A rewrite of “The Lazy Song” by Bruno Mars – you can utilize this song with a variety of clients to encourage relaxation, discussion, instrument play and more!
Instructions:
- Introduce the song
- Group participation options
- Singing together
- Everyone sings along at their own comfort level with the prewritten version
- Use the fill-in-the-blank provided in the lead sheet to have clients write their own verses
- Instrument play
- Pass out small percussion instruments to the group
- You can assign simple patterns to incorproate some rhythm work as well
- Guided imagery
- As you play and sing, guide participants to visualize something relaxing
- i.e. Imagine you’re sitting on a peaceful beach, feeling the warmth of the sung and hearing waves.
- Have clients identify what setting they are most relaxed in and have them visualize that.
- As you play and sing, guide participants to visualize something relaxing
- Singing together
- Final reflections
- Engage clients in a discussion about their experience during the song
- Possible discussion questions:
- How did it feel to sing or listen to the music? Or write your own verse?
- Did the expeirence help you feel more relaxed?
- What imagery or feelings came to mind while listening?
- Closing
- If you’d like to wrap up the experience with a moment of togetherness, you can sing the chorus one more time with the group or hum the melody all together.
- Adaptations
- For non-verbal clients – focus on instrument play and humming instead of singing
- For really high energy groups – Start with something like a high energy rhythm exercise that then transitions into the beginning of the relax song
- For smaller groups or individuals – focus on the fill-in-the-blank verse or more discussion about individual experiences about relaxation and what that individual enjoys