How A Custom Song Is Created

Pete Dillon of BigTime Productions in Ottawa asked us to create something unique for his brother's wedding in Chicago late 2004. Pete wanted something comical that would be played for everyone at the reception.

In fact, he wanted people to think that he had taped a Top-40 radio show, in which celebreties phoned-in to wish Dana and Terry special wishes, followed by a song recorded in their honour.

We asked Pete to think about some background information on his brother and his fiancée. Here is the information he provided:

  • Terry was born in Ottawa

  • Terry used to work for Revenue Canada
  • Terry played baseball as a boy, even chewed tobacco and spit a lot
  • Dana was born in Chicago
  • Dana LOVES baseball... especially the Cubs
  • Dana loves Pepsi, even has it for breakfast
  • They met while on holidays, she with her parents, he with his friends
  • Dana teaches school and Terry is a student
  • They live together in Chicago Heights
  • They have a Lab dog named Wrigley

We took this information and created the lyrics below:

He was born in the cold, cold north,
And she in the cold, cold south,
Although the border's got nothing to do with this song,
It was the first thing out of my mouth,
Dana met Terry while on holidays,
She knew he was a man with all the facts,
And even if he lacked in personality,
At least he could prepare her income tax.

Dana loves the baseball in a huge, huge way,
And Terry used to play it as a boy,
He even chewed tobacco which will now explain,
Why spitting gives him such a sense of joy,
But habits can be broken and that's good to know,
But one thing will always stay the same,
Terry's getting married to Dana,
And everyone's invited to the game.

Dana loves Terry loves Dana loves Terry,
And when they get married they'll be... Dana and Terry.

Now mornings will be interesting, to say the very least,
Terry has his coffee and some toast,
Dana grabs a Pepsi and a burger or two,
And then they're heading out to go to school,
Dana is a teacher and she loves her work,
Terry is a student and he never shirks,
She has a way to keep him from becoming lax,
And don't forget he'll do her income tax.

Dana loves Terry loves Dana loves Terry,
And when they get married they'll be... Dana and Terry.

Chicago Heights is where the couple makes their home,
And both their fates have pretty much been sealed,
We can't forget their Labrador called Wrigley,
Who likes to go for walks out in the field,
I knew you'd find that funny but enough about me,
This song is meant for Dana and her guy you see,
Terry's getting married to Dana,
And everyone's invited except me,
Terry's getting married to Dana,
And everyone's invited except me.

Dana loves Terry loves Dana loves Terry,
And when they get married they'll be... Dana and Terry.

Once the lyrics were completed, we started work on the Top-40 introduction. Pete also asked to be a part of the creation by phoning-in a few voices, which we used in the final product. Then came the music. We decided to produce something that had the wedding feel and the flavour of baseball. The result can be heard below, and needless to say, Pete was pleased and the song was a smash success! In fact, we're still receiving great comments about this song today!

    Click here to listen to the song we created!