Songs With Stories: Recent Episodes
Summer Hill
Music starts at time stamp 9:12.
Summer is joined by her sister, Tiffany, in sharing one of their most nostalgic songs.
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Part of the Hymns Project: The "Hymn of All Hymns." Summer is joined by her friend, Sara, in discussing the history and appeal of this popular hymn.
Summer and her friend, Sara, share Sara's favorite hymn, Lead, Kindly Light.
The music starts at 5:54.
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Happy little song with a hopeful message. Summer's niece, Mallorie, joins her for this one. Summer's other niece still is bothered that the word, "tomato," isn't actually said in the song. Ha!
Music starts at 12:48.
For my son's graduation, I wanted to share a song that completely embodies my hopes and wishes for his future, and wish all our graduates or those embarking on a new journey or phase in life. The wisdom captured in the song by Rene Marie is brilliant, heartfelt, and moving. So well done that I had to give it go. All my best to you graduates, and all my love and respect to you, Rene Marie, for such a profound piece.
Bill Withers' classic, this podcast has both Summer's rendition and her sisters rendition from about 20 years ago. Finding it fitting for the Covid19 circumstances, Summer sends this out with wishes for everyone to stay well.
As our world deals with the Covid19 Outbreak, Summer resends a new version of "Be Still My Soul," as her friend, who wishes no credit given, accompanies her on guitar.
We wish all to stay healthy. We will get through this.
A country classic, Summer tells the history of Could I Have This Dance, made popular by Anne Murray and briefly explains why this song is so timeless.
The music starts at 6:30.
Such a great song! Written by Ron Ahrens and still fairly obsure, this cute song takes the beloved peanut butter and jelly sandwich to a whole new level. I had no idea this sandwich had such depth!
On Christmas Eve, Summer and some of her family share the history and sing this classic Christmas hymn.
The music starts at 4:27.
George Formby's famous banjo song. Summer tells about how she learned this song from an old British friend who actually went to George Formby's concerts live in London.
The music starts at 7:04.
A literal garage band demo that became a classic. It was a 1950's R&B song that made it's way to the top 100 Billboard Pop list. Quite remarkable for the time. And just like the Penguin's original recording, Summer's version is guaranteed to not be overproduced.
The music starts at 4:45.
Summer goes into her memories of this song. She hopes people will sing along and harmonize!
The music starts at time code 6:08.
This song is a request from a listener. A brief history of Emma Lou Thayne's and Jolene Meredith's hymn of comfort for the mentally ill.
The music kind of starts at time code 8:20, with interuptions.
The history of the song that was awarded by the Recording Industry of America as the Song of the Century. Alternate lyrics are for a very special person's birthday, as the true lyrics are sad. Summer's sisters contributed to this podcast.
The music starts at 12:54.
In honor of Holy Week and Easter, the song "Gethsemane" by Melanie Hoffman is featured. The song talks about the powerful reason why Jesus did what he did. A brief history of Jesus' life during Holy Week is discussed with the beautiful message of how Passover, Good Friday, and Easter are about deliverance from slavery, sin, and death.
Happy Easter and Chag Sameach
The music starts at 8:55
Bill Staines' darling folk song, sometimes referred to as a children's song, shares a message of inclusion regardless of differences. All the animals belong in the animal choir, just like all of us belong in our human symphony. Sometimes there are disagreements and dissonance, but the song is a message of belonging and harmony.
The music starts at 8:57.
When life is done, love is not.
This song is from one of Summer's favorite childhood movies. She also discusses troubadours and their simple style of singing-storytelling, and the thoughtful lyrics of this song. Happy Valentine's Day!
The music starts at 9:05.
Perry Como made it famous in 1957.
Shooting stars are historically symbolic of good luck and happy, hopeful wishes coming true. Summer discusses the symbolism and some superstitions that go along with shooting stars, as well as shares some family memories related to it.
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The music starts at 4:35
Ben E. King's classic shared on ukelele. Inspirational and based on Psalm 46 and a spiritual titled, "Lord, Stand By Me," Ben E. King and two others penned this classic.
Whether a human, an angel, or a loyal pet, there is comfort knowing someone stands by you.
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The music starts at 6:35
Old Hymns are healing. Kathrina Von Schlegel wrote the original poem (Stille, mein Wille, dein Jesus hilft siegen) and Jean Sibelius the melody (Finlandia).
Classic for it's lasting appeal, the message of this song is to look to the Lord for peace in our ever chaotic world. Know that the Lord is on your side.
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The music starts at 8:10.
Medley of "Jesus Said Love Everyone" and "As I Have Loved you." Arranged by Summer Hill for a Young Women's meeting in January 2019
"Love is the very essence of the gospel, the noblest attribute of the human soul. Love is the remedy for ailing families, ill communities, and sick nations." —Thomas S. Monson
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The music starts at 7:55.
Longfellow was no stranger to grief. His wife died in a house fire in 1860 and his oldest son had a nearly paralyzing gunshot wound as a union soldier during the American Civil War. Christmas Day 1863 found Longfellow hearing the bells chime out Christmas carols and trying to reconcile their cheerful sounds with the sad, harsh world of the Civil War surrounding him. Canons firing and carols playing didn't seem to match.
This is where the story of this song begins.
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The music starts at 4:55.
Joni Mitchell's classic of Both Sides Now is powerful and Immortal, knowing the there are many sides to all things.
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The music starts at 7:04.
Summer discusses why "Three Little Birds" was her first song to be featured on Songs with Stories, telling about a patient who inspired her to the song and the baritone ukulele.
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