A song for grandma and grandpa — for the jubilee, the golden wedding or simply because they're still here

Summers at grandma's smelled of tomatoes and freshly cut grass. Grandpa got up at five because “it gets hot later”, and took you to the river if you'd been good — and you always had been, at least according to him. In the evenings someone would put on an old radio in the yard and grandma would quietly sing songs whose words only she knew.

If you have memories like these, you already have a song. It just hasn't been written yet.

The occasions

• a jubilee — 70, 80, 90 — when the whole family is together;
• a golden or diamond wedding — 50 and 60 years together deserve a song;
• a family gathering — Christmas, Easter, the village fair;
• no reason — because they're still here and you can play it to them in person.

What to tell us

The whole family helps here. Get together and remember:

• their story — how they met (there are usually at least two versions);
• the house — the yard, the kitchen, the sounds and smells;
• their words — the sayings, the advice, the jokes they've repeated for years;
• what they've given — to the children, the grandchildren, the whole village;
• what you want them to hear — gratitude, love, “we're here because of you”.

If they love folk music, old hits or church hymns, write it in “Music wishes”. The song can sound like their youth.

How to give it

The best way is to play it when everyone is at the table. Be prepared: usually grandpa cries first, then everyone else. If you'd like their names to be heard, ask for a separate intro.

You can also give a poem — printed and framed next to their wedding photo.

Timing

Jubilees are planned — order in good time. The usual delivery time is on the occasion's page; if the date is getting close, put it in your order.

Grandparents don't want presents. They want to know we remember.

If you're also planning a celebration for your parents, see a song for an anniversary.

Order a song for grandparents