Somewhere Over the Rainbow

We live in the midwest, and most everyone knows we've been bombarded with rain. Last night we got an additional 2-3 inches, they say. I'm getting really, really tired of the rain. Our drainage ditch looks like a rushing river. But there are advantages to these storms. We witnessed it two days ago. We were at our pastor's house planning an event. It was about 8:30 or 9:00pm and, as usual, it had been raining and storming something awful. But here we were planning this event when someone shouted "A rainbow!!". We all bounced up, and ran outside to look. Not one but TWO, FULL RAINBOWS. One of the rainbows was in bright, brilliant colors. The other was next to it, a little more faded, but clearly there. And I'm here as a witness that I know exactly where the pot of gold is because the rainbow landed at the house up the street from where we stood.
I've got two daughters who were with us at the time. One is 3, and the other is 8. Just last week we finished painting their room. One of the things we painted was a huge, colorful rainbow; so my daughters were especially excited to witness their first full rainbow in the sky. This morning my youngest daughter, Melody, told me she wanted to see the rainbow again. Only this time she wanted to ride it. Oh, to have the heart and the mind of a child! I told her that I'd like to ride it too (without going into detail on how difficult it might be to actually ride on colors of light in the sky. For now, we'll just dream of the possibilities.) My oldest daughter, Carly, is intent on finding that pot of gold now that we saw where the rainbow landed.
I'm just thankful that with all this rain, God always gives us a glimmer of Himself through it all. What a fantastic storm it was, and finished up with a fantastic rainbow! And somewhere over that rainbow, skys are blue! Someone ought to write a song about that... hmmmm. Well, I hate to tell you but it's already been done. But I found this really neat rendition of this guy singing a customized song version of Somewhere Over the Rainbow and What a Wonderful World using a ukele. Click on this link to the youtube video. I think you'll really enjoy it. (And just keep in mind that SongSqueeze is ready to customize your favorite song as well.)

American Pie!

What a great song! Bye, bye, Miss American Pie, drove my chevy to the levy but the levy was dry. And good ol' boys drinking whisky and rye singing this will be the die! What??! What the heck is Don McLean talking about? I never did know, and was always confused as a child attempting to figure out the lyrics, but I didn't care. Again... I just loved the music. Another great tune to write customized lyrics to, I'd bet! I'll have to get Song Squeeze working on that one, too. Can you tell that I'm not the one who writes all the music??? I just throw my ideas their way. But anyway, the reason I decided to write about American Pie is that our neighbor stopped by and brought us some good ol' homemade American Pie (apple and cherry) and some homemade calzones. Heaven, I tell you, pure HEAVEN! It was soooooo good. We're really hoping she brings over more. We gobbled that all up. But here I was sitting there eating some of the best pie I've ever had and that song popped in my head. Yeah, the American Pie song I was just singing to you. After I sang it I thought, I really do wonder what that song is about... so, like the good student that I am, I looked it up on the internet. Here's what wikipedia has to say...
American Pie" is a rock song by singer-songwriter Don McLean.
Recorded and released on the American Pie album in 1971, the single was a number-one U.S. hit for four weeks in 1972. The song is an abstract story of his life that starts with the deaths of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and J. P. Richardson (The Big Bopper) in a plane crash in 1959, and ends in 1970; in the song he called the plane crash "the day the music died," which later became a name for the plane crash. The importance of "American Pie" to America's musical and cultural heritage was recognized by the Songs of the Century education project which listed the song performed by Don McLean as the number five song of the twentieth century.
The song's lyrics are the subject of much curiosity. Although McLean dedicated the American Pie album to Buddy Holly, none of the singers in the plane crash are identified by name in the song itself. When asked what "American Pie" meant, McLean replied, "It means I never have to work again."[1] Later, he more seriously stated "You will find many 'interpretations' of my lyrics but none of them by me... sorry to leave you all on your own like this but long ago I realized that songwriters should make their statements and move on, maintaining a dignified silence."[2] Despite this, many fans of Mclean, amongst others, have attempted an interpretation; most agree that many lines make reference to The Beatles (John Lennon particularly), The Rolling Stones (also, possibly, Mick Jagger in particular), The Byrds, Bob Dylan and Janis Joplin.

So, are you even more confused now than ever before??? This doesn't answer my question at all! But, oh well. All we really need is the tune to make our customized, personalized song. We can write our own confusing lyrics... that's what he encourages, doesn't he? Then I will maintain my dignified silence.

How to write a personalized birthday song

To write personalized birthday songs you first need to decide the style of music you want the song to be written in. Then you need to decide which facts you want to include in the song. If you ask me, the more information you have, the better. You can use any information, including: where/when they were born, what they like to eat, education, spouse or children, favorite movies, favorite TV shows, sports teams, hobbies, likes/dislikes, physical features (hair color, eye color, tall or short, etc.), as well as their personality traits. Are they funny. serious, good natured, etc.? My favorite facts to include when writing custom birthday songs is to include FUNNY STORIES to make funny songs. I like to make people smile. I love to make people happy. even though I am in a lot of pain, it is still important for me to be able to make others happy. I hope you enjoyed reading this article. Writing birthday songs, even recording personalized birthday song samples is a lot of fun!

What it Takes to Write Personalized Wedding Songs

To write custom wedding songs you first need to decide the stye of music you want for the song. Then you need to decide the important facts on the history of the couple you want to highlight in the song. I chose a "sappy" ballad for this custom wedding song. It kind of goes along the lines of "The Flame" by Cheap Trick. I recorded the first two acoustics in stereo. Then I did the drums and bass. I decided to put a little more "umph" in the chorus by recording a distortion rhythm guitar. I like it so much, I decided to keep the part in the whole song. I turned it up for the choruses, and held it back some during the verses. I didn't do a lead on this sample, but I think I will for the real recording. Then my brother sang the lead and harmonies tracks. I didn't sing because my head has been hurting form encephalitis a lot.
I originally wrote the song for our friends Todd and Shirlee. I decided to make it a sample that can be used for a personalized wedding song. The actual song that is a customized wedding song turned out great.

Unique Gifts

Song Squeeze has the perfect unique gift, whether it is a custom birthday song, wedding song, family reunion song, etc. It was fun deciding to go with this as our business. As a musician in several bands for many years, as well as a songwriter, it was a great idea. Have to go now because lightning is coming.

Cheap Trick Should be in Rock and Roll Hall of Fame!

Cheap Trick is the greatest rock and roll band of all time. They have had so many hits and keep touring. One of my favorite songs for Song Squeeze to cover is Voices by Cheap Trick. This beautiful love song was a blast to record. My brother sounds just like Robin Zander when he sings this. The music was cool, too. I first did an acoustic guitar track, followed by a quiet distortion sound. Then I recorded the drums, bass, and finally a lead. When Gregg sang the first vocal track, I had shivers. Listen for yourself. Cheap Trick has had so many songs that are incredible, but we finally settled on "Voices" to use as a custom song. More later

Customizing a Song

Ever since college my friends and I have been a part of taking apart a song and putting new lyrics to it. I don't really know why it was so fun...maybe because of our love for good ol' rock and roll, and then our other love for family and friends. I remember my friend Tana's dad had a birthday coming up. I think he was turning 50. We got together all the songs we could find that sort of made fun of him turning 50, and cut and pasted segments of songs together (on cassette tape!) and then played it for him over the phone on his birthday (he was 500 miles away). Although we couldn't actually sing the songs ourselves, he still loved every minute of it. I'm certain he knew it took a lot of time and effort on our part. And time and effort equal love, don't they? I remember one of the songs was called "Through the Years" or something like that. They were all classic songs though, and ones he loved. We sent him the tape; I'll bet he still has it and plays it. He's that type of guy.

Well, now we have a business kind of like that. Not Tana and me, but my husband Bill and his brother and me. Bill is a great musician with exceptional talent and has always loved taking apart secular songs and putting Christian lyrics to them. Or, in other cases, rewriting the lyrics of someone's favorite song by making the lyrics reflect their lives, and then singing the favorite song to lyrics that reflect their lives. He's especially good at poking fun at people. But he's also been known to write songs from scratch-wedding songs and such- so he can be as serious as anyone prefers.

We sang together at our wedding reception. It was the song "Still the One". What a great upbeat song. I'd imagine that could make a fantastic customized song for someone. That's what is so great about music- so many beats, genres, types. I'll bet there is no one out there who doesn't love some sort of music! Maybe it's rock and roll or maybe it's something from the 20's! That music was great too! Man! To think that that music is nearly 90 years old! I myself even love a little classical music now and then. I really do! There are just times when I want to sit back and let the music calm me down. And other times, it's the music that makes the party so much fun.

I believe music creates real memories. My friend Tana emailed the other day and mentioned some songs we created new lyrics to. One was for a joke on a friend. What great memories it brought back! Not necessarily specific memories, just memories of happy times with her and my other friends hanging out-listening to music. College was a blast, and a lot of it had to do the music. There was always a radio on or a cassette tape in the player.

My husband always says "Why should the devil have all the great music?" That's when he sits down and creates new lyrics to a great old tune. I have to agree that a lot of great tunes have been ruined by some pretty dumb lyrics. Think of the song "Running with the Devil". What an awesome song! But even in the 8th grade I felt guilty just listening to that song. I actually asked my pastor during confirmation class if he thought it was ok for me to listen to that song, and I explained that I really just liked the music! His response was "What do you think Jesus would think of it?". Bummer. I was hoping for a better answer. Why couldn't they have written better lyrics like "Running with my do-og". I would have been thrilled to take my dog out for a jog with my headphones on listening to that song. I guess I'll have to get my husband to get to work on that one so I can introduce it to my kids. 'Cause you know I'd never want them to listen to it either- unless it's been tweeked with a little song customization!

Fun Songs to Squeeze

One of my favorite classic songs to make a custom song was a cover of a Neil Young song. We covered Cinnamon Girl to make it a unique gift of a proposal song. We always loved that song. At first, I need to get two guitar sonds to mesh, but still be distinctive. I used a bass drum microphone to mic the one amp, then messed around with a clean, yet still crunchy distortion sound. For the other guitar I used an old Boss pedal, set it to Eddie Van Halen sound, and took off. My brother and I did the vocals in one take. He can really sound like Neil Young as you can hear. I have the lower harmony. Since we have been singing together our whole lives, it was really easy to do. I decided to do the live ending of the song, with the guitar that keeps going. Mixing it was fun, too, and we were really excited about the final product. This song will make a very cool proposal song.

Why I love Song Squeeze Personalized Songs

Song Squeeze Personalized Songs and Jingles is a great way for me to use my God-given talents and make people smile. Whether it's writing an original song or rewriting and old favorite, it is a blast doing this. More later

Aunt Rosemary's 70th Birthday Song

I've got to tell you, personalized songs is where it's at. My Aunt Rosie had her 70th Birthday Party last month, and my husband is trying out this new business where he creates customized personalized songs for people for any and all occasions. So, my thought was, "ok, let's see how good he really is". It was the day before the party, you see, and I didn't have a gift yet. In fact, I had no idea what kind of gift to get someone who is turning 70 years old. But I knew this much... my Aunt has a sense of humor, as do most of my relatives, and I've got a husband who writes personalized songs. So.... bingo! Great gift idea! I emailed my husband from work and told him a little bit about my Aunt. The things I told him were: she's turning 70, from Chicago, married to a lawyer, has 2 kids, goes to a Lutheran church, and knits. I really didn't know much else. Well, he got going writing the song (remember, this was the day before the party). He calls me and says he needs more goods on her, more information for this custom personalized song. So, I get back on the computer and quickly email my cousin. I explained what I was doing and asked her for some really good stuff on her mom. "Well', she said, "she quit smoking", and "she used to have a dog as a kid". My first thought was "who didn't???", but ok. I'll see if he can use it. So I give my husband the "goods" on my aunt. Sounded boring to me, but hey, let's see what he can come up with. By the time I returned home from work that day he tells me that the song is done. No kidding! He's that good! Great musician, great voice, great guitar and musical talent, and I have to admit, great song writing skills. The song he wrote is called "Rosie's 70th", and I tell you, it was the hit of the party! We went the next day (not my husband-that's another blog), with CD in hand, CD player (just in case they didn't have one at the private banquet room where the party was-good idea, by the way, because they didn't), and the framed lyrics. About midway through the party after everyone was finished eating, I announced that I had a very special gift for my Aunt Rosie. I had everyone's full attention, and people were excited to even just know a special song was written just for her. Most people, I think, were expecting something a bit sappy, except for people who know my husband. I played it. The song was upbeat, good natured, funny, and showed a lot of love, all wrapped up in one song. It wished her a happy birthday, summarized her life, and celebrated her life. It was the perfect gift for the happy occasion. I hope everyone has an opportunity to receive or give a special gift like this. I know my cousin's son was going to show her how to save it onto the new iphone she got for her birthday, so she could play it anytime she wanted and for all of her friends who couldn't attend. At the end of the day, people were coming up to me saying that my husband should go into business and try to do this for other people. Well, he is; and I wish him all of God's best.