25 Best Sing Along Songs for Seniors, Parties, Kids & More

Admit it, you spend an absurd amount of time singing along to your favorite music. But did you ever notice that the best sing along songs for a given situation aren't necessarily your favorites? Different groups and situations require different music, and we’ve got some crowd favorites for all of them.

Best Sing Along Songs for Seniors

“Take Me Home, Country Roads” by John Denver

Song Year: 1971

Even if they’ve never been to West Virginia, many older adults can’t help but think of the good ol’ days when they hear “Take Me Home, Country Roads” by John Denver. It’s an easy-to-sing classic, and it never disappoints in a country crowd.

The folk genre as a whole is a great option for singing along, especially with seniors since that music was typically quite popular when they were growing up or starting families.

“Unchained Melody” by The Righteous Brothers

Song Year: 1965

The love song to end all love songs, “Unchained Melody” is an American classic. This song has such deep roots for seniors who remember it fondly as the song from their first kiss, first dance, or first date. It’s a perfect song for a group to sing along to accompanied by a piano since it’s also easy to play.

Singing along to this song will bring seniors back to their first romances or make their hearts beat faster for the one they’re still with today.

“Don’t Sit Under the Apple Tree” by The Andrews Sisters

Song Year: 1942

The Andrews Sisters were a wartime favorite. They have so many excellent songs that will bring seniors back to their days in the army or of waiting for their soldiers to come home. “Don’t Sit Under the Apple Tree” is particularly relevant because it’s a fun and funny song that brings back memories of good times instead of some of the harsher realities of war.

“My Girl” by The Temptations

Song Year: 1965

You don’t have to be a senior to sing along to “My Girl,” but that doesn’t mean the older generation isn’t going to appreciate it more than most. Although Otis Redding also recorded this song in 1965, the version by The Temptations quickly ran away with the popular vote and became an instant classic.

You truly can’t hear the signature beginning notes without preparing yourself to sing along.

“Walkin’ After Midnight” by Patsy Cline and the Jordanaires

Song Year: 1961

“Walkin’ After Midnight” was Patsy Cline’s first hit song. It was an instant hit after the first time she sang it live on Arthur Godfrey’s Talent Scouts in 1957, so much so that the label had to rush to get the song recorded and released.

This is an easy song to sing, but it’s got a distinctive sound quality that helps to make it a fun one for seniors.

“Jailhouse Rock” by Elvis Presley

Song Year: 1957

We couldn’t very well make a list of the best sing along songs for seniors without mentioning Elvis at least once. He is still one of the most iconic singers of all time and helped birth the genre of rock and roll right in front of the older generation’s eyes.

“Jailhouse Rock” is one of Elvis’ most popular songs, and also incredibly easy to sing along to as a group. It gets the party going with its peppy lyrics and sound.

“Folsom Prison Blues” by Johnny Cash

Song Year: 1957

Johnny Cash’s signature gruff singing voice is one that many seniors love to try to emulate. Folsom Prison Blues is one of his peppier songs, and that helps to make it one of the best sing along songs for seniors. The exciting, and often funny, lyrics are easy to remember and fun to sing.

Best Sing Along Songs for Parties

“I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me)” by Whitney Houston

Song Year: 1987

Whitney Houston’s music is quintessential. You’ll still hear this and many of her other hits played on a Saturday night out at the bar. This is such a great song to sing with your friends because it lets you dance, express yourself, and sing at the top of your lungs without judgment.

“I Will Survive” by Gloria Gaynor

Song Year: 1978

“I Will Survive” was the song that catapulted Gloria Gaynor to stardom in the 70s. It was on side B of her first release and was an almost instant hit. Its popularity came back into the light after it was used in the movie “Men In Black” in 1997.

This song has such great lyrics to sing with your friends. From the very first words, it pumps up any crowd and creates an atmosphere where the only acceptable reaction is to sing loudly and without a care.

“Lean on Me” by Bill Withers

Song Year: 1972

This is one of the best sing along songs for any scenario, but at a party, it can really make the crowd join forces and come alive. Some of the best versions of this song are sung by crowds of friends arm-in-arm or hand-in-hand yelling to each other about their friendships per the lyrics.

Lean on Me is a beautiful anthem of love, friendship, and being there for those that you care about. It’s a great option to make a low-key party a little more exciting.

“Friends in Low Places” by Garth Brooks

Song Year: 1990

Arguably one of Garth Brooks’ biggest hits, Friends in Low Places is the ideal sing along song for parties. The song is so perfectly set up for singing along that Garth, himself, brought in a bunch of friends for a special cut of the song where the whole group sings the chorus together.

The version known as the “rowdy crowd” cut, is pretty wild if you listen closely.

When this song plays at a party, you can bet a large circle of friends and strangers will form, arms around one another, to sway and sing along at the top of their lungs.

“Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen

Song Year: 1975

When there’s a movie named after the song, you know it has to be popular. Bohemian Rhapsody is arguably one of the most influential songs of all time. The operatic sound is incredibly distinctive, and the wild lyrics are sure to call to any music lover. No one can resist shouting this song’s epic bridge at the top of their voice.

There are plenty of Queen songs that could’ve made this list, but Bohemian Rhapsody’s popularity and unmatched style give it a head start over the others as an ideal sing along song.

“Love Shack” by The B-52’s

Song Year: 1989

If you’ve ever been to a wedding where the DJ has played Love Shack, then you know the power of this one as a sing along anthem. Love Shack is iconic in its powerful music and lyrics and has kept its popularity after more than 32 years of airplay.

You can’t really listen to this song without at least singing along to the chorus, but most people can’t resist the very first words. It’s one of those songs that everyone knows even if they aren’t sure why, which makes it ideal as a sing along song at parties.

“Say My Name” by Destiny’s Child

Song Year: 1999

The 90s and 2000s kids loved Destiny’s Child, and that love continued as strong backing for Beyonce when the band ultimately broke up. You can harness this love by getting all of the ladies at your party singing along to “Say My Name.”

The sassy lyrics are great for an exciting sing along session, especially if your party is full of Millenials. It’s not the easiest song to dance to, but it’s got a spirit that all but requires yell-singing along to every word.

Best Sing Along Songs for Kids

“Baby Shark” by Pink Fong

Song Year: 2017

Although Baby Shark has been a song sung at overnight camps for ages, its popularity really took off in 2017 when Pink Fong put their choreographed dance and cartoon version on YouTube. Now, the song is adored by children around the globe but sometimes referred to as torture by parents.

Singing along and acting out all of the choreography to this song can help to take the burden off hearing it 100 times every day. Watching the joy in your child’s eyes as they dance and sing can ease a parent’s stress and makes for a great bonding experience.

“Shake Your Sillies Out” by The Wiggles

Song Year: 1994

There are many versions of this song out there, but The Wiggles version is always a crowd favorite. This is a great song, not only for singing along but also for dancing and playing too. “Shake Your Sillies Out” is awesome for helping kids to learn to follow directions.

Parents are always excited to find ways to get their young kids’ energy out in a controlled way, especially if it also involves learning. This song is a great resource for parents in that way.

“The Bear Necessities” by Phil Harris and Bruce Reitherman- The Jungle Book

Song Year: 1997

Songs from beloved children’s movies are wonderful options for singing along. Whether you and your child have seen The Jungle Book or not, The Bear Necessities is a fun and humorous song to sing at almost any time.

The song has a fun beat, which makes it great for dancing around, and if you’ve seen the movie you can even do the dance that Baloo does as he sings to Mowgli.

“Old McDonald Had a Farm” by Thomas D'Urfey

Song Year: 1706

Learning farm sounds and animal names is always fun when you utilize this classic children’s song. It’s easy to learn for toddlers and preschoolers, and the best part is that you and your child can decide which animals you want to sing about, which can help to improve the child’s imagination and creativity.

You can sing this song in the car, at school, or at bath time. You can even act out the animals you’re singing about to help solidify the concepts of those animals in your child’s mind.

“ABC” by The Jackson 5

Song Year: 1970

Not only is the Jackson 5’s ABC a fun song to sing and dance to for people of all ages, but it also can be a great way to teach kids the basics of the alphabet and counting early on.

The lyrics to this song are simple enough for young kids, but exciting enough to keep their relevance with teens and adults as well. It’s also fun for some grandparents to sing this song with their grandbabies and talk about what the world was like when The Jackson 5 first released the song.

“Five Little Monkeys” by American Folk Song

Song Year: 1860s

From learning counting skills to rhyming to acting out the lyrics, Five Little Monkeys is an excellent song to sing with small kids for many reasons. There are so many variations of the song. You can even find variations of the song as books. Finding the origins of the song is tough, but the popularity of this song alone makes it one of the best sing along songs for kids.

“You Are My Sunshine” by Jimmie Davis

Song Year: 1940

This popular tune is a great sing along to make kiddos feel loved and to create a bond between adult and child. Its slow nature makes it a nice option to calm down before nap or bedtime, and it's easy-to-remember lyrics make it simple for kids of all ages to learn. You Are My Sunshine is a simple song with a big meaning that resonates with many of us still today.

More of the Best Sing Along Songs

For a romantic moment: “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart” by Elton John & Kiki Dee

Song Year: 1976

Some couples don’t enjoy singing together, but many do. Couples that like a good sing along can make any moment romantic by singing along to this Elton John classic. This song has made its way into many movies, TV shows, and real-life moments, and its popularity doesn’t seem to be dwindling.

For team bonding: “Don’t Stop Believing” by Journey

Song Year: 1981

Everyone knows the words to what is arguably Journey’s most famous song. It’s a karaoke anthem, a staple at sporting events, and overall one of the most popular songs ever written. Utilizing this song as a way to build team spirit is ideal because the song is all about succeeding in your goals and the team continuing on and on and on.

For a big moment: “Celebration” by Kool & The Gang

Song Year: 1980

Celebration is another easily recognizable song from the very first bars. It’s the kind of tune that gets everyone pumped to party, and the lyrics are perfect to celebrate a special moment. You can play celebration at graduation, wedding, prom, or more and expect plenty of singing along!

For your shower concert: “Zombie” by The Cranberries

Song Year: 1994

Part of the appeal of this song for a shower sing along is that it’s naturally emotional. You can really get into it and let it all out, especially during the chorus. The song has some deep roots in semi-recent Irish history and is still so relevant that Bad Wolves covered the song changing the lyric “1916” to “2018” with the full support of original Cranberries’ singer Dolores O'Riordan.

Top Sing Along Songs for Seniors, Final Thoughts

There are so many great sing along songs for every situation. Trying to narrow down the crowd favorites is very tough to do, but we hope you enjoyed our choices for the best sing along songs for all of these situations.

Next time you’re with a kiddo, an older adult, or at a party, try playing one of these songs and see if you can get a sing along going!