Classic Hits Countdown #SayItNow Edition
Gavin Miller helped Tobin Brothers kick off #SayItNow week with a very special Classic Hits Countdown.
Classic Hits Countdown helps to launch #SayItNow week 2025
Did you manage to catch Gavin Miller’s Classic Hits Countdown on Sunday?
Don’t fret if you didn’t because we’ve put together a summary of the 20 songs that best #SayItNow.
This very special episode of the Classic Hits Countdown celebrates the songs that #SayItNow, songs of gratitude, reflection and appreciation.
Each week Gavin countdowns down the top 20 songs from a certain year and takes you on a trip down memory lane on all things music and life.
You're simply the best
Better than all the rest
Better than anyone
Anyone I've ever met
20. James Taylor - You've Got a Friend in Me
Written and recorded by Carole King in 1971, this song became the biggest, and most well-known hit for then 23-year-old James Taylor, and his only #1 in America. It was the first single off of his third album.
According to Taylor, Carole King told him that this song was a response to his 1970 hit “Fire and Rain,” where Taylor sings, “I’ve seen lonely times when I could not find a friend.” King’s musical response: “you’ve got a friend right here.”
19. Stevie Wonder - You are the Sunshine of My Life
Stevie Wonder wrote this song with and about Syreeta Wright, whom he married in 1972. The song is a joyful, heartfelt expression of love and gratitude. The lyrics convey pure affection and appreciation, with lines like “You are the sunshine of my life, that’s why I’ll always be around”.
The song resonates as a timeless way to say you care deeply about someone — whether it’s romantic love, friendship, or family and many commenters on the music video agree:
This is my wedding music in 1983. This year we celebrated our 80th birthday and 42nd anniversary. Incredible to see my grandsons still love this song. To my wife Iris, you are the sunshine of my life.
I started singing this song to my son when I was pregnant with him. Today is his 33rd birthday and as usual I called him to play it for him. He truly is the sunshine of my life.
I just had this song sent to me from my wife on my 49th birthday...it made me cry. What a great song with so much meaning even after all these years. A classic for sure. Thanks Stevie!!!
18. Cat Stevens - Father and Son
Father and Son by Cat Stevens is a heartfelt ballad from his 1970 album Tea for the Tillerman. The song captures a conversation between a father offering cautious advice and a son longing to follow his own path.
With simple, emotional lyrics and a gentle melody, it reflects the universal tension between generations — the balance between love, guidance, and the desire for independence. A beautiful song about the relationship between father and son.
17. Joe Walsh - Life's Been Good
Life’s Been Good by Joe Walsh, released in 1978 on his album But Seriously, Folks…, is a humorous, satirical take on the excesses of rock stardom. With witty lyrics like “My Maserati does one-eighty-five”, Walsh pokes fun at the wild lifestyle, while acknowledging its absurdity.
Despite the humor, the song reflects on gratitude and self-awareness, with the chorus repeating “Life’s been good to me so far.” Its catchy groove and playful honesty have made it a classic rock favourite for decades.
16. Dionne Warwick and Friends - That's What Friends are For
That’s What Friends Are For by Dionne Warwick and Friends (Elton John, Gladys Knight, and Stevie Wonder), released in 1985, is an anthem about the power of friendship. Written by Burt Bacharach, Carole Bayer Sager, and Dionne Warwick, the song conveys the message of being there for each other through good and bad times. Lyrics like “Keep smiling, keep shining, knowing you can always count on me” highlight the comfort and strength friends provide. The song became a classic and raised millions for AIDS research.
15. Queen - You're My Best Friend
You’re My Best Friend by Queen was released in 1976 on their album A Night at the Opera. Written by bass guitarist John Deacon for his wife, Veronica, the song is a joyful, sincere celebration of love, companionship, and friendship. Its upbeat melody, catchy chorus, and heartfelt lyrics express deep gratitude for someone who is always there. With lines like “You’re my best friend,” it beautifully captures the comfort and happiness found in a loving, supportive relationship that stands the test of time.
14. Peter Frampton - Baby I love your way
Baby, I Love Your Way by Peter Frampton, released in 1975 on his Frampton album, is a romantic ballad that captures the essence of deep affection. With its smooth melody and heartfelt lyrics, the song expresses the simplicity and beauty of love, emphasizing the feeling of being completely captivated by someone. Frampton’s tender vocals and acoustic guitar arrangement make this song a timeless classic, resonating with listeners who appreciate the pure and genuine emotions of love.
13. Commodores - Three Times a Lady
Three Times a Lady by the Commodores, released in 1978, is a heartfelt ballad about deep love and devotion. Written by Lionel Richie, the song conveys the idea of a partner being more than just a lover, but a best friend and a source of strength.
Lyrics like “You’re once, twice, three times a lady, and I love you” and “You’ve given me everything that I need” beautifully express the message of appreciating and showing love to someone who holds a special place in your heart. The song’s timeless sentiment continues to resonate as a perfect expression of love and care.
12. Andrew Gold - Thank You for Being a Friend
Thank You for Being a Friend by Andrew Gold, released in 1978, is a warm, uplifting song that expresses deep gratitude for a true friend. The song’s lyrics highlight the unwavering support and love that friends offer through both good times and bad.
With lines like “Thank you for being a friend, traveled down the road and back again, your heart is true, you’re a pal and a confidant,” it beautifully conveys appreciation and the importance of having someone who is always there, making it a timeless anthem of friendship.
11. The Beach Boys - God Only Knows
God Only Knows by The Beach Boys, released in 1966, is a deeply emotional and timeless song written by Brian Wilson who said “I was 24 when I wrote ‘God Only Knows’ and the rest of Pet Sounds. All I know is I wrote what was in my heart. And the lyrics and the music just connect with people.”
With the poignant lyric “God only knows what I’d be without you,” the song conveys the profound love and reliance one can have on another. Paul McCartney called it “the greatest song ever written.” It has been covered by artists like Elton John, Neil Diamond, and Taylor Swift and remains a timeless classic.
10. Hall & Oats - You Make My Dreams (Come True)
You Make my Dreams by Hall & Oates, from their 1980 album Voices, is a heartfelt song about love and fulfillment. With lyrics like “I’d like to be the one, to bring your dreams to life”, the song expresses a desire to make a loved one’s dreams a reality. The upbeat melody and emotional depth convey a message of unwavering support, showing the importance of being there for someone you care about and believing in the potential of love to bring dreams to fruition. “You Make My Dreams” has become a streaming colossus, with the song reaching over one billion streams globally across all streaming platforms.
9. Tina Turner - The Best
8. Harry Chapin - Cats in the Cradle
We couldn’t have a list of #SayItNow songs without Cats in the Cradle by Harry Chapin. Cats in the Cradle, released in 1974, is a cleverly-written song that warns of the consequences of putting one’s career ahead of family.
Many of us can relate to the sacrifices of providing for family, so it’s not surprising this hit made the list! The song masterfully captures the swift passing of time and in the role reversal unveiled in the final verses:
“He’d grown up just like me, My boy was just like me”
7. Marcia Hynes - You
“You” was originally written by Tom Snow and recorded on his 1975 album “Taking It All in Stride”. The song is a celebration of love and feeling “high” and “right” in a relationship.
The lyrics express the feeling of being completely captivated and happy in love, using imagery like “shining bright and shining far”.
For Tobin Brothers #SayItNow you certainly dedicate this song to someone to let them know “There’s something very special about you”.
6. Paul McCartney and Wings - Maybe I'm Amazed
Maybe I’m Amazed by Paul McCartney, released in 1970 on his debut solo album McCartney, is a deeply emotional ballad about love and admiration. The song expresses McCartney’s amazement at the way his partner, Linda McCartney, brought stability and joy into his life during a difficult time. Lyrics like “Maybe I’m amazed at the way you love me all the time” and “Maybe I’m afraid of the way I love you” convey his deep affection and gratitude for her unwavering support. The song remains one of McCartney’s most iconic love songs, celebrating the transformative power of love and connection.
The Top Five
5. Elton John - Your Song
Your Song by Elton John, released in 1970 on his self-titled album, is a heartfelt ballad about love and vulnerability. Written by Elton John and his longtime collaborator Bernie Taupin, the song, with lyrics like “I hope you don’t mind that I put down in words, how wonderful life is while you’re in the world,” conveys a deep appreciation.
Over the years, Your Song has been covered by artists like Rod Stewart, Ellie Goulding, and Lady Gaga, and was famously performed at Princess Diana’s funeral in 1997. Elton John, who was a close friend of Diana, reworked the song’s lyrics to honor her memory, further cementing its timeless impact as an expression of love. It now has over 80M views on YouTube alone.
4. Little River Brand - Reminiscing
Reminiscing by Little River Band, released in 1978, is a nostalgic and reflective ballad that takes listeners back to cherished memories of love and past experiences. The song’s lyrics, such as “Reminiscing, I’m thinking about the good old days”, evoke a sense of longing for simpler times and past relationships. With its smooth melody and heartfelt sentiment, Reminiscing captures the bittersweet beauty of reflecting on moments that shaped who we are, making it one of the band’s most iconic and enduring songs.
I think this is a great love song about reminiscing about the early days of a now life long relationship
I love this song so much. It reminds me of me and my boyfriend and how we want to be together forever and when we get old 'we'll go dancing in the dark, walking through the park and reminiscing!
This is a great love song. As a gift to everyone who attended our wedding reception, my wife and I gave everyone a CD with songs that had meaning to us. Reminiscing was on it. Quite a few of our friends told us afterwards that they had forgotten this gem from the Little River Band, but found they enjoyed it the most.
3. Aretha Franklin - I Say a Little Prayer for You
I Say a Little Prayer for You by Aretha Franklin, released in 1968, is a soulful ballad about love, devotion, and longing. Originally written by Burt Bacharach and Hal David, the song expresses a person’s constant care and dedication to someone they love.
Lyrics like “The moment I wake up, before I put on my makeup, I say a little prayer for you” and “I say a little prayer for you, forever and ever, you’ll stay in my heart” beautifully convey the sentiment of always thinking of someone and letting them know they are loved, even from a distance.
Aretha Franklin’s powerful vocals made this song an iconic anthem of love and care.
2. Elvis - I Can't Help Falling in Love
I Can’t Help Falling in Love by Elvis Presley, released in 1961, is a timeless ballad about surrendering to love and the overwhelming emotions that come with it.
With its gentle melody and heartfelt lyrics, the song expresses the sentiment of being unable to resist the pull of love.
Lyrics like “Take my hand, take my whole life too, for I can’t help falling in love with you” beautifully convey the message of giving oneself fully to someone, letting them know you care in the most profound way. Elvis’ iconic voice adds depth to this classic love song, making it an enduring expression of devotion and affection.
Elvis ended most of his concerts with this song.
1. Mike and the Mechanics - Living Years
And here it is, the number one song on the list to express the sentiment behind the Say It Now initiative is…
The Living Years by Mike + The Mechanics, released in 1988. It’s a powerful ballad about the complex relationship between fathers and sons, and the regret of unresolved issues before it’s too late. The song reflects on missed opportunities for communication and understanding, especially after the death of a loved one which is what we are all about with this initiative.
The song was written by Rutherford and Robertson after both of their fathers had recently died, but the lyrics were written by Robertson, and centered on the unresolved issues between him and his father. After his father dies, he discovers that he and his dad had a much stronger connection than he realised, and he regrets not saying more while he was still alive.
Rutherford later told The Sun: “The lyrics were written by BA and the song is about something he went through. It’s about the lack of communication between him and his father before he died. There’s also the irony of him having a baby just after losing his father.”
The lyrics “Say it loud, say it clear” “It’s too late, when we die”… express the heart-wrenching realisation that important words and feelings were left unsaid. The song conveys a message about expressing love and reconciling before it’s too late, highlighting the importance of open communication in relationships.
It resonates with listeners who have experienced similar regrets, urging them to cherish and speak to their loved ones while they still can.
"Say it loud (say it loud), say it clear (oh say it clear)
You can listen as well as you hear
It's too late (it's too late) when we die (oh when we die)
To admit we don't see eye to eye"
20 Songs that #SayItNow
20. James Taylor - You've got a Friend in Me
19. Stevie Wonder - You Are the Sunshine of my Life
18. Cat Stevens - Father and Son
17. Joe Walsh – Life’s Been Good
16. Dionne Warwick and Friends – That’s What Friends Are For
15. Queen - You're My Best Friend
14. Peter Frampton - Baby I Love Your Way
13. Commodores - Three Times a Lady
12. Andrew Gold - Thank You For Being a Friend
11. The Beach Boys - God Only Knows
10. Hall & Oats - You Make My Dreams
9. Tina Turner - The Best
8. Harry Chapin -Cat in the Cradle
7. Marcia Hynes - You
6. Paul McCartney & Wings - Maybe I'm Amazed
5. Elton John - Your Song
4. Little River Band - Reminiscing
3. Aretha Franklin - I Say a Little Prayer for You
2. Elvis - Can't Help Falling in Love
1. Mike and the Mechanics - Living Years
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The #SayItNow Initiative
The Say it Now initiative, founded in 2016, urges Victorians young and old to celebrate the important people in their lives.
Whether it’s a family member, an old friend, or someone who was influential in their lives, Tobin Brothers is urging people to use #SayItNow to tell that special person about the impact they’ve had on their life and what that has meant to them.
#SayItNow through song!
Which song would you like to dedicate to someone?
Let these top 20 songs serve as inspiration to share your message with someone you love.
Which song would you choose, and who would you dedicate it to?
Let us know in the comments below!
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See our Say It Now event page for more ambassador videos, information and downloadable resources.
1 thought on “Classic Hits Countdown #SayItNow Special”
Some really great choices here, these will be on repeat all day! I thought “Wind Beneath My Wings” might’ve made this list. Otherwise for some newer songs there’s “Praise You” by FatBoy Slim and “Thank You” by Dido.