Just (Like) An Old-Fashioned Love Song (Photo credit: dara deann)

When I provide services in senior living communities, love songs are often requested.  Love songs for older adults can partially be described by the Three Dog Night song  “Old Fashioned Love Song”:

…To weave our dreams upon and listen to each evening
When the lights are low
To underscore our love affair
With tenderness and feeling that we’ve come to know
You swear you’ve heard it before
As it slowly rambles on and on and
No need in bringin’ `em back,
`Cause they’re never really gone…

True, some do fit this melancholy description, but not all of them.  These songs all have a very playful approach to love. Many are filled with jokes, silliness, and some double entendres.

• Ma, He’s Making Eyes At Me
• (Does your mother know your out) Cecilia
• Last Night on the Back Porch
• Give Me a Little Kiss, Will Ya, Huh?
• Tip Toe Through the Tulips
• It’s Been a Long, Long Time
• Daisy (Bicycle Built for Two)
• Oh, My Darling Clementine
• Reuben and Rachel
• Yes Sir, That’s My Baby 

Yet some love songs bring back memories of loved ones, of the war years, of those who are no longer here while being upbeat in tempo. Here are a few examples:

•  Your Cheating Heart
• Doggie in the Window
• Tea for Two
• It Had to Be You
• You Made Me Love You
• Love is Here to Stay
• Love and Marriage
• L.O.V.E.

And, there are those more tender love songs requested by some older adults. Topping the list where I work are:

• I Love You Truly
• Let Me Call You Sweetheart
• I Don’t Know Why
• Red Sails in the Sunset
• When I Grow Too Old to Dream
• School Days

So enjoy some love songs with an older adult or two this Valentine’s Day or any day as you weave dreams, memories and many emotions.

What love songs do the older adults in your life request?

Related articles

• Song of the Day: Let’s Fall In Love
• Monday Music & Movement: {Valentine’s Day BINGO}