(Sample) Week #49 SONGS BURL IVES COVERED (Part 2)

Author

Lisa Peterson
December 01, 2025

Week #49

Songs Burl Ives Covered

This is week 49 of the year and we will be celebrating Songs Burl Ives Covered (Part 2), by delving into the songs and applying concepts to create more joy and connection during caregiving routines with music.

The songs are:

  • Git Along Little Dogies

  • Home On the Range

  • In the Garden

  • In the Sweet By and By

  • Midnight Special

  • Old Rugged Cross, The

  • On Top of Old Smokey

  • Rock-A My Soul

  • Wild Rover, The

  • Yankee Doodle

SING ALONG

Featured Song

ON TOP OF OLD SMOKEY

“On Top of Old Smokey” is a traditional Appalachian folk song that dates back to the 1800s. “Old Smokey” is thought to refer to a high peak in the southern Appalachian mountains. Several regional variations of the song exist, and it is impossible to authenticate the “true” version due to the song’s inexact history. You might also know a set of alternate lyrics to the same melody called “On Top of Spaghetti”!

  • 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?

On Top of Old Smokey Here is Burl Ives’ 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

1-Minute Tip from Zen Caregiving Project

The One-Minute Breath Check

When to do it: Anytime before a difficult task, after an appointment, or when emotions rise.
How to practice:

  • Pause where you are and take a slow inhale through the nose for four counts.

  • Hold briefly, then exhale for four counts.

  • Notice where your breath lands in your body, your chest, belly, or throat.

  • Continue for a full minute, simply observing your breath without changing it.

This practice resets your body’s stress response and can be done as often as needed. It is an easy, free, accessible way to “catch a break” wherever you are, any time of day. How can you remember to do it? Pair it with existing routines. Try a mindful breath before opening the refrigerator or answering the phone.

Even a 60-second pause of genuine awareness can make the whole day feel lighter and more manageable.

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