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(Sample) Week #1 TRAVEL/OUTDOORS THEMED SONGS (Part 1)

Author

Lisa Peterson
December 28, 2025

Week #1

Travel & Outdoor Themed Songs (Part 1)

This is week 1 of the year and we will be celebrating Travel & Outdoor Themed Songs (Part 1), by delving into the songs and applying concepts to create more joy and connection during caregiving routines with music.

The songs are:

  • All Through the Night

  • Aloha Oe

  • Beautiful Dreamer

  • By the Light of the Silvery Moon

  • Chicago

  • Cielito Lindo

  • Danny Boy

  • De Colores

  • Down By the Riverside

  • Down in the Valley

  • Down to the River to Pray

Featured Song

DANNY BOY

The lyrics to “Danny Boy”were written by Frederic Weatherly in 1913 and were set to the Irish folk tune, “Londonderry Air”. The song’s meaning may stem from a parent’s message to a son leaving for war, or may be a reflection on the larger Irish diaspora across the world. The song is often used as an unofficial anthem of Americans and Canadians of Irish descent. “Danny Boy” may also be associated with funerals, although it is not a liturgical song.

  • Is this melody familiar to you?

  • Are the words familiar?

  • Did you find yourself humming along?

  • How did it affect you? Did your awareness change? Your breath? Your focus? Your mood?

  • Would you feel comfortable playing this in the background and allow yourself to hum or sing along? By yourself and/or with the one(s) you care for?

Danny Boy Here is Judy Garland’s version. I hope you enjoy it!

Creative Ideas

HOW TO USE THE MUSIC

  • Try humming or singing along with the provided recording, or one of your choosing for increased feeling of ______.

  • Listen to a recording to create a shared experience.

  • Listen while engaged in daily routines, to add a feeling of familiarity and comfort (if the song is known and loved)

  • Try reminiscing with the song history, or singers of the song. Look at pictures famous singers who performed the song.

SELF-CARE TIPS

Try Listening to Music

Listening to music is an easy and fun way to give yourself mini breaks throughout the day. In just 3 minutes (the length of a song), you can alter your mood, get energized, or even calm your thoughts. You can pick a song that you are fond of. You choose. More and more research is coming out about the benefits of listening to music. Here are just a few:

  1. Listening to music can improve your mood

  2. It can motivate you to be active (i.e. dance, walk, stretch, etc)

  3. Listening to music can help you to fall rest and/or fall asleep

How to Use the Music

  • Create Playlists: Make playlists with calming, uplifting, or nostalgic music that you enjoy. Assess your music access. How do you listen to music? Do you have a radio? CD player? Phone? Computer? Use your preferred method of listening

  • Incorporate into Routine: Listen for 30 minutes daily as self-care, use specific songs (3 minutes!) for mini breaks, or use music during routine tasks with your loved one.

  • Engage Actively: Sing, clap/tap/play, or dance along to the music

Make an effort to listen to music that you enjoy at least once a day. What do you notice?

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