Help compiling a song list...

[krhm]

My place of employment is being relocated. To "celebrate," we're having a formal banquet, followed by a more informal, intimate gathering, and I have been tasked with compiling some songs to play as background music during the second gathering. We're trying to avoid anything too maudlin, so "Auld Lang Syne" is out, and because it is a business, I have to be careful of lyrics. I will definitely have "Closing Time" by Semisonic in there, but I need about 12-15 more songs!!!!

With the diverse background of the CLBB members, I figured you all could help me out! TIA!

[beacooker]

because it is a business, I have to be careful of lyrics.

Are you saying that Jimmy Buffett's 'Why Don't We Get Drunk and Screw?' is out?!! :D

[Angelina]

I don't know the title, but I am sure someone will...it goes:

Those were the days my friend
we thought they'd never end...

Angela

[luvItalian]

How about some of the songs from when the TV shows end. I am terrible with names but the ones from Friends & Seinfeld come to mind. Can you also give us some info such as where you are now and where are you going. What tyoe of business are you in? The song "Boston" keeps coming to mind.

[MikeC]

I don't know the title, but I am sure someone will...it goes:

Those were the days my friend
we thought they'd never end...

Angela

The title is "Those Were The Days." One source says Gene Raskin wrote lyrics and music; I remember Mary Hopkin's rendition of it:

Once upon a time there was a tavern...
Where we used to raise a glass or two
Remember how we laughed away the hours...
And dreamed of all the great things we would do?

Those were the days my friend
We thought they'd never end
We'd sing and dance forever and a day
We'd live the life we choose
We'd fight and never lose
For we were young and sure to have our way.
La la la la...
Those were the days, oh yes those were the days

Then the busy years went rushing by us
We lost our starry notions on the way
If by chance I'd see you in the tavern
We'd smile at one another and we'd say....

Those were the days my friend
We thought they'd never end
We'd sing and dance forever and a day
We'd live the life we choose
We'd fight and never lose....
For we were young and sure to have our way.
La la la la...
Those were the days, oh yes those were the days

Just tonight I stood before the tavern
Nothing seemed the way it used to be
In the glass I saw a strange reflection
Was that lonely woman really me?

Those were the days my friend
We thought they'd never end...
We'd sing and dance forever and a day
We'd live the life we choose
We'd fight and never lose
For we were young and sure to have our way.
La la la la...
Those were the days, oh yes those were the days

Through the door there came familiar laughter
I saw your face and heard you call my name
Oh my friend were older but no wiser
For in our hearts the dreams are still the same....

Those were the days my friend
We thought they'd never end
We'd sing and dance forever and a day
We'd live the life we choose
We'd fight and never lose
For we were young and sure to have our way.
La la la la...
Those were the days, oh yes those were the days......

[jabelt]

The first thing that comes to mind is End of the Innocence by Don Henley. It was our high school class song, so it always reminds me of bitter-sweet endings.

[boisewinesnob]

How about some of the songs from when the TV shows end. I am terrible with names but the ones from Friends & Seinfeld come to mind.

I don't know the Friends song b/c I never really watched it, but Seinfeld used "Good Riddance (Time Of Your Life)" by Greenday.

[luvItalian]

How about Genesis, Follow You, Follow Me.

Graduation songs are a great idea. Unfortunetly mine was by The Carpenters, We've Only Just Begun. I thought it was cool at the time. Oh no I am dating myself!!!!

I always thought Glen Frey's Part of Me Part of You would be great for a graduation.

Antoher idea depending on how many people and how well you know them is: The number one song from the year they started at the company. Depending on how long your company has been around you can do things from the start of the company.

[krhm]

Are you saying that Jimmy Buffett's 'Why Don't We Get Drunk and Screw?' is out?!! :D

Most definitely! :D But, I'm adding "Changes in Attitude, Changes in Latitude" to the list!

Genesis, "Follow You, Follow Me" is perfect since some are relocating together. And Green Day's "Time of Your Life" is also awesome!

Is the "Those Were the Days" song also covered by Billy Joel? Or am I thinking something different?

Editing to add...the song I was thinking of was "This Is The Time" by Billy Joel. So, now I have two more to add to the list! A twofer!

[Gilgamesh37]

If you don't mind schmaltzy (and old) Seals & Croft's We May Never Pass This Way Again would fit. Personally, I heard it so many freaking times during my HS graduation in 1980 that it makes me want to pluck out my eyeballs...but I'm told that not everyone has this reaction to it. :p

[BucknellAlum]

How about:

"Ease on Down the Road" from the Wiz? :D

"Movin' On" by Rascal Flatts

"It's My Job" by Jimmy Buffett

"So Long, Farewell" From the Sound of Music

"Thanks for the Memories" by Bob Hope (I think)

I also like Good Riddance and We May Never Pass this Way Again.

[Peweh]

How about The Jeffersons theme song, "Movin' On up"? it might be kind of cute!

[hlao23]

How about The Jeffersons theme song, "Movin' On up"? it might be kind of cute!

Love it! More levity...which people may or may not recognise:
Time to Change by the Brady Bunch

When it's time to change
You've got to rearrange
Who you are into what you're gonna be
Sha na na na na na na na an
Sha na na na na...

[krhm]

All great ideas!! I like mixing it up to include some funny ones like the Jefferson's theme song with some sadder ones, like "We May Never Pass This Way Again." I don't want anyone breaking out into tears!

Plus, this is a very diverse list...I didn't know about Rascal Flatts...they're kind of country, arent' they?

Another one I thought of is "These Are the Days" by Natalie Merchant.