Sunny Songs

Singing and songwriting across age and illness

Every month, we sing hit songs with an intergenerational group of singers living with chronic health conditions. The hour-long sessions are friendly and conversational, and promote emotional wellbeing and social connection for everyone involved. Sometimes we write original songs together, too.

An elderly person in light clothing gesturing expressively while a musician plays guitar in the background
A small group of seniors gathered in a circle, some using mobility aids, engaged in a music session

"Time"

A few years back, we met Joanne. In our visits together, we sang some favorite songs, like "Does Your Mother Know You're Out, Cecilia" by Whispering Jack Smith. We also wrote a new song together called "Time."

When asked why she wanted to write a song about time, Joanne said, "Now, for me, time is getting shorter. I still don't know what will make time—and my life—worthy of me."

"Time" lyrics

Time is racing onward, it won't look back
It doesn't stop when I call it
Sometimes it's beautiful, other times it's not
It just keeps going, it won't be caught

We're searching, searching, searching for something we can hold
Time slips through our fingers as we grow old
We're searching, searching, searching for our destiny
Rivers run their course 'til they reach the sea

We're a participatory music group that recreates "aging" as an opportunity for connection and creative exploration. We often work in elder-centric settings, like customized living programs or memory care units.

Want to bring Recreation Arts to your community?
We'd love to connect.

Ryan Ander-Evans (he/them) tends our projects. They can be reached at the email address below. Around the time that Sunny Songs started, Ryan was diagnosed with a chronic autoimmune disease that he manages daily. He's grateful to be in relationship with chronically ill elders who offer joy and camaraderie as he learns to live with perpetual sickness.

If you're curious, click here to learn more about their art work.