Our Songs

These are some of our songs that could have easily been our wedding song. Unfortunately, we could only pick one which we'll reveal on our wedding day. However, these will definitely be played at our wedding/honeymoon. If the song included "man", "woman", "her", "him", etc., it didn't make the list unless it was a duet. Songs were chosen where the lyrics would equally apply to either one of us. We hope you know some of them and if not, we hope to introduce you to some you may not know or remember.

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Nat King Cole - The Very Thought of You - 1958

George: More often than not, the original recording tends to be the best or favorite.  This song was recorded by many artists prior to Nat (Billie Holiday being one of our favorites), but when we heard Nat's version with Gordon Jenkins' Orchestra, it just blew us away.  Nat's voice is the crème de la crème and Gordon Jenkins' Orchestra is just superb!  We play this song regularly . . . It is in constant rotation.  We know that Unforgettable is the most recognized, but this song is our favorite. 

Deb: I love when George is being the DJ for the evening, which if you know G he loves to do this. The Very Thought of You always gives me goose bumps. Makes me feel so special. There are so many songs we love. We love to be different and this song is so popular for good reasons but not the wedding song for us.
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The Flamingos - I Only Have Eyes for You - 1959

George: I get my love for the 50s and 60s from my Mom.  She would play this stuff all the time when I was growing up.  So, when I finally saw American Graffiti, I discovered this song is played in the movie.  It just reaffirmed how much I really liked this song and how it embodies that era.  I have always played this song throughout my adult life and it's transitioned into one of Deb and my songs.  And, it's such a romantic piece.  The Flamingos, not the original recording artist, peaked the song at #11 on the Billboard charts in 1959.

Deb: Whenever I hear this song, I can't believe how much I love G. It makes me think about all that he is to me. I only have eyes for him. I am so grateful that he came into our lives. I am a better person because of him. He has changed our lives and continues to be supportive and encouraging for all of us. 
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Etta James - At Last - 1960

George: I remember the very first time I heard this song.  I was watching TV and this Jaguar car commercial came on and this song . . . this incredible song with a voice so captivating . . . I had to find out who she was.  Etta James.  I discovered her and the song in 1999, and it has opened the doors to more of her music.  One of the reasons that we didn't select this song . . . because hundreds of others have, and to be honest, I don't blame them.  One hell of a song.  Deb and I turn the knob a little higher when it is played to drown out all the other life distractions!

Deb: "At Last" is undeniably incredible, but it is also highly traditional and very common. Who doesn't love this song. Lots of people use this song as their wedding song. Just a classic, nostalgic, and beautiful song for weddings. We love to be different so this song even though made the list just not the song we choose for our wedding song.
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The Everly Brothers - Let It Be Me - 1960

George: On this one particular occasion, Deb and I were playing songs and I was trying to recall other artist and songs that I haven't heard in a while.  The Everly Brothers!  I love their music.  So, I started searching for the next song to queue and I saw "Let It Be Me".  The song played and within seconds, Deb just starts balling, crying.  I thought maybe the song triggered a bad memory.  That's when I discovered that is how she felt in the early stages of us being neighbors in Lexington Park.  Alright . . . ok, Dear . . . it is now one of our songs.

Deb: Another timeless devotional song. When I hear this song, it just reminded me of how much I wanted it to be me. G and I love music and play this song as well as all of these on this list. This song explains just how a single song can perfectly mirror your deepest personal desires.  Playing music together is a bond that we will continue to enjoy.
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Elvis - Can't Help Falling in Love - 1961

George: This is the song that I envisioned being my wedding song for as long as I can remember. I have been a long admirer of Elvis' music since elementary school. Getting married in Hawaii . . . how could this song not be Deb's and my wedding song?  It is because it is the wedding song of our daughter and son-in-law.  But, it's going to be played for sure and it will be played constantly throughout our lives together.  Timeless!

Deb: I can't help but think that the exciting, undeniable belief that destiny brought us together. It reminds me just how much we mean to each other. This was very close to being the song. It suited Marie and Brian perfectly.
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Sam Cooke - Nothing Can Change This Love - 1962

George: There as some artist that simply mentioning their name is all that needs to be said.  Sam Cooke.  I don't know if I can do any justice in trying to define his sound and songs.  And when one of his songs play, you know indisputably, it's Sam Cooke.  This song, so soulful, so heartfelt, for me, could have easily been our wedding song . . . but it is undeniably, one of our songs.  It peaked at #2 on the Billboard R&B charts and #12 on the Billboard chart in 1962.  Sam Cooke would pass away two years later after releasing this song.

Deb:  Sam's voice is just amazing. Says everything I love about G. After all these years he still takes my breath away. Through the good and bad nothing will change the way I feel for you G. It shows the deep, unconditional love that remains constant despite challenges, and we have had a few over the years, but just made our relationship even stronger.
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Herman's Hermits - Can't You Hear My Heartbeat - 1965

George: You know, not every wedding song has to be slow or make you cry (from happiness, of course).  They can be upbeat and peppy.  Again, one of those moments where Deb and I are searching for more songs to add to the rotation, I introduced Herman's Hermits, "Can't You Hear My Heartbeat".  It's such a cool song.  Well, the more we played it, the more Deb and I would sing the lyrics to it.  One day I mentioned, you know, this could be a wedding song.  Deb paused for a few seconds and said, "Yes, put it on the list.  I agree."  Upbeat, peppy, and says exactly how we feel.  Perfect.

Deb:  This is just a happy song. When we listen to songs we try to put the ones that represent us.  He always make my heart pitter patter. He is always so supportive in all of my adventures. When I hear this song it makes me smile and think of him singing it.
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The Righteous Brothers - Unchained Melody - 1965

George: The movie, Ghost, starring Patrick Swayze, Demi Moore, and Whoopi Goldberg reintroduced this song to millions of people.  I had heard the song before but never related to it or maybe I was more familiar with their song, "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'" featured in Tom Cruise's movie, Top Gun.  The Righteous Brothers are the original recording artist.  This song pulls at your heart strings.  A song that professes a love so deep and elicit God's help in bring that love home is simply a masterpiece.  This song is undoubtably a top wedding song also . . . and one of Deb and my favorites.

Deb: I know this is selfish but, I want to go first. I can come back and haunt G in his sleep that I made it to heaven first. I can only imagine how people feel when your one and only passes. I will always watch over him and the kids. This song is so popular and loved by many.
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Van Morrison - Into the Mystic - 1970

George: I was first introduced to Van Morrison by my shipmate in the Navy, William (Bill) Mayes.  We were sitting poolside at “Mom & Pop Kaye” house in Fort Lauderdale.  If you have never heard of Mom and Pop Kay, look them up.  Two of the finest human beings that ever lived that I personally knew.  Bill had the Van Morrison's Moondance CD in his hand.  I was curious, got myself one, and I was hooked.  Over the years, I kept discovering more and more and more of his music.  Just phenomenal!  One of the best all time.  So, Deb and I had to chance to watch Van Morrison live in Miami a couple of years ago.  One of our favorites is "Into the Mystic'.  Deb wanted so much to hear him sing, but Van is famous for changing his set list each night.  He had sung it the night before, so we didn't get to hear him sing it on our night.  There are several others that can make this list, but this is Deb's all-time favorite.  I can't think of any Van Morrison song that we don't like.  We play this one constantly.

Deb: Van Morrison... This man can sing. I love most of his music. This song Into the Mystic is my all time favorites. I saw it in a movie in 1989 can't remember the name of the movie. That song just stuck with me. Then, G introduced me to the album and now we love his music together.
Feels So Right
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Alabama - Feels So Right - 1981


George: Deb and I are fans of all types of music and country music is no exception.  Alabama was a major country music force in the 1980s.  Hit after hit.  Now that we live in the State of Alabama, you know there was going to be a song from Alabama on this list.  It reminds us of our teenage years.  It is such a sweet relationship ballad.  Timeless.


Deb: I agree with G. We love all types of music. Alabama is a timeless group. I love the way it connects us to Alabama. 

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 Joe Cocker and Jennifer Warnes - Up Where We Belong - 1982

George: I know "Pretty Woman" starring Richard Gere and Julia Roberts gets all the love, but "An Officer and a Gentleman" was first and far more relatable.  This song is played at the end of the movie, and it is spot on.  The song went to number 1 on the Billboard charts and stayed there 3 weeks.  Deb and I watched this movie a few months before our trip.  Deb indicated that she had seen it before.  But when the movie started, she said that, ok, I don't remember this movie.  She confused it with "A Few Good Men".  Afterwards, Deb stated that she thought it was a really, good movie . . . and it is; and so is the song.  Though its popularity has faded as a wedding song; not the case with us.

Deb: The end of  "An Officer and a Gentleman" was amazing.  I love this song. This movie had a lot to do with the navy. My thought was I wonder if G looked this good in his "Whites" or if he has them. We did find his uniform but no "Whites".     :(      I wish I knew him during this time sometimes, but then again maybe God needed us to meet at the right time. I do love a man in uniform. Especially one in a military uniform. Great movie if you haven't seen it.   
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Merle Haggard - That's the Way Love Goes - 1983

George: Another country song that was written and recorded a couple of times before Merle Haggard covered it.  But it wasn't until I heard Merle Haggards version that I was introduced to the song.  It's the one I remember and play.  Simple lyrics about love delivered straightforward and honest . . . just like all of Merle's songs.

Deb: Love is always a growing thing, and you become able to know what each other will say or do. also, you have to be able to forgive and grow with each other and we/I grew a lot in this relationship. I am grateful that G gave me the courage to pursue my passion (teaching). Then, the kids needed to go to college, get married (Marie and Brian), Landon more college, and now time for us. That's the way love goes. 
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John Conlee - As Long as I'm Rockin' with You - 1984

George: I would be surprised if many people know about John Conlee today, but in the early 80s, he was a prominent country star.  By 1984, he had already had a few number 1 songs on the country charts.  This song is his song.  It has never been covered by anyone.  It went to number 1 as well.  A love song that talks about all the things that can happen in life with a couple . . . but at the end of the day, as long as we're growing old together, those things don't matter as long as you are with me.  It reminds me of the love found in my childhood home, rural North Carolina.

Deb: We love a variety of music. This one is very country but I love the meaning. I don't care where I am as long as I am with G all is good. I know I am the mushy one and that's ok for me, G is the history man with all the stats. He can pull some kind of information out of his ass and I just shake my head because he can't remember where he left his coffee cup. 
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Huey Lewis and The News - Stuck with You - 1986

George: I am a fan of Huey Lewis and the News.  This song is right in line with the Herman's Hermit song.  Upbeat and lively that describes two people in harmony.  It has been one of my favorites in general before meeting Deb.  The song spent three weeks at number one on the US Billboard Hot 100, becoming the band's second number one hit after "The Power of Love" from the "Back to the Future" movie.  Another song we sing along to when the song is played.  My only regret . . . never seeing Huey Lewis and the News live in concert.  If they were to play; Deb and I are going.

Deb- Well he is "stuck With me now". We have been through a lot through the years but I know this made us who we are today. I am HAPPY TO BE STUCK WITH YOU". Such a great upbeat song. Love songs don't have to be sad. The 80's were good for music. 
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Van Morrison - Someone Like You - 1987


George- Van Morrison.  There's just nothing else to say.  When we play this song, we generally have a glass of wine in hand, sitting outside under the gazebo with the ceiling fan spinning with Major Mattis and Sadie Belle laying by our sides.  We generally don't sing along with this one.  We both want to hear Van sing . . . uninterrupted.


Deb- This song makes me cry. I have always wanted someone in my life like George. He gave me everything, confidence, love, happiness, courage, and most of all made me a better person/mom and soon to be wife. I am so proud of the man he is. Till the end babe. 

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Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes- (I've Had) The Time of My Life- 1987


George- As Deb stated . . . Dirty Dancing.  Another lively, upbeat song describing two people having the time of their lives together.  Another classic wedding song and since we are both products of the 80s, no way this song wasn't going to make the list.  It has been chosen by hundreds as their wedding song and definitely one of our favorites.


Deb-Who doesn't like Dirty Dancing? Such a great movie. Wish I could dance like that. Such a big part of our lives growing up. Patrick Swayze was a heartthrob for lots of girls growing up. I didn't see the movie till a few years later. Great wedding song for sure. 


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INXS - Never Tear Us Apart - 1988

George- I was introduced to INSX in high school by Jenny Sumerlin.  At the time, I thought, they're alright, I guess.  Not what I was listening to at the time.  After high school and in the Navy, I began to really listen to them and realized how good of a band they really were.  This love song with the orchestra blended with the band . . . and the saxophone solo is tops! I met Jenny several years later at a party while we were both attending NC State.  Had a nice yet brief conversation.  If I ever meet her again, I will tell her that she was right about INSX . . . damn right!  phenomenal band!  In 2025, this song was named the best Australian song of all time in Triple J’s poll of Australia’s favorite homegrown hits.

Deb- This 80's song is something I would sing out loud. Just cracks me up. The idea of two completely different people instantly falling into each other’s lives and after all the years and time no one will tear us apart. We have made a life together that is very strong. We can do anything together. 
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Alison Krauss & Union Station - When You Say Nothing at All - 1995


George- When I hear Alison Krauss sing . . . simply angelic, comes to mind.  What a voice.  And Union Station doesn't get the recognition they deserve for the excellent skill at playing the instruments that they play.  Now, this song was originally record by Keith Whitley went #1 on the Billboard Country charts in late 1988.  He would die less than a year later.  Alison Krauss and Union Station covered the song on a Keith Whitley tribute album.  The song surprisedly peaked at #3 on the Billboard Country charts and has been in continuous play on the radio ever since.  Excellent cover, beautiful song, and has been many and many a wedding song for so many couples.


Deb- Even without words I know that G loves me. He does so much for all of us. I use to think I needed to hear I love you all the time but life has taught me to watch and pay attention to what people do. I know how loved I am for sure.

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Kenny Chesney - Me and You - 1996


George: Deb and I need to go see Kenny Chesney.  Haven't done it yet but need to.  Country music lends itself perfectly to creating long lasting love songs.  This one is up there.  To me, this song is a country version of Nat King Coles, "The Very Thought of You".  They say the same thing in the same arrangement and letting all the musical instruments shine through.  This one . . . wedding song of thousands of couples.


Deb: 21 years me and you, no ordinary relationship. That is us. We did things backwards for sure. He impressed me with his love for his son, Landon, and the devotion to Marie. Here is a story for you guys. I had been watching Landon in the mornings and putting him on the bus before my mom and I would go to the shop (Stitch Today Knot Tomorrow). One morning, G said " Hey can I borrow your vehicle for a minute"? of course I said "yes". He came back and didn't say a word other than "thank you". Well, Mom and I got into the Explorer, and he has replaced all the tires on my vehicle. My Mom and I looked at each other and started crying. I knew at that moment he was a wonderful man and whomever he ended up with would be so lucky.

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Sade - By Your Side - 2000


George- I introduced this song to Deb.  Deb wasn't familiar with it before.  It is my favorite song by Sade.  It is a mellow yet powerful song describing unconditional love.  Since the buildup to our wedding, I now catch her playing it for herself regularly.  In 2002, the song was listed as the 48th greatest love song of all time by VH1.  Depending on my mood, the song and lyrics can really grab me.


Deb- I will always be by your side G. Sade has such a soothing voice. I do get the cold feet a lot but that's ok because I am usually burning up. This just makes me smile when I hear it and think of G.

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Norah Jones - Come Away with Me - 2002


George- Deb and I discovered Norah Jones together.  As stated, we love all kinds of music, but we have David Clark to thank for our love of jazz, swing, and big band music of the 40s.  From Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Doris Day, Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, and along comes modern day Norah Jones that fits that genres perfectly.  The whole album is very, very good and the title song from that album, exquisite!  This one could have easily been our wedding song also.  I would have no complaints.  I am sure thousands of other couples have claimed it.


Deb- I have loved Norah Jones sense the first time hearing her sing the song, I Don't Know Why, I just loved her calming voice. I wish there was more music like this. Every time I hear Come Away with Me reminds me of the evenings together where we are sitting in the living room and its dark, we are listening to music and enjoying each other's company. 

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Adele - Make You Feel My Love - 2008


George- Who is the all-time best songwriter?  If you were to ask me, it would have to be Irving Berlin.  But if you were to add "in modern time" to that question, no doubt it would be Bob Dylan.  Bob Dylan wrote and recorded this song in September 1997.  So did Billy Joel a month earlier.  Since then, more than 450 other artists have covered this song.  Adele's album, 19, included this cover.  All the songs on her album were written or co-written by her . . . except this one.  Adele has been quoted saying that this song best captured how she felt during the production of this album, and it's her favorite song from that album.  It's our favorite version of that song.  Thank you, Adele.


Deb- I know this song has been done many times. Adele nailed it. Her voice just makes you feel the song. One things about the songs we thought of did it remind us of each other. We needed time to learn about each other,  develop in our careers, my education, grow our children, and pay down debt. I knew G was going to be mine someday (Didn't think it would be 21 years) but life happened and here we are more in love and very excited to be married. He makes me feel his love every day.

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Meghan Trainor featuring John Legend - Like I'm Gonna Lose You - 2015


George- Of course, I got introduced to Meghan Trainor by "All About That Bass" and "Lips Are Movin", so when I heard "Like I'm Gonna Lose You", I was taken back a bit.  The uniqueness about this love song is realizing to not take someone's presence for granted.  The loss of a loved one is extremely painful and sometimes untimely.  Loving someone like you are going to lose them makes you take account of all the precious moments spent with them.  I know this is a wedding song for some couples; can't imagine it not being one.  Incredible song.


Deb- This song reminds that we have little time on Earth. That it is important to enjoy what we have right in front of us.  It is so easy to get caught up in worrying about the future or stressing over the past, but moments remembered remind us that the present is truly all we have. Time is not guaranteed, be present, and show people you care.