Songs With Stories

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Summer is joined by her sister, Tiffany, in sharing one of their most nostalgic songs.  

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Part of the Hymns Project: The "Hymn of All Hymns." Summer is joined by her friend, Sara, in discussing the history and appeal of this popular hymn. 

Summer and her friend, Sara, share Sara's favorite hymn, Lead, Kindly Light. 


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Happy little song with a hopeful message. Summer's niece, Mallorie, joins her for this one. Summer's other niece still is bothered that the word, "tomato," isn't actually said in the song. Ha!

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For my son's graduation, I wanted to share a song that completely embodies my hopes and wishes for his future, and wish all our graduates or those embarking on a new journey or phase in life. The wisdom captured in the song by Rene Marie is brilliant, heartfelt, and moving. So well done that I had to give it go. All my best to you graduates, and all my love and respect to you, Rene Marie, for such a profound piece.

Bill Withers' classic, this podcast has both Summer's rendition and her sisters rendition from about 20 years ago. Finding it fitting for the Covid19 circumstances, Summer sends this out with wishes for everyone to stay well. 

As our world deals with the Covid19 Outbreak, Summer resends a new version of "Be Still My Soul," as her friend, who wishes no credit given, accompanies her on guitar.
We wish all to stay healthy. We will get through this. 

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Such a great song! Written by Ron Ahrens and still fairly obsure, this cute song takes the beloved peanut butter and jelly sandwich to a whole new level. I had no idea this sandwich had such depth!

A country classic, Summer tells the history of Could I Have This Dance, made popular by Anne Murray and briefly explains why this song is so timeless.

On Christmas Eve, Summer and some of her family share the history and sing this classic Christmas hymn. 

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George Formby's famous banjo song. Summer tells about how she learned this song from an old British friend who actually went to George Formby's concerts live in London. 

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A literal garage band demo that became a classic. It was a 1950's R&B song that made it's way to the top 100 Billboard Pop list. Quite remarkable for the time. And just like the Penguin's original recording, Summer's version is guaranteed to not be overproduced.

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Summer goes into her memories of this song. She hopes people will sing along and harmonize!

The music kind of starts at time code 8:20, with interuptions.

The history of the song that was awarded by the Recording Industry of America as the Song of the Century. Alternate lyrics are for a very special person's birthday, as the true lyrics are sad.  Summer's sisters contributed to this podcast.

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This song is a request from a listener. A brief history of Emma Lou Thayne's and Jolene Meredith's hymn of comfort for the mentally ill. 

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In honor of Holy Week and Easter, the song "Gethsemane" by Melanie Hoffman is featured.  The song talks about the powerful reason why Jesus did what he did. A brief history of Jesus' life during Holy Week is discussed with the beautiful message of how Passover, Good Friday, and Easter are about deliverance from slavery, sin, and death.

Happy Easter and Chag Sameach

The music starts at 8:55

Bill Staines' darling folk song, sometimes referred to as a children's song, shares a message of inclusion regardless of differences.  All the animals belong in the animal choir, just like all of us belong in our human symphony. Sometimes there are disagreements and dissonance, but the song is a message of belonging and harmony.

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When life is done, love is not.
This song is from one of Summer's favorite childhood movies. She also discusses troubadours and their simple style of singing-storytelling, and the thoughtful lyrics of this song. Happy Valentine's Day!

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Ben E. King's classic shared on ukelele. Inspirational and based on Psalm 46 and a spiritual titled, "Lord, Stand By Me," Ben E. King and two others penned this classic.

Whether a human, an angel, or a loyal pet, there is comfort knowing someone stands by you.

To leave a comment, go to songswithstories.com.

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Old Hymns are healing. Kathrina Von Schlegel wrote the original poem (Stille, mein Wille, dein Jesus hilft siegen) and Jean Sibelius the melody (Finlandia). 

Classic for it's lasting appeal, the message of this song is to look to the Lord for peace in our ever chaotic world. Know that the Lord is on your side.

To leave a comment, go to songswithstories.com.