Mother Talkers :: Rants and Raves on Modern Motherhood

Song/Quote Suggestions Please

by TeachPeace

Sun May 06, 2007 at 10:45:36 AM PDT

As you may know, I work with teen parents (primarily moms) and their infants and toddlers. Our school year is quickly coming to an end and we will be transitioning into our summer program, which is a home visiting and playgroup program (as opposed to the center based program during the school year).

Many of "my moms" will be graduating this year and a few of our toddlers will turn 3 over the summer and won't be eligible for the program next school year. As a gift to all our families, I am trying to put together a DVD slide-show of photographs that have been taken through the year, interspersed with some inspirational quotes on children and parenting.

TeachPeace's diary :: ::

This is where I am seeking a little help! I'm looking for a song to set the slide-show to, but am having trouble. I'm looking for positive/uplifting, that speaks to parenting or children. I would like something appealing to teens (read: reasonably contemporary). My number one contender so far is Creed's "With Arms Wide Open," but I'm hoping for something more from a mother's perspective, or gender neutral. I also liked the lyrics of "Let Them Be Little" by some country group (Lonestar, maybe - I'm not very country) but it had some religious overtones that I'd like to avoid.

I'd love any song suggestions you may have and if you have a favorite quote about children/childhood/parenting/etc. I'd love that too! Thanks in advance for any help!

Update: Women, you rock!!! I can't tell you how much I appreciate your efforts. Some of these suggestions are totally new to me. As soon as my kids are in bed tonight, I'm going to fire up limewire and start downloading. Any and all suggestions welcome keep them coming :-)

Tags: songs (all tags)

Music: (0 / 0)

How about Green Day's "Time of Your Life"?

by tjb22 on Sun May 06, 2007 at 10:50:42 AM PDT
- This one (0 / 0)
  
  popped into my mind right off! i love that one... we did my sorority video to that one.
  
  by lilianna28 on Mon May 07, 2007 at 01:30:48 PM PDT
  
  [ Parent ]
  - Popped into my mind (0 / 0)
    
    because just the day before my husband was playing it as he was picking out background music for a client's web site. Really made me think about my own son graduating next month.
    
    by tjb22 on Mon May 07, 2007 at 02:46:33 PM PDT
    
    [ Parent ]
- I love this song (0 / 0)
  
  But the high school is using it for something they are putting together for the graduating seniors. If you can believe it, the song is actually titled "Good Riddance!"
  
  by TeachPeace on Mon May 07, 2007 at 02:57:00 PM PDT
  
  [ Parent ]
I love that Creed (0 / 0)

song! How about Carrie Underwood's
Stand by You? I'm not a fan, but the sentiment seems nice if applied to a parent/child relationship.

by GiGi on Sun May 06, 2007 at 06:23:02 PM PDT
- Wasn't that song (0 / 0)
  
  Originally done by the Pretenders? I think I'm remembering that correctly -- so in case you don't like Carrie Underwood you could go with a different version.
  
  I'm so old that the first song I thought of was CSN's [or was it CSNY?] "Teach your children well."
  
  by Lisa in Austin on Sun May 06, 2007 at 07:23:43 PM PDT
  
  [ Parent ]
  - Yep (0 / 0)
    
    and Chrissie Hynde kicks Carrie's butt, IMHO! :) TeachPeace wanted a more contemporary song, so I figure you can't get much more current than an American Idol and recent Grammy winner. Girls Aloud also recorded it in 2002.
    
    by GiGi on Mon May 07, 2007 at 06:31:42 AM PDT
    
    [ Parent ]
  - Great minds think alike (0 / 0)
    
    that's what I thought of too... I just noticed you posted the CNSY song first.
    
    "If it's not Scottish, it's crap!" ~Mike Meyers
    
    by 1plain1peanut on Mon May 07, 2007 at 06:40:40 AM PDT
    
    [ Parent ]
- I'm definitely using the Creed tune (0 / 0)
  
  because it's powerful, and I have a perfect picture for the final "with arms wide open." I need at least one more, maybe two. I downloaded both the Pretender's version and Carrie Underwood's last night after I saw your suggestion and Lisa's response, but haven't listened to them closely yet... Thanks!
  
  by TeachPeace on Mon May 07, 2007 at 03:01:08 PM PDT
  
  [ Parent ]
How 'bout (0 / 0)

Teach Your Children by Crosby, Stills, Nash, & Young?

I've always liked this quote:

It's not only children who grow. Parents do too. As much as we watch to see what our children do with their lives, they are watching us to see what we do with ours. I can't tell my children to reach for the sun. All I can do is reach for it, myself. ~Joyce Maynard

"If it's not Scottish, it's crap!" ~Mike Meyers

by 1plain1peanut on Mon May 07, 2007 at 06:39:24 AM PDT
- I vote for this one, too (0 / 0)
  
  It's "old timey" maybe for teens, but whenever this song comes on the radio I have to crank up the volume. It's such a sweet song.
  
  by jenna on Mon May 07, 2007 at 11:35:08 AM PDT
  
  [ Parent ]
- I used to have this (0 / 0)
  
  on a bumper sticker! I do love the song and coming from me, the girls would not be surprised by it since they know I have a passion for "old" music :-)
  
  by TeachPeace on Mon May 07, 2007 at 02:58:07 PM PDT
  
  [ Parent ]
Song & quote (0 / 0)

How about "I Hope You Dance," which is by a female country singer whose name escapes me. My MIL found a sweet little book with photos to illustrate the lyrics and gave it to DH when he told her we were expecting.

My favorite parenting quote is "We do not kiss our children so that they will kiss us back, but so that they will kiss their own children."

by cynmill on Mon May 07, 2007 at 08:51:37 AM PDT
- LeeAnn Womak (0 / 0)
  
  by lilianna28 on Mon May 07, 2007 at 01:31:21 PM PDT
  
  [ Parent ]
- I love that quote :-) (0 / 0)
  
  If it doesn't make it into the slideshow, it will be in my summer newsletter.
  
  My mom sent me that CD a few years back. I don't think I've ever listened to it though (although I do know the song). I hadn't even thought of that one. Thanks!
  
  by TeachPeace on Mon May 07, 2007 at 03:03:16 PM PDT
  
  [ Parent ]
inspirational (0 / 0)

i love "what a wonderful world" sung by louis armstrong. little line about watching babies grow. may be way too old for the crowd..

by parentalunit1 on Mon May 07, 2007 at 09:17:59 AM PDT
- There is a cool version (0 / 0)
  
  of this song by Israel Kamakawiwo'ole which is a combo to "Somewhere over the Rainbow" and "Wonderful World" that I love and has a fun feel to it.
  
  by lilianna28 on Mon May 07, 2007 at 01:32:20 PM PDT
  
  [ Parent ]
  - What a Wonderful World (0 / 0)
    
    was one of the first songs I thought of, but I'm not sure they would appreciate Louis Armstrong! I'm going to check out the version you suggested, though. Thanks! (And thanks parentalunit, too).
    
    by TeachPeace on Mon May 07, 2007 at 03:05:38 PM PDT
    
    [ Parent ]
Not that contemporary (0 / 0)

but here are two of my favorite songs:

Carly Simon - Love Of My Life Lyrics

(Carly Simon)
I love lilacs and avocados
Ukuleles and fireworks
And Woody Allen and walking in the snow
But you've got to know that

You're the love of my life
You are the love of my life
You are the love of my life
You are the love of my life
From the moment I first saw you
The second that you were born
I knew that you were the love of my life
Quite simply the love of my life

I love Lucy and pumpernickel bread
The Statue Of Liberty and standing ovations
And falling into bed
But get it through your head that

You're the love of my life
You are the love of my life
You are the love of my life
You are the love of my life
From the moment I first saw you
The second that you were born
I knew that you were the love of my life
Quite simply the love of my life

You an drive me crazy
You can drive me anywhere
Here are the keys
Just do as you please
It may not always be easy

But you're the love of my life
My heart is riding on a runaway train
You are the love of my life
through all the pleasure and pain
From the moment I first saw you
I knew it right away
I knew that you were the love of my life
Simply the love of my life
You are the love
The great love of my life.

Song: Baby Mine (Bette Midler)
Baby mine, don't you cry
Baby mine, dry your eyes
Rest your head close to my heart
Never to part, baby of mine
Little one when you play
Don't you mind what you say
Let those eyes sparkle and shine
Never a tear, baby of mine
If they knew sweet little you
They'd end up loving you too
All those same people who scold you
What they'd give just for
The right to hold you
From your head to your toes
You're not much, goodness knows
But you're so precious to me
Cute as can be, baby of mine

by Lara on Mon May 07, 2007 at 10:40:52 AM PDT
- Definitely going to (0 / 0)
  
  check these out! The lyrics are wonderful. Thanks :-)
  
  by TeachPeace on Mon May 07, 2007 at 03:07:02 PM PDT
  
  [ Parent ]
Rod Stewart - "Forever Young" (0 / 0)

May the good lord be with you
Down every road you roam
And may sunshine and happiness
Surround you when you're far from home
And may you grow to be proud
Dignified and true
And do unto others
As you'd have done to you
Be courageous and be brave
And in my heart you'll always stay
Forever young, forever young
Forever young, forever young

May good fortune be with you
May your guiding light be strong
Build a stairway to heaven
With a prince or a vagabond

And may you never love in vain
And in my heart you will remain
Forever young, forever young
Forever young, forever young
Forever young
Forever young

And when you finally fly away
I'll be hoping that I served you well
For all the wisdom of a lifetime
No one can ever tell

But whatever road you choose
I'm right behind you, win or lose
Forever young, forever young
Forever young ,forever young
Forever young, forever young
For, forever young, forever young

by ChristineB on Mon May 07, 2007 at 11:40:10 AM PDT
I love me some google (0 / 0)

here is a link to an I love mom cd

this one is Hip Hop Songs for Mom

Wow, I never heard of this Good Charlotte song, but it's dead on:
Thank You Mom
(Lyrics & Music: Good Charlotte)

I'm sitting here, I'm thinking back to a time when I was young,
My memory is clear as day, I'm listening to the dishes clink,
You were downstairs; you would sing songs of praise,
And all the times we laughed with you,
And all the times that you stayed true to us,
Now we say, I said, I thank you,
I'll always thank you,
More than you could know,
Than I could ever show,
And I love you, I'll always love you,
There's nothing I won't do to say these words to you,
That you're beautiful forever,
You were my mom,
You were my dad,
The only thing I ever had was you, It's true,
And even when the times got hard you were there,
To let us know that we'd get through, you showed me how to be a man,
You taught me how to understand the things people do,
You showed me how to love my God,
You taught me that not everyone knows the truth,
And I thank you,
I'll always thank you,
More than you could know,
Than I could ever show,
And I love you, I'll always love you,
There's nothing I won't do to say these words to you,
That you will live forever, always

by lilianna28 on Mon May 07, 2007 at 01:36:24 PM PDT
I hear Kanye West is kind of cool with the kids (0 / 0)

Artist: Kanye West
Album: College Dropout Unreleased
Song: Hey Mama
Typed by: ricorendezvous@hotmail.com

[Chorus]
(Hey Mama), I wanna scream so loud for you, cuz I'm so proud of you
Let me tell you what I'm about to do, (Hey Mama)
I know I act a fool but, I promise you I'm goin back to school
I appreciate what you allowed for me
I just want you to be proud of me (Hey Mama)

[Verse 1]
I wanna tell the whole world about a friend of mine
This little light of mine and I'm finna let it shine
I'm finna take yall back to them better times
I'm finna talk about my mama if yall don't mind
I was three years old, when you and I moved to the Chi
Late December, harsh winter gave me a cold
You fixed me up something that was good for my soul
Famous homemade chicken soup, can I have another bowl?
You work late nights just to keep on the lights
Mommy got me training wheels so I could keep on my bike
And you would give anything in this world
Michael Jackson leather and a glove, but didn't give me a curl
And you never put no man over me
And I love you for that mommy cant you see?
Seven years old, caught you with tears in your eyes
Cuz a nigga cheatin, telling you lies, then I started to cry
As we knelt on the kitchen floor
I said mommy Imma love you till you don't hurt no more
And when I'm older, you aint gotta work no more
And Imma get you that mansion that we couldn't afford
See you're, unbreakable, unmistakable
Highly capable, lady that's makin loot
A livin legend too, just look at what heaven do
Send us an angel, and I thank you (Hey Mama)

[Chorus]

[Verse 2]
Forrest Gump mama said, life is like a box of chocolates
My mama told me go to school, get your doctorate
Somethin to fall back on, you could profit with
But still supported me when I did the opposite
Now I feel like it's things I gotta get
Things I gotta do, just to prove to you
You was getting through, can the choir please
Give me a verse of â€œYou, Are So Beautiful To Meâ€?
Can't you see, you're like a book of poetry
Maya Angelou, Nicky Giovanni, turn one page and there's my mommy
Come on mommy just dance wit me, let the whole world see your dancing feet
Now when I say Hey, yall say Mama, now everybody answer me (Hey Mama)

[Chorus]

[Bridge]
I guess it also depends tho, if my ends low
Second they get up you gon get that Benzo
Tint the windows, ride around the city and let ya friends know (Hey Mama)

[Verse 3]
Tell your job you gotta fake em out
Since you brought me in this world, let me take you out
To a restaurant, upper echelon
Imma get you a jag, whatever else you want
Just tell me what kind of S-Type Donda West like?
Tell me the perfect color so I make it just right
It don't gotta be Mother's Day, or your birthday
For me to just call and say (Hey Mama)

by lilianna28 on Mon May 07, 2007 at 01:38:38 PM PDT
- Great (0 / 0)
  
  That's a great song. I always tear up when I hear it.
  
  by NJmom on Mon May 07, 2007 at 01:41:43 PM PDT
  
  [ Parent ]
- So I never heard of (0 / 0)
  
  Good Charlotte and I only know the name Kayne West (I would have guessed actor, not singer). I'm checking both of these out, Thanks!
  
  by TeachPeace on Mon May 07, 2007 at 03:09:47 PM PDT
  
  [ Parent ]

Permalink | 25 comments

Song/Quote Suggestions Please

by TeachPeace

Sun May 06, 2007 at 10:45:36 AM PDT

Daily Kos Help

Music: (0 / 0)

This one (0 / 0)

Popped into my mind (0 / 0)

I love this song (0 / 0)

I love that Creed (0 / 0)

Wasn't that song (0 / 0)

Yep (0 / 0)

Great minds think alike (0 / 0)

I'm definitely using the Creed tune (0 / 0)

How 'bout (0 / 0)

I vote for this one, too (0 / 0)

I used to have this (0 / 0)

Song & quote (0 / 0)

LeeAnn Womak (0 / 0)

I love that quote :-) (0 / 0)

inspirational (0 / 0)

There is a cool version (0 / 0)

What a Wonderful World (0 / 0)

Not that contemporary (0 / 0)

Definitely going to (0 / 0)

Rod Stewart - "Forever Young" (0 / 0)

I love me some google (0 / 0)

I hear Kanye West is kind of cool with the kids (0 / 0)

Great (0 / 0)

So I never heard of (0 / 0)

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