Give Them a Song!

MINI SONG – BASIC PRODUCTION

This is an example of one of many mini songs I’ve written and performed for numerous students over the years. In this case the little girl’s mother contacted me on her daughter’s 9th birthday asking if maybe I could do something as a last minute birthday surprise. At my request, she sent me a variety of details about her little girl including her love of learning about space and the planets, favorite dinosaur, favorite color and food, and so on. Of course, a reference to her Chihuahua, “Skippy,” had to be included.

Because it was last minute what you see here will be a performance with virtually no rehearsal (because of time constraints), but it will give you a good idea of what can be done at a basic level. Afterward, this gracious text was sent by the mom:

“I want to let you know how much Julia loved her birthday song. After watching the video over and over again, she memorized the song and has been singing almost nonstop since Monday night.”

Later she added:

“The song was her favorite birthday gift and something she will always remember.”

Happy Birthday, Julia!

The weather’s kind of gloomy

but it doesn’t matter to me

‘cause today is December

December fourteen

And Julia Wise has a birthday

so here’s a surprise on her birthday

We hope that the stars and planets like Mars

shine bright in the skies for Julia Wise

And if there was a Brachiosaurus

singin’ in a dinosaur chorus

she’d be amazed with you

and how much you grew

and you’d go to a zoo

all dressed in blue

Your imagination’s doin’ fine

now that you have just turned nine

and we hope you dream

of banana ice cream

and tortellini too!

Happy Birthday to you!

And if the weather’s nippy

Just cuddle up with Skippy

And if the weather’s nippy

Just cuddle up with Skippy

FULL LENGTH SONG – BASIC PRODUCTION

Here’s an example of a full length song with basic production. It happens to be from what I perceived to be how parents of young children may have been looking at he onset of the pandemic.

Never Let Go of Hope

What can you say when you don’t know what to say

What can you sing when you don’t even know what song to sing

What do you do when you feel there’s nothing more that you can do?

You say I love you things are gonna be all right

you sing the lullabye you sing each night

you follow the Guiding Light and never let go of hope

no never let go of hope

So today you’ll find a way to make it through the day

then when you sing you’ll find you chose the perfect song to sing

And you’ll know what to do

And you’ll find it’s gonna help to see you through

You’ll say I love you things are gonna be all right

You’ll sing the lullabye you sing each night

You’ll follow the Guiding Light

you’ll never let go of hope

Don’t ever abandon hope

Don’t ever give up on hope

No never let go of hope

I Love You, DadMaryJo Maluso & Rick Blackson

00:00 / 04:00

FULL LENGTH SONG- MODERATE PRODUCTION

The father/daughter dance at a wedding reception was the occasion for which this song was written. The bride provided me with details about her memories of life with dad while growing up, and reflections of her feelings and estimation of him from a grownup perspective. She agreed with my suggestion the song have a gentle country pop feel. My keyboard provides the backing track to Mary Jo’s vocal.

I Love You, Dad

Well I remember the places you’d take me to

When I was just a little girl

The home depot workshops on Saturdays

Or hunting a deer or a squirrel

And I remember the stories you’d read to me

As you would tuck me into bed

And pancakes you’d make in the morning

That looked like Mickey Mouse’s head

And you’d say, “Buddy be smart always make the best choices”

You set a good example for me

I saw the Father’s love through the love of my father

Now you’re dancing here with me

Now it’s my wedding day and you’re here for me

Like you’ve been here for me my whole life through

So thank you for all of the things you’ve done

For making so many things so much fun

And I will love you forever it makes me glad

I love you Dad

And if we couldn’t get time together

We’d make the most of the time we had

You’d pick me up for church ev’ry Sunday

Taught me to love Penguins, Steelers, Pirates like mad

You’d tell me, “Buddy be smart always make the best choices”

You set a good example for me

I saw the Father’s love through the love of my father

Now you’re dancing here with me

Now it’s my wedding day and you’re here for me

Like you’ve been here for me my whole life through

So thank you for all of the things you’ve done

For making so many things so much fun

And I will love you forever it makes me glad

I love you Dad

So thank you Dad

I love you Dad

Notice of Rights Reserved

This original work, (©2022 Rick Blackson), is authored and owned by Rick Blackson, rights reserved. You, the purchaser, are provided limited right of personal use only, including sharing with family, friends and social media. Any use for financial gain is prohibited, such rights being the exclusive property of the author.