Below are the words to a couple of *gorgeous* songs written by noted illustrator Elwood Smith and which were recorded by John Platania (longtime Van Morrison guitarist) on his solo CD entitled Lucky Dog.
I Can Stand Alone was actually written about the end of a love affair, but replacing "Babe" with "Lord" in the chorus lends it a special poignancy befitting a funeral song, I think, especially with the stunning line from the final verse "And strength is in surviving."

rogerontheoldtraps
Abilene, Texas

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I DO BELIEVE
(words & music by Elwood Smith)

I do believe
I've walked down this road before
I do believe
I don't need a compass anymore
I can see
Her final breath fade and leave
I do believe
I don't need a compass anymore

Chorus:
Death why don't you come around
Some other day
I am blind with all the
Pain of loving traces left behind
Death why don't you come around
Some other day
And just one time
Let my loved one stay

I do believe
She said as she closed her eyes
I do believe
I hear voices on the other side
I can see loved ones gathered in the light
I do believe
I hear voices on the other side

(Chorus)

I do believe
She's walked down this road before
I do believe
She won't need a compass anymore
I can see
Were her last words to me
I do believe
She won't need a compass anymore
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I CAN STAND ALONE
(words & music by Elwood Smith)

This night is not forever
Dawn is sure to rise once again
This ice is only water
And broken heats, I'm told, will mend

Chorus:
I can stand alone
I'm as solid as an oak
Lord, I ain't no weeping willow tree
I can stand alone
I'm as hard as rock maple
Ain't no weeping willow in me

Mourning doves are breathing
The sun warms like an old, trusted friend
And strength is in surviving
And broken hearts, I'm told, will mend

(Chorus)
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