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(Sample) Week #7 Folk Songs Connie Francis Covers (Part 1)

Author

Lisa Peterson
February 08, 2026

Week #7

Folk Songs Connie Francis Covers

This is week 7 of the year and we will be celebrating songs Connie Francis covers, by delving into the songs and applying concepts to create more joy and connection during caregiving routines with music.

The songs are:

  • Always

  • Anytime

  • Danny Boy

  • Down in the Valley

  • Funiculi, Funicula

  • Hava Nagila

  • Home On the Range

SING ALONG

Featured Song

FUNICULI, FUNICULA

“Funiculi, Funicula”, a Neapolitan song, was written by Luigi Denza in 1880 to celebrate the first funicular railroad (i.e., a cable car for steep inclines) opening on Mount Vesuvius in Italy. The sheet music was a best-seller, with first year sales topping one million copies. The English-language lyrics were written by Edward Oxenford in 1912, and also goes by the title, “A Merry Life.” Since being composed in 1880, the song has been adapted and recorded by musicians around the world.

  • 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?

Funiculi, Funicula Here is Connie Francis’ 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

Self-Compassion Reduces caregiver burnout:

The stress and challenges of caring for someone with dementia can lead to burnout, but practicing self-compassion can help caregivers cope with difficult emotions and prevent them from feeling overwhelmed.

Check out this short video with Kristin Neff who talks about the importance of being kind to ourselves.

Did you fill out the self-compassion questionnaire? If so, share your experience with us at [email protected]

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