Songs to Sing with Memory Care

[emilyfaye48]

Posted: 8/5/25 at 11:41pm

Hi friends! I recently started a new job working in a retirement home running the activities in assisted living and memory care. I had a great day today playing some youtube videos of songs from golden era musicals for the memory care residents. They really perked up and lots of them were able to sing along. I would love to make a long playlist on our youtube account with songs that will hopefully be recognized by the residents. Please share with me your most beloved and remembered songs from musicals or movies from the golden era!

So far they have really enjoyed

Shall We Dance - King & I

Getting To Know You - King & I

The Trolley Song - Meet Me in St Louis

Somewhere Over The Rainbow - Wizard of Oz

There Is Nothin Like A Dame - South Pacific

Good Mornin - Singing In The Rain

Oh What A Beautiful Mornin - Oklahoma

 

Thank you so much for your suggestions!

[ErmengardeStopSniveling]

Posted: 8/6/25 at 11:34am

A friend who used to work in memory care always said they most enjoyed songs that are a little uptempo, a little repetitive, and have lyrics that aren’t too dense. I think you’re on the right track with a lot of R&H and MGM musicals and jazz standards. Some 50s/60s pop hits, too?

Thank you for your work. 

Updated On: 8/6/25 at 11:34 AM

[Crusty Bagel]

Posted: 8/6/25 at 12:23pm

Its delovely- Cole porter 

someone to watch over me- Gershwin 

I got rhythm- Gershwin 

Go into your dance- 42nd street

You’re getting to be a habit with me- 42nd street

Only have eyes for you- 42nd street 

first man you remember- aspects of love  

I am what I am- La cage aux folles 

The best of times- La cage aux folles

hello dolly- hello dolly  

Each tomorrow morning- dear world  

All that jazz- Chicago

i could have danced all night- my fair lady

on the street where you live - my fair lady 

If ever I would leave you- Camelot 

 

[CarlosAlberto]

Posted: 8/6/25 at 2:11pm

Do, Re, Mi - "The Sound of Music"

So Long, Farewell - "The Sound of Music"

New York, New York - "On the Town"

If They Could See Me Now - "Sweet Charity"

Can't Help Lovin' Dat Man - "Show Boat"

June Is Bustin' Out All Over" - Carousel

I'm Gonna Wash That Man Right Outta My Hair - "South Pacific"

Chim Chim Cher-ee - "Mary Poppins"

Let's Go Fly A Kite - "Mary Poppins"

A Spoonful of Sugar - "Mary Poppins"

I Enjoy Being A Girl - "Flower Drum Song"

Zip-A-Dee-Dooh-Dah" - "Song of the South"

My Funny Valentine - "Pal Joey"

Bewitched, Bothered, Bewildered - "Pal Joey"

 

Assorted Standards:

That's All

S'Wonderful

That Old Black Magic

I Got Rhythm

Zing! Went the Strings of My Heart

Someone to Watch Over Me

That's Amore

Moon River

It Had To Be You

As Time Goes By

Que Sera, Sera

Friendship

 

 

 

 

 

[Wick3]

Posted: 8/6/25 at 2:23pm

Put on Your Sunday Clothes - Hello Dolly

Wouldn't it be Loverly - My Fair Lady

Tonight - West Side Story

Don't Rain on my Parade - Funny Girl

People - Funny Girl

I'd Do Anything - Oliver