In looking through an old music book, I saw the title "Songs My Mother Taught Me" by Anton Dvorak and it led me to think about songs. What kind of songs were taught? Lullabies for one, but who sings lullabies to babies anymore? Who falls asleep with the sound of a mother's comforting voice?

Does anyone go around the house singing while they work? Isn't it easier to turn on the radio or the television? You may sing along, but what can you do with Rap?

Technology has lost us much. Jumping rope with a group of friends was once a fine art, as were the many sing-song chants that went with it. Unless those who had such fun jumping rope can dredge up some of the rhymes from memory, they are lost.

"Rounds" were a great source of entertainment especially if one of the singers came in on the wrong beat. "Row, row, row your boat gently down the stream" -- many of us sang that with enthusiasm and laughter.

Then there were game songs and counting songs and songs to go with nursery rhymes.

War songs were popular from the time of the Revolutionary War to the present. They not only reflected patriotism but also focused on the soldier and the factory worker. Remember "Rosie the Riveter"?

Love songs sung by our prominent singers never go out of style. There is a certain nostalgia attached to them.

The choir is not to be forgotten either in the ecclesiastical mode or as a background for orchestras. These are the inspirational songs that live on. Plain song without any instrumental accompaniment is pure melody enhanced by devotional voices. Chant is now in vogue.

So, what have we lost? "Make a joyful noise unto the Lord" applies also to our daily lives. Song is therapy. Song is healing. Doctors have recognized that and put it into practice. A whole new concept of healing has emerged. So -- SING!