone
    (What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love, and Understanding - Elvis Costello

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11. 60

    Teresa McGurkposted 15 years ago

    Yikes!  I came to post "What's so funny 'bout peace, love and understanding"  -- and just noticed Cris had it listed. . .
    spooooooooky
    U2 -- One (specially the lines "we carry each other")
    Rufus Wainwright singing "Across the Universe"

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    Christoph Reillyposted 15 years ago

    Cris and Theresa: Man, I forgot about Elvis Costello...I'm a huge fan.  Shame on me.  You guys have given me some great stuff to listen to!

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13. 53

    Shalini Kagalposted 15 years ago

    I believe - Fantasia Barrino

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    Laughing Momposted 15 years ago

    Good Luck, Chris. I got nuttin'.

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15. 68

    Christoph Reillyposted 15 years ago

    @Shalini - I'm not familiar with it...I'll look it up. Thank you.
    
    @Laughing Mom - Also not familiar with "I got nuttin'" but it sounds dirty. Is that some kind of new, urban slang?

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       Laughing Momposted 15 years agoin reply to this

       Yeah yeah, Mr. Funnyman. Now why would you jump to the conclusion it had some sexual undertone? Perhaps that was the real answer to the quiz question you deleted???

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    RooBeeposted 15 years ago

    Bridge Over Troubled Water (Simon & Garfunkel) - though I'm guessing that may not quite fit into what you're going for..
    
    Somewhere Over The Rainbow/What A Wonderful World (Israel Kamakawiwo'ole) You've probably heard this but may not realize it. It's a nice, lighter island-y version of the two songs which are run one after the other medley-style.
    
    I Can Change The World (With My Own Two Hands) (Jack Johnson & Ben Harper) - this one could be too syrupy, I dunno - but these 2 guys are just great.
    
    Those are rather weak entries, I'll come back if my brain kicks in to gear...

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    Christoph Reillyposted 15 years ago

    Thanks RooBee: The Israel song is interesting. Thanks for your suggestions and please let me know if any more come to you.

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    Shadesbreathposted 15 years ago

    Psychosocial by Slipknot

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    girly_girl09posted 15 years ago

    I had to find a song like this for a slide show a few years back for a volunteer organization of college students. I couldn't do it! Instead, I spent a few hours editing songs and splicing clips together to make my own track. 30 seconds, here and there. I'd gladly send you the mp3, but I honestly have no clue where it is. I will take a look on an old laptop and see if I can find it for you! It'd be a great example to go by.
    
    The songs I used were really diverse, but definitely accomplished what I was looking for. I also used the instrumental parts of upbeat songs because it was darn hard to find 20 different songs with lyrics that accomplished what I was looking for. The ones with the best lyrics are often slower and don't exactly set the mood. I needed about 6 mins of music to match the pictures, so splicing together a ton of songs worked great.
    
    One good song is "Yellow" by Coldplay. It's not upbeat (which was my goal, too ) but it worked perfectly at the end of the compilation to wrap things up. I'm certain I started that clip at the part that goes:
    
    "It's true, look how they shine for you
    Look how they shine for you
    Look how they shine for
    Look how they shine for you
    Look how they shine for you
    Look how they shine
    
    Look at the stars
    Look how they shine for you
    And all the things that you do"
    
    It really summed up my message of togetherness and volunteer achievement.

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20. 68

    Christoph Reillyposted 15 years ago

    @ Shadesbreath  (Snort)

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    Christoph Reillyposted 15 years ago

    girly girl: No thanks on the MP3 file. I need longer than that, but I'll have a listen to the Coldplay. I would like a song that picks up in tempo or forcefulness a little as it goes, but at this point, anything can happen.

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    lisafwg01posted 15 years ago

    It's old, but what about Imagine- John Lennon:
    
    Imagine there's no Heaven
    It's easy if you try
    No hell below us
    Above us only sky
    Imagine all the people
    Living for today
    
    Imagine there's no countries
    It isn't hard to do
    Nothing to kill or die for
    And no religion too
    Imagine all the people
    Living life in peace
    
    You may say that I'm a dreamer
    But I'm not the only one
    I hope someday you'll join us
    And the world will be as one
    
    Imagine no possessions
    I wonder if you can
    No need for greed or hunger
    A brotherhood of man
    Imagine all the people
    Sharing all the world
    
    You may say that I'm a dreamer
    But I'm not the only one
    I hope someday you'll join us
    And the world will live as one

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    Dame Scribeposted 15 years ago

    What mood are you looking to stir? lol

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       Christoph Reillyposted 15 years agoin reply to this

       Dame Scribe: At the beginning of this thread there are some guidelines I am looking for. Hard to explain when your not exactly sure, but I would say Positive, Hopeful, so that the viewer would feel the same.

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    Christoph Reillyposted 15 years ago

    lisafwgo1: Certainly a great song...perhaps too predictable...but maybe. Hmmm. Interesting.

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    Shadesbreathposted 15 years ago

    Ok, being serious:   Enigma:  "Return to Innocence"

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       Christoph Reillyposted 15 years agoin reply to this

       Interesting choice. Not as techno as some of their other stuff. Thanks for the suggestion.

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    lisafwg01posted 15 years ago

    What about Bryan Adam's Tears are not enough?
    
    
    As every day goes by
    How can we close our eyes
    Until we open up our hearts
    
    We can learn to share
    And show how much we care
    Right from the moment that we start
    
    Seems like overnight
    We see the world in a different light
    Somehow our innocence is lost
    
    How can we look away
    'Cause every single day
    We've got to help at any cost
    
    We can bridge the distance
    Only we can make the difference
    Don't ya know that tears are not enough
    
    If we can pull together
    We could change the world forever
    Heaven knows that tears are not enough
    
    It's up to me and you
    To make the dream come true
    It's time to take our message everywhere
    
    C'est l'amour qui nous rassemble
    D'ici ?l'autre bout du monde
    Let's show them Canada still cares
    You know that we'll be there
    
    If we should try together you and I
    Maybe we could understand the reasons why
    If we take a stand every woman, child and man
    We can make it work for God's sake lend a hand

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    Dame Scribeposted 15 years ago

    Rock and Roll dreams ... Meatloaf lol

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       Christoph Reillyposted 15 years agoin reply to this

       I was thinking "Bat Out of Hell."

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          Patty Inglish, MSposted 15 years agoin reply to this

          Certainly one of my favorites.

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    lisafwg01posted 15 years ago

    Sorry, I forgot Tears are not enough was Canadian based..scratch that one..lol

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    Christoph Reillyposted 15 years ago

    @lisa: But...but...but...they're Canadian!!!  Just kidding. Nice.  Maybe too down, you know, people are starving and crying isn't going to cut it anymore. More like "aren't we doing great in working together and affecting things for the better." Just a thought. Thank you for your suggestions.

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       Shirley Andersonposted 15 years agoin reply to this

       That makes it perfect, doesn't it?  Oh, but I guess that's what you're saying.

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    Christoph Reillyposted 15 years ago

    Ha,ha.

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31. 81

    Tom Cornettposted 15 years ago

    Instrumental maybe?  Then you don't have to worry about words. Possibly you could caption a good poem.

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       Christoph Reillyposted 15 years agoin reply to this

       Thanks, Tom, but I need lyrics.

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    goldentoadposted 15 years ago

    How about Jack Johnson; Upside Down.
    Hard to think of anything recent. I didn't know they made music anymore.

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    KCC Big Countryposted 15 years ago

    Would You Go With Me? by Josh Turner
    
    Upbeat....semi-popular....country, but not twangy.....

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    Dame Scribeposted 15 years ago

    Alright...what about...How Bizarre, by OMC .. is bout friends cruising in their chevy 69 lol
    
    
    --> Omc - How Bizarre Lyrics
    
    
    Brother Pele's in the back
    Sweet Seena's in the front
    Cruising down the freeway
    In the hot, hot sun
    
    Suddenly red blue lights
    Flash us from behind
    Loud voice
    "all will please step out onto the line"
    
    Pele breathes words of comfort
    Seena just hides her eyes
    Policeman taps his shades
    Is that a Chevy 69?
    
    How bizarre
    How bizarre
    How bizarre
    
    Destination unknown
    As we pull in for some gas
    A freshly pasted poster
    Reveals a smile from the pack
    
    Elephants and acrobats,
    Lions next monkey
    Pele speaks righteous
    Sister Seena says funky
    
    How bizarre
    How bizarre
    How bizarre
    
    Ooh baby, (ooh baby)
    It's making me crazy, (it's making me crazy)
    Everytime I look around
    Look around
    Everytime I look around
    Everytime I look around
    Everytime I look around
    It's in my face
    
    Ringmaster steps up
    Says the elephants left town
    People jump and jive
    And the clowns inch back around
    
    T.V. news and cameras
    There's choppers in the sky
    Marines, police, reporters
    Ask the where, for and why
    
    Pele yells "we're outta here"
    Seena says "right on"
    Make your moves and starting grooves
    Before they knew we're gone
    
    Jump into the Chevy
    Headed for big lights,
    Want to know the rest
    Hey, buy the rights,
    
    How bizarre
    How bizarre
    How bizarre
    
    Ooh baby, (ooh baby)
    It's making me crazy, (it's making me crazy)
    Everytime I look around
    Look around
    Everytime I look around
    Everytime I look around
    Everytime I look around
    It's in my face
    It's in my face
    
    Ooh baby, (ooh baby)
    It's making me crazy, (it's making me crazy)
    Everytime I look around
    Look around
    Everytime I look around
    Look around
    Everytime I look around
    It's in my face

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    jennshon4posted 15 years ago

    Life Is Wonderful by Jason Mraz
    
    It takes a crane to build a crane
    It takes two floors to make a story
    It takes an egg to make a hen
    It takes a hen to make an egg
    There is no end to what I'm saying
    
    It takes a thought to make a word
    And it takes some words to make an action
    And it takes some work to make it work
    It takes some good to make it hurt
    It takes some bad for satisfaction
    
    Ah la la la la la la life is wonderful
    Ah la la la la la la life goes full circle
    Ah la la la la la la life is wonderful
    Ah la la la la
    
    It takes a night to make it dawn
    And it takes a day to make you yawn brother
    It takes some old to make you young
    It takes some cold to know the sun
    It takes the one to have the other
    
    And it takes no time to fall in love
    But it takes you years to know what love is
    And it takes some fears to make you trust
    It takes those tears to make it rust
    It takes the dust to have it polished
    
    Ah la la la la la la life is wonderful
    Ah la la la la la la life goes full circle
    Ah la la la la la la life is wonderful
    Ah la la la it is so...
    
    It takes some silence to make sound
    And It takes a loss before you found it
    And It takes a road to go nowhere
    It takes a toll to make you care
    It takes a hole to make a mountain
    
    Ah la la la la la la life is wonderful
    Ah la la la la la la life goes full circle
    Ah la la la la la la life is wonderful
    Ah la la la la la la life is meaningful
    Ah la la la la la la life is wonderful
    Ah la la la la la la it is so... wonderful
    It is so meaningful
    It is so wonderful
    It is meaningful
    It is wonderful
    It is meaningful
    It goes full circle
    Wonderful
    Meaningful
    Full Circle
    Wonderful

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    1twoknowposted 15 years ago

    it's a natural...Bad companies..."feel like making love"..

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    spiderpamposted 15 years ago

    Check out Panic at the Disco, they're pretty upbeat.

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    C.Ferreiraposted 15 years ago

    I apologize in advance if this has already been said. There were a lot of posts so I did a quick skim and didn't see it on here, but if it is, sorry!
    
    Upbeat and right in tune with what your looking for is Upside Down by Jack Johnson. It would be a great song to put behind a video. He can capture a mood very well.
    
    Here is the chorus:
    
    I wanna turn the whole thing upside down
    I'll find the things they say just can't be found
    I'll share this love I find with everyone
    We'll sing and dance to Mother Nature's song
    I don't want this feeling to go away
    
    and here is the link to the full lyrics: http://www.sing365.com/music/lyric.nsf/ … 01000ABF15
    
    I highly suggest you at least give it a listen!

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    Christoph Reillyposted 15 years ago

    Goldentoad:  Really liked the Jack Johnson. A little too mellow for my purposes but thanks for turning me on to the song.
    
    KCC: I liked it but too country for the East Coast.  Thanks.
    
    Dame Scribe: I used to play this song when I was a DJ. If only it was for a car commercial (which it has already been used for.)
    
    JennShon: I just learned about Mraz a few months ago and I really like him. This is just too mellow I'm afraid. Thanks for the suggestion.
    
    Itwoknow: Thanks for your input, but it's not about sex (too bad for me.)
    
    Laughing Mom: I deleted no quiz question. To which question are you referring?
    
    cferreira: Already suggested. See above. Thanks!

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       Laughing Momposted 15 years agoin reply to this

       Okay, you asked.  You deleted the question about whether or not you've ever had sex at work.  I answered it, you didn't.  Well, not until later, anyway....
       
       Never ask a question of someone under the influence.  You will most likely get an answer.  :-)
       
       So what song did you pick?

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    Christoph Reillyposted 15 years ago

    Shirley: Yes. That's what I'm saying, but you knew that, eh?
    
    SpiderPam: Panic is a good band. Not quite what I'm looking for. Thanks!

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       spiderpamposted 15 years agoin reply to this

       No worries Good Luck in searching

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    goldentoadposted 15 years ago

    How about Red Hot Chili Peppers version of Higher Ground?

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       Christoph Reillyposted 15 years agoin reply to this

       A little too hard for the white collars. I could slip in "Mommy, Where's Daddy" and give them heart attacks!

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    Herald Dailyposted 15 years ago

    How about...
    
    Connected (lyrics show while the music is playing)

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    Christoph Reillyposted 15 years ago

    Herald Daily: Very close to the mood and sentiment. It's definitely under consideration. Thanks for turning me on to it!
    
    Lots of people have suggested great stuff and much of it I am considering. Keep 'em coming!

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    Jewelsposted 15 years ago

    Do there have to by lyrics?
    
    What about Land of 1000 Dancers
    
    I suppose John Lee Hooker and Ry Cooder are out of the question?

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    Christoph Reillyposted 15 years ago

    Jewels: Yeah, there have to be lyrics. Land of 1000 Dances is a great tune but not what I'm looking for and, unfortunately, no John Lee Hooker or Ry Cooder. Thanks though!

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    Mighty Momposted 15 years ago

    First song that came to my mind is "You've got a friend" by James Taylor. But it's pretty slow and ballady (if there is such a word).
    But here's one that I think would be PERFECT. There are various versions. Originally done by Jackie DeShannon, it's been covered by Billy Ray Cyrus and this one by Al Green and Annie Lennox. It's called "Put a Little Love in your Heart"
    
    http://www.mp3lyrics.org/a/annie-lennox … our-heart/

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       goldentoadposted 15 years agoin reply to this

       The Winner for sure!

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       Christoph Reillyposted 15 years agoin reply to this

       MM: I was wondering if you would  show up since you are the music master around here...and you do not dissapoint!  (slaps forehead!) I know that version well...and I dig Annie. I'm not the final word, but that's definitely going in.  Thanks so much, MM.  You da best!

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    Cris Aposted 15 years ago

    How about The Wind Beneath My Wings? No? I didn't think so either!
    
    That Free Willy song by Jacko - I think it's called Will You Be There. I think it has a nice intro

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       Christoph Reillyposted 15 years agoin reply to this

       That's a good one. I used to sing it to my pants. But seriously, one of the most talented people of all time...too bad he turned into wacko jacko. Thanks for the suggestion. I'll give it a listen!

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    Mighty Momposted 15 years ago

    There are many music maestros around here, CR!!
    Here's another option, a bit more contemporary. Brothers and Sister by Coldplay.
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yiEeirUz-Ec
    Lyrics:
    
    Brothers and sisters unite
    It's the time of your lives
    It's the time of your lives
    Break down, break down
    Gotta spread love around
    Gotta spread it around
    
    Brothers and sisters feel fine
    It's the time of your lives
    It's the time of your lives
    No sound, no sound
    Like this feeling you've found
    Like this feeling you've found
    
    But just stay down
    'Cos some sounds you'll feel
    So stay down
    And some sounds you'll feel
    
    And it's me they're looking for
    And it's me
    I will never survive
    But we'll be around some more
    
    Brothers and sisters unite
    It's the time of your lives
    It's the time of your lives
    Break down, break down
    Gotta spread love around
    Gotta spread it around
    
    But just stay down
    And some sounds you'll feel
    So stay 'round
    And some sounds you'll feel
    
    And it's me they're looking for
    And it's me
    I will never survive
    But we'll be around some more
    
    it's gonna be alright (x 3)

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    AEvansposted 15 years ago

    We are the World that sounds like a good one.

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    Mighty Momposted 15 years ago

    And last, but certainly not least... this universal paen to smarmy (and uber sugary Coke)by the New Seekers:
    (I'd like to teach the world to sing)
    
    I'd like to build the world a home
    
    and furnish it with love
    
    grow apple trees and honey bees
    
    and snow white turtle doves
    
    
    I'd like to teach the world to sing
    
    in perfect harmony
    
    I'd like to hold it in my arms
    
    and keep it company
    
    
    
    I'd like to see the world for once
    
    all standing hand in hand
    
    and hear them echo through the hills
    
    for peace throuout the land
    
    
    
    thats the song I hear
    
    Let the world sing today
    
    a song of peace
    
    that echoes on
    
    and never goes away
    
    
    
    I'd like to teach the world to sing
    
    in perfect harmony
    
    
    
    I'd like to teach the world to sing
    
    in perfect harmony
    
    
    
    I'd like to build the world a home
    
    and funish it with love
    
    grow apple trees and honey bees
    
    and snow white turtle doves
    
    
    
    I'd like to teach the world to sing
    
    in perfect harmony
    
    I'd like to hold it in my arms
    
    and keep it company

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