Every Song Tells a Story

Hello and welcome,

In a previous Music & Memories Notes we talked about offering residents choice through music.

This month I’d like to take that one step further.

Why does that choice matter so much?

Because it’s never just a song.

When a resident requests a favourite song, they usually aren’t simply choosing a melody.

They’re choosing a memory.

One song becomes a wedding day or brings back dancing with a husband who passed away years ago.

It reminds someone of rocking a baby to sleep or driving trucks across Australia with the radio playing.

Sometimes it is simply the feeling of being young again.

Music has an extraordinary way of holding memories that words alone cannot reach. A familiar melody can awaken people, places, emotions and stories that have been quietly waiting beneath the surface.

As Lifestyle and Therapy staff, you see this every day.

A resident who has spoken very little suddenly begins singing every word.

Someone starts tapping their foot or smiles.

Another quietly wipes away a tear before sharing their story.

It reminds us that residents don’t simply hear music.

They remember the life attached to it.

Music & Memories Moments

Recently, after a “Dancing Days Music & Memories” session, a resident came over to share her beautiful love story.

As a young woman in Bunbury during the Second World War, she taught dancing to young people preparing for Debutante Balls.

Not far away, soldiers were working along the beaches, putting barbed wire in place in case the war reached Australia’s shores.

One evening they heard the music coming from the hall and wandered inside.

She danced the Modern Waltz with one of the soldiers.

That one dance changed everything.

Soon afterwards he was sent overseas. While he was away, he wrote to her every single day.

When the war ended, he returned home.

They married and shared a long and happy life together.

As she finished telling me her story, I realised something.

To her, that waltz was never just a song. It was the beginning of her love story.

How many beautiful stories are waiting behind the songs your residents request?

One Question That Changes Everything

The next time a resident requests a favourite song, simply ask:

“Tell me about that song.”

You might also ask:

• What does this song remind you of?
• Who does it make you think about?
• Did you dance to this one?
• Where does this song take you?
• Was there someone special who loved this song?

Then give them time.

Sometimes the story lasts longer than the song.

Music Session Idea: Every Song Tells a Story

You know your residents best.

You know the songs they request, the ones they begin singing before the first verse is finished, the songs that make them smile, close their eyes, tap their foot or suddenly begin to talk.

That simple question, “Tell me about that song”, can also become the beginning of a very personal music and reminiscing activity.

Over the years, residents have shared beautiful stories with me about the songs that belong to their lives.

One resident told me:

“My husband sang Blue Moon when he proposed to me.”

Another shared:

“My wife and I danced to Can’t Help Falling in Love at our wedding.”

To someone else, these may simply be familiar songs.

To those residents, they hold part of their life story.

Begin by creating a list of your residents’ special songs.

You don’t need to make this complicated.

At morning tea one day, ask:

“What is one song you have always loved?”

You might also ask:

• Was there a song played at your wedding?
• Did your husband or wife have a favourite song?
• What did you dance to when you were young?
• Is there a song that reminds you of your parents?
• What song takes you straight back to a special time in your life?

Write the songs down beside each resident’s name.

Or you can also simply notice.

If you have a concert, musician or entertainer visiting, watch which songs residents respond to most.

Who suddenly begins singing?

Who smiles?

Who starts tapping their foot?

Who becomes more alert when a particular song begins?

Who says, “I love this one”?

Those responses can help you build a collection of songs that have personal meaning for the people you support.

Then bring those songs together.

Choose several of the residents’ special songs for a music and reminiscing session.

Before or after playing each song, gently invite the resident to share what makes it special.

You might say:

“Margaret, you told me this song was special to you. Would you like to tell us about it?”

There is no need to rush to the next song.

Allow time for the story.

Other residents may recognise something in it and begin sharing their own memories too.

The aim isn’t to see how many songs you can fit into the session.

It is to use music to access the stories that matter to the people in front of you.

A favourite song can give a resident the opportunity to talk about a husband or wife, a wedding day, a parent, learning to dance, a first love, a child, a place they once lived or a moment they have carried with them for decades.

And when we stop long enough to listen, we give residents the opportunity to be seen, heard and valued for the life they have lived.

The First Five Minutes

The beginning of a music session often shapes everything that follows.

Many residents are still settling into the room, finding their seat and deciding whether they feel comfortable joining in.

To begin, choose a gentle, familiar song to create a warm welcome without demanding lots of energy straight away.

Avoid beginning too loud, too quickly. Fast songs or loud percussion can sometimes feel overwhelming, particularly for residents living with dementia.

Instead…

• Begin softly.
• Smile and make eye contact.
• Greet residents by name.
• Allow the room to settle.
• Gradually build the energy throughout the session.

Think of the first five minutes as opening your front door and warmly welcoming everyone inside.

Questions & Answers

Q: Should I always add upbeat songs?

A: Not necessarily. Every group is different. Sometimes a gentle song can create more connection than an energetic one. Watch the residents rather than following a fixed playlist.

Q: What if a resident becomes emotional during a song?

A: Music often unlocks meaningful memories. Sit beside them, acknowledge their feelings and simply listen if they would like to share. Tears can be a sign that something deeply important has been remembered.

Q: How do I know which songs to choose?

A: Let residents guide you whenever possible. Their requests often tell you far more than any prepared playlist.

Q: What if nobody responds to my questions?

A: Give residents time. Some people are remembering quietly before they speak. Often one person’s story encourages others to begin sharing.

A Little Tip I’ve Learned

Instead of asking:

“Who remembers this song?”

Try saying:

• “I wonder if someone here danced to this one…”
• “Perhaps this reminds you of your first sweetheart…”
• “I imagine someone here sang this to their children…”

These gentle invitations don’t feel like a memory test.

They simply allow space for stories.

A Gentle Reminder

Every song tells a story.

Sometimes we hear the melody.

Residents often hear a lifetime.

Thank you for creating opportunities for residents to remember, connect and share the stories that have shaped their lives.

My hope is that these notes remind you that what you do is important; you are helping people feel known, valued and remembered.

With thanks and gratitude,