Once upon a time, I had a rotation of 2 or 3 hello and goodbye songs that I used across the board. But now that Katey and I write a new class curriculum every few weeks, I have amassed quite a collection of greeting songs.
This is one of the simpler goodbye tunes I’ve written. In fact, I realized this morning that I didn’t even have it written out (it only took a few minutes to create a quick lead sheet since the chords are nice and easy), nor do I have an instrumental track since I just used bare-bones ukulele accompaniment.
When I write a hello or goodbye song, I make sure I reeeeally like it, because most likely I’ll end up singing it for YEARS. Case in point: my rotation of these includes songs I wrote during my internship (over eight years ago).
But I’m always adding to that rotation, because it’s nice to have lots to choose from since almost every class and music therapy session begins with a hello song and ends with a goodbye song.
My latest farewell tune is a new favorite, and I hope you like it too! This one is peppy and geared towards a group setting, but you could easily adapt it for use with an individual student or client.
Do you use a variety of greeting and goodbye songs, or do you prefer to keep yours consistent? If you are looking for even more, you’ll find plenty by searching the archives.
Members of Listen & Learn Plus! have access to all of these songs (along with tons more) right inside the Dropbox folder I share with them — come over and join us!
After a few years of relying on the same old goodbye songs for my music therapy sessions and classes, I decided it was high time for a new one. The phrase “seeya later, alligator” popped into my head immediately, so I went with it.
I tried this song out for the first time yesterday with my Listen & Learn for Little Ones group, and it went over really well! And now I can’t get it out of my head, no matter how hard I try. But since that’s my gauge for measuring the potential effectiveness of a song, I suppose that’s a good thing!
Now that I have this brand-new goodbye song, my hello songs are feeling a little stale. I think I know what’s next on the songwriting to-do list :)
The end of the summer means getting back into the routine not only of waking up for school in the morning, but also of going to sleep on time. I remember being a kid and dreading the earlier bedtime that came along with the start of a new school year, and I know children everywhere are feeling the same right about now.
This is the first “goodnight” song I’ve written, and while I wanted it to be appropriate for bedtime, I didn’t want to go all out lullaby. It has a bit of a groove to it, but the overall vibe is chill. I know it makes me want to do exactly what the little girl in the picture is doing!
I’m not in school anymore (nor do I work in one any longer), but I still find myself going to bed earlier once the end of August hits. I suppose it’s just one way of showing camaraderie with my students :)
With school starting a week from today, you’d think I’d have “hello” songs on the brain. But yesterday, out of the blue, I was hit with the memory of a song from my high school years. Blessid Union of Souls was a popular band back then, and I listened to their self-titled album nonstop.
My favorite track was Peace and Love, and when it came to mind yesterday, I realized it would make a great “goodbye” song. I’m thinking “goodbye” in more of a long-term sense; perhaps I might sing it at a final music therapy session (prior to termination of service) or even a graduation ceremony.
May every star you wish upon And every hope you’re hangin’ on come true Out of everybody in the world There’s no one who deserves it more than you I hope you find Everything you’ve been dreamin’ of Only good things No in betweens just Peace and love
These words did not come easily Still you know I had to write them down You must know what you mean to me I wish that you could always be around I hope you find Everything you are worthy of I’m gonna miss you But I only wish you Peace and love
Peace and love Tears of joy Kindness of strangers All of your roads Paved in gold By guardian angels Wherever you may be in this world My salutation says it all May you always have enough Peace and love
I let you go unselfishly Cause everyone needs time to be alone Well maybe time will bring you back And if it does you’ll always have a home I sign my name No one to blame it on because I’m on your side No question of pride
Peace and love Tears of joy Kindness of strangers All of your roads Paved in gold By guardian angels Wherever you may be in this world My salutation says it all May you always have enough Peace and Love
I use the chords provided here (incidentally, Ultimate Guitar is where I find almost all of the chords and tabs for cover songs I perform). I’d love to hear how you might apply this song to your music therapy practice or otherwise. Please share your thoughts in the comments!
Welcome! I’m Rachel Rambach, board-certified music therapist and creator of Listen & Learn Music — educational songs and musical materials for children. I love sharing my work with you, along with my behind-the-scenes creative process, adventures in business ownership, and life as a mom of two little ones.
New Book + 6 CMTE Course!
This is the book + course that will help you shape your music therapy career in order to make more money and live your ideal lifestyle. Details here.
Session Plans
Next month’s music therapy sessions, early childhood groups, or classroom music…planned for you in advance.
Free Download
Click the image below for this free resource and song collection!
