Funeral Tunes, songs that heal

Subject: Funeral Tunes, songs that heal
From: mactheturk
Date: 18 May 00 - 10:55 AM

Some may consider this to be a morbid topic but I see it as an opportunity. Most of the traditional songs played at funerals are mediocre at best, overly sad and solemn. I would like to compile a list of positive, uplifting tunes that better serve the dual purpose of celebreation and healing.

I'm sure everyone has a favorite or two that apply, but no dirges please!

Your special song, at that special time, may be the best gift that you ever give.

Mac

Subject: RE: Funeral Tunes, songs that heal
From: GUEST,Mrr
Date: 18 May 00 - 11:05 AM

My family "culture" does memorial services, rather than funerals, and we tend to sing the Dearly Departed's favorite, whatever that is. When doing funerals in other (not my own) ethnic groups, I am always deeply moved by Amazing Grace.
But remember the (sorry) Star Trek where they think that Ensign Ro and Geordi are dead and Data has to plan the memorial service, and he does it à la New Orleans? Now that is how to celebrate life rather than mourn death!

Subject: RE: Funeral Tunes, songs that heal
From: MMario
Date: 18 May 00 - 11:06 AM

Two songs from my nephew's funeral service, that have become favorites of mine. "Here I am Lord" and uhmmmmmm, I don't know the title, but the chorus goes:

I will raise you up, on eagles wings
bear you on the breath of dawn
make you to shine like the sun
and hold you in the palm of my hand

Subject: RE: Funeral Tunes, songs that heal
From: catspaw49
Date: 18 May 00 - 11:17 AM

As if I'm not in a foul enough mood today.........

Spaw

Subject: RE: Funeral Tunes, songs that heal
From: Midchuck
Date: 18 May 00 - 11:22 AM

I think Mary Ellen Carter may be one of the best of these.

We like to introduce it by saying that the only way to write a happy song about a shipwreck is to sink the ship in the very first line, so it has nowhere to go but up.

Peter.

Subject: RE: Funeral Tunes, songs that heal
From: richardw
Date: 18 May 00 - 11:30 AM

At my father' funeral (he was a musician) my wife and I led the service in singing "The Leaving Shanty".

It's time to go now, Haul away down channel haul away down channel It's the sail-ing tide.

When my time is over Haul away for heaven Haul away for heaven It's the sail-ing tide

etc.

Worked for me

By my father's request a friend also sang How great thou art.

At my mother's we stcuk to hymns she had requested, but told lots fo good stores.

Richard

Subject: RE: Funeral Tunes, songs that heal
From: Rana who SHOULD be working
Date: 18 May 00 - 11:31 AM

This isn't folk (in a way it may be) but the 3rd movement in Mahler's Symphony #1 is a funeral march based on Frere Jacques, and in my view is beautiful.

Rana

Subject: RE: Funeral Tunes, songs that heal
From: Mbo
Date: 18 May 00 - 11:52 AM

Ah yes, Mrrz, that was "The Next Phase"...my sister loves that episode! My favorite part is when Geordi kicks the Romulan through the wall! BTW bizarre alert...if they WERE phase-shifted, and could pass through anything, how was Ro able to touch her helm station? A good funeral song of healing? Definately "Spirit in the Sky", "Old Rosin the Beau" (!), and "Hand Me The Wine and The Dice" from Aspects of Love by Andrew Lloyd Webber.

--Mbo

Subject: RE: Funeral Tunes, songs that heal
From: Wesley S
Date: 18 May 00 - 12:01 PM

From The Weavers -

"While I'm on my journey don't you weep after me - 3x

Darlin' don't you weep after me.

Every lonely river must go home to the sea - 3x

Darlin' don't you weep after me."

Subject: Lyr Add: WHO DIES? (James Keelaghan)^^
From: Clinton Hammond2
Date: 18 May 00 - 12:04 PM

James Keelaghans "Who Dies" is the best in my opinion... Upbeat tune, great lyrics, and it's a sing-along!! LOL!!!!

WHO DIES?

A nephew once asked me when he was quite young
Who dies? I said, Everyone dies.
No use denying it one day you're done
Oh, everyone dies
Princes and paupers there's no one immune
And no one who'll escape their demise
So you'd better make use of each day that you're given
Oh everyone dies

Now people have pondered this time and again
Who dies? Everyone dies.
We suspect that we're more than mere mortal remains
Oh everyone dies
Wise men and prophets they've all had their say
On the nature of our afterlives
But incase there's no beer there we'll have one more round
Oh everyone dies.

Your time may be short or your time may be long
Who dies? Everyone dies
But it's going to happen as sure as you're born
Oh everyone dies
Friends and relations and all we hold dear
Will one day pass to the other side
So we'd better embrace them as long as they're here
Oh everyone dies.

And a quote from Gladiator...
Death smiles at us all. The best a man can hope to do is smile back.

{~` ^^

Subject: RE: Funeral Tunes, songs that heal
From: Wesley S
Date: 18 May 00 - 12:06 PM

There more to that that song but this is all I can remember sitting at my desk at work. It's a rather upbeat tempo also. Easy to get folks to sing along .

Subject: RE: Funeral Tunes, songs that heal
From: Sorcha
Date: 18 May 00 - 12:13 PM

The Great Storm is Over is one of my favorites.

Subject: RE: Funeral Tunes, songs that heal
From: Rana who SHOULD be working
Date: 18 May 00 - 12:21 PM

James Keelaghan, when he performed Who Dies, told us about being approached by a lady after a concert (in NY State, I believe), who loved the song. She was involved (again from memory) with an AIDS hospice. She thought the song was wonderfully uplifting.

Rana

Subject: RE: Funeral Tunes, songs that heal
From: Bert
Date: 18 May 00 - 12:28 PM

This is the best I can do.

Subject: RE: Funeral Tunes, songs that heal
From: catspaw49
Date: 18 May 00 - 12:32 PM

Inspired Bert........I'm sorry you were so inspired my friend, but that is truly beautiful.

Spaw

Subject: RE: Funeral Tunes, songs that heal
From: wysiwyg
Date: 18 May 00 - 12:36 PM

Yes, I have a hot one, "If you could see me now."

Getting lyrics, post later.

Wasn't there a thread or two on this recently? Blue clicky anyone?

~S~

Subject: RE: Funeral Tunes, songs that heal
From: Sourdough
Date: 18 May 00 - 12:43 PM

WHen I was in school, there was a hymn I particularly loved, I think it is called "The Navy Hymn". I am sure that Kendall and Dave know it well. I want it sung at my own funeral. The lines that particularly eaffect me are: Grant to little children
Visions bright of thee,
Guard the sailor tossing
On the deep blue sea.

I once had to design a funeral for a character who died on a television soap opera. I remember I had a lot of fun going through appropriate music for this Midwestern funeral of a youngish middle-aged Baptist. I went looking for the file and can't find it but I think that I fisished "upbeat" with "I'll Fly Away".

Sourdough

Subject: Lyr Add: SUNSHINE ON THE LAND^^
From: mactheturk
Date: 18 May 00 - 12:44 PM

SUNSHINE ON THE LAND
by: David Wilcox

I went to see an old friend
Who was soon to pass away.
He said, "My life has been so good to me.
Now I still have one more day."

Now he said that as he watched the morning sun
and then he smiled my way.
Because he said that every morning,
He lived his life that way.

He said, "I am the sunshine.
You are the sunshine.
We are the sunshine.
Help me understand.
We are the sunshine on the land."

---

HTML line breaks added. -JoeClone 10-Jan-2001

Subject: RE: Funeral Tunes, songs that heal
From: Sandy Paton
Date: 18 May 00 - 01:11 PM

Gordon Bok's "Turning Toward the Morning" has helped us on such occasions. It reminds the survivors that life does go on, and they're the ones that need the message, I think.

Lisa Null sang "Only Remembered" at our memorial gathering on Sunday. Liam's brother's wife, Bonnie, sang "'Tis Our Sailing Time." Mary LaMarca, with Kathy Westra and others, sang the beautiful "Sleep On, Beloved" (the Sankey tune), followed immediately by Riki Schneyer doing the Bahamian version: "I Bid You Goodnight." Joan Sprung sang "Who Will Come and Sing for Me?" and Karen K. led us all with her long-time favorite, "Bound for the Land of Canaan." I'd like to list all the singers and their songs, but we were singing for over four hours, and let me tell you, folks, the harmonies that filled that room were glorious! Wish you all could have been there to help us send my business partner and friend, Lee Haggerty, to his rest with such singing.

I guess you'll find a few ideas there.

Subject: RE: Funeral Tunes, songs that heal
From: Margaret V
Date: 18 May 00 - 01:17 PM

I'd recommend both "After You're Gone" and "Shores of Jordan" by Iris DeMent. If you can't find them I'll be glad to post the words. Margaret

Subject: RE: Funeral Tunes, songs that heal
From: Mary in Kentucky
Date: 18 May 00 - 03:27 PM

MMario,

A midi of that beautiful song, On Eagles' Wings, can be found here. My daughter chose that to be sung at her wedding, so if you want all the words I could probably get my hands on them. I always thought the "eagles wings" image was from Isaiah 40, but I think it is found throughout the Old Testament. That image is also used in the Air Force Prayer that I would love to find the words to again.

Mary

Subject: RE: Funeral Tunes, songs that heal
From: Clinton Hammond2
Date: 18 May 00 - 03:38 PM

Rana who SHOULD be working!

It's even better when he tells the joke that she gave him in exchange for the song!! LOL!!!

Why let death get ya down... Ya can't escape it... May as well have fun with it eh!

{~`

Subject: RE: Funeral Tunes, songs that heal
From: MMario
Date: 18 May 00 - 04:05 PM

MaK - I have the words...in a hymnal, I just don't have the verses memorized. It's based on Psalm 91

Subject: RE: Funeral Tunes, songs that heal
From: Pixie
Date: 18 May 00 - 05:43 PM

Check out "Angel Band" cd by Emmylou Harris...some tunes that would be "uplifting" would be the song of the same name and "Who Will Sing for Me?" I want an "Angel Band" when I'm gone with lots of joyful noise and bluegrass gospel to send me off! No weeping and a-wailing!

Subject: RE: Funeral Tunes, songs that heal
From: mactheturk
Date: 18 May 00 - 05:55 PM

Another one I like is "Gentle On My Mind" by John Hartford.... "that you're waving from the backroads by the rivers of my memory, ever smilin' ever gentle on my mind."

Subject: RE: Funeral Tunes, songs that heal
From: mactheturk
Date: 18 May 00 - 06:01 PM

Another one I like is "Gentle On My Mind" by John Hartford ......"and you're waving from the backroads, by the rivers of my memory, ever smiling, ever gentle on my mind."

or the light-hearted, "Please Don't Bury Me" by John Prine

Subject: RE: Funeral Tunes, songs that heal
From: Amergin
Date: 18 May 00 - 06:26 PM

I kinda like Tom Paxton's Wasn't That a Party, myself.

Subject: Lyr Add: Confitemini Domino (English lyrics)^^
From: GUEST,Anika
Date: 18 May 00 - 08:36 PM

A very simple but beautiful and calming meditative song which I sang at my mother's recent memorial is actually a Taize prayer,"Confitemini Domino", however I don't imagine that the lyrics are from the original work (the original being Latin, of course).I believe that this tune can be heard on a Taize website.The tune invites wonderful harmonies.The non-denominational lyrics are as follows:

In the still of morning
First breath of day
In the first light of dawning
While the night drifts away.

All of time still standing
All creation made new
All the truth of the universe
Now within you.

Keep this moment timeless
In your deepest soul
Hold its beauty in you
Where 'ere you go.

From this day's beginning
Unto evening's golden light
Hold its peace within you
'Til the deep rest of night.

Line Breaks
added.
-Joe Offer-

Subject: RE: Funeral Tunes, songs that heal
From: GUEST,Anika
Date: 18 May 00 - 08:43 PM

Hey there, can you guess that I don't have a clue as to how to post a message? I typed the lyrics to the song the way I wanted it to look, but it wasn't posted the same way. Do I need to do something with the following signs? . I'm so embarrassed. Am I destined to be inept or is there hope?

Subject: RE: Funeral Tunes, songs that heal
From: Mary in Kentucky
Date: 18 May 00 - 08:53 PM

Hello Anika,

Welcome! No, you're not inept, you just have to keep trying. I still forget the line breaks!

In the FAQ thread, Joe explains how to put br (in between the less than and greater than signs.) I can't do it here because I can't remember the way to do it without it accepting them as HTML.

Another thing, if you double space, you're OK. You just need to put a break at the end of each single line.

Try again!

Mary

Subject: RE: Funeral Tunes, songs that heal
From: DougR
Date: 18 May 00 - 08:53 PM

Guest Anika:

Were I wearing a hat, I would tip it to you. It must be very difficult to sing at a memorial service for one's parent.

Provided an excellent acapella choir is available, I think Bach's "Come Soothing Death," says it all. Also, "Going Home," based on "The New World Symphony" is very effective as is "Beautiful Saviour" (F. Melius Christiansen Arrangement).

DougR

Subject: RE: Funeral Tunes, songs that heal
From: KT
Date: 18 May 00 - 09:01 PM

I have the lyrics to On Eagle's Wings (Michael Joncas) if anyone wants them......

Subject: RE: Funeral Tunes, songs that heal
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 18 May 00 - 09:12 PM

"Hallowell" in the Northern Harmony sacred harp hymnal says it all for me. The refrain goes:

The dead lift me up: In brightest sky the clouds below me race. The dead lift me up. I see them face to face.

So does "Courage my soul (the storm is passing over)"
So does "I bid you goodnight".

Strange go say, I don't think of this as a morbid topic at all. My music community has had to support one another in the darkest times; sometimes music is the best way to express the inexpressible.

Subject: RE: Funeral Tunes, songs that heal
From: Sandy Paton
Date: 18 May 00 - 09:18 PM

Bill Staines' "River (Take Me Along)" has a fitting final verse, it seems to me.

Some day, when the flowers are blooming still,
Some day, when the grass is still green,
My rolling waters will round the bend
And flow into the open sea.
So here's to the rainbow that's followed me here,
And here's to the friends that I know,
Here's to the song that's within me now,
I will sing it wherever I go.

Sandy

Subject: RE: Funeral Tunes, songs that heal
From: Malcolm Douglas
Date: 18 May 00 - 09:34 PM

Well, I'm just back from my Granny's funeral, where we went in to "Jesu Joy" and left to something vaguely familiar (apart from the bum notes in the intro) played on the organ; I think it was a recording.  Had it been my place to suggest something, I'd have gone for Linden Lea.  She used to sing when she was younger, and liked things like that.

Malcolm

Subject: RE: Funeral Tunes, songs that heal
From: Mary in Kentucky
Date: 18 May 00 - 11:21 PM

Sandy,

Musicman just sang that one on HearMe. It was new to me. Beautiful song.

Mary

Subject: RE: Funeral Tunes, songs that heal
From: GreatGoo
Date: 19 May 00 - 12:00 AM

Just sang a funeral. Every one cried but I'm not sure if it was my singing or the departed. Did "Going Home" acapella. I had prcticed and had it down cold. Started half an octive high which made that last note a cracker. I eschewed a pitch pipe for the occation but will not do that again. Something about a room full of weepy people made me lose track of that first note. For what it was worth, they said they liked it.

GreatGoo

Subject: Lyr Add: On Eagle's Wings^^
From: Joe Offer
Date: 19 May 00 - 03:58 AM

Yeah, "On Eagle's Wings" (click for MIDI) is a nice one for religious funerals. Seems like I've sung it at every Catholic funeral I've attended in the last 20 years, and at some non-Catholic funerals. Michael Crawford recorded it on an album with the same title - can't say I like his recording, but I like the song. But heck, it's one of the few of the newer Catholic hymns that have made it on a commercial recording.
-Joe Offer-

---

ON EAGLES' WINGS
(Michael Joncas)

You who dwell in the shelter of the Lord,
Who abide in His shadow for life,
Say to the Lord:"My refuge,
My rock in whom I trust!"

And he will raise you up on eagle's wings,
Bear you on the breath of dawn,
Make you to shine like the sun,
And hold you in the palm of His hand.

The snare of the fowler will never capture you,
And famine will bring you no fear:
Under His wings your refuge,
His faithfulness your shield.

And He will raise you up on eagle's wings,
Bear you on the breath of dawn,
Make you to shine like the sun,
And hold you in the palm of His hand.

You need not fear the terror of the night,
Nor the arrow that flies by day;
Though thousands fall about you,
Near you it shall not come.

And He will raise you up on eagle's wings,
Bear you on the breath of dawn,
Make you to shine like the sun,
And hold you in the palm of His hand.

For to His angels He's given a command
To guard you in all of your ways;
Upon their hands they will bear you up,
Lest you dash your foot against a stone.

And He will raise you up on eagle's wings,
Bear you on the breath of dawn,
Make you to shine like the sun,
And hold you in the palm of His hand.
And hold you, hold you in the palm of His hand.

Adaptation of Psalm 91. ©1979, New Dawn Music

Subject: RE: Funeral Tunes, songs that heal
From: Gervase
Date: 19 May 00 - 04:13 AM

At my mother's funeral we had the old Catholic belter of a hymn "Thine be the Glory", followed by the song from Cymbeline; "Fear no more the heat of the sun..." - although I have to admit I found it hard to perform! I wish then I'd known the Sankey hymns - they are wonderfully moving.

Subject: Lyr Add: Memorial^^
From: Stewie
Date: 19 May 00 - 08:05 AM

I second Sandy with 'Turning Towards the Morning', but this song by Si Kahn is also very moving:

MEMORIAL
(Si Kahn)

We come today to say goodbye
To one who has held us close
To tell the stories of his life
That move us each the most
These memories of a life well lived
And of a death well faced
Are now a part of every life
That crosses in this place

Refrain:
No circle has been broken here
No one that stands alone
The threads of life, so lately broke
Are woven through our own

He'd hoped to meet us all again
That gather here today
But though we will not meet again
We'll meet again some way
In work we do, in songs we sing
In courage and in pain
In battles that we fight as one
We'll see his face again

Repeat refrain

For Doug Caston
Words and music by Si Kahn. Copyright Joe Hill Music ASCAP.
Source Si Kahn 'Unfinished Portraits' Flying Fish FF312 1984.

--Stewie.

Subject: RE: Funeral Tunes, songs that heal
From: Kim C
Date: 19 May 00 - 09:47 AM

Angel Band is good. Also Poor Wayfaring Stranger. Jordan's Stormy Banks (or I Am Bound for the Promised Land, whichever you want to call it). Robin & Linda Williams' Let Us Cross Over the River.

Subject: RE: Funeral Tunes, songs that heal
From: mactheturk
Date: 19 May 00 - 11:27 AM

"What can we do with all the moments of our life, but love till we've loved it away. Love till we've loved it away."

The Thanksgiving Song, by Bob Franke

Subject: RE: Funeral Tunes, songs that heal
From: Sandy Paton
Date: 19 May 00 - 11:16 PM

Graham Dean sang Franke's "Thanksgiving Song" at my partner's memorial service. Priscilla Herdman sang "Ashokan Farewell." Duane of the Mudcat sang Bill Steele's "Thousand Songs" and bbc sang (with Duane accompanying on guitar) "Deep Settled Peace." Helen Schneyer sang "What a Singing There Will Be When I Get Home." Sally Rogers sang her "Pass it On," and Howie Bursen sang Pat Humphries' "Never Turning Back" (which probably isn't the correct title). Irene Kossoy Saletan sang "Farther Along." Cathy Barton and Dave Para sang Charlie Sandage's new tribute to three great Ozark singers: Emma Dusenberry, Ollie Gilbert, and Almeda Riddle (set to the tune of "Wondrous Love"), "They Sang On." Lyn Burnstine led us all in "Bright Morning Stars Are Rising." Oh, and there were many more! All of these songs can work well for such occasions, and this one was made special by all the great singing dedicated to a man who loved the old time music as much as anyone I've ever known.

One final thought, and then to work. Madeline L'Engle has used "Julian of Norwich" ("All Shall Be Well Again") by Sydney Carter in grief counseling seminars she has conducted in recent years. She plays the Bok/Muir/Trickett recording of the song. Whenever we get a sudden bunch of orders for this CD, we know she's done another seminar, so it must be helpful to many.

Sandy

Subject: RE: Funeral Tunes, songs that heal
From: GUEST,mary g
Date: 20 May 00 - 12:16 AM

the one by Ewan MacColl (sp?) ...where he says farewell my chicks..

mg

Subject: RE: Funeral Tunes, songs that heal
From: Ebbie
Date: 20 May 00 - 12:30 AM

I once wrote a song I called 'Only Get Better' and the last verse says it for me:

When I'm on my deathbed at the end of my day
And we've reached the great parting of ways
Don't weep and don't sorrow but just smile and say:
She only got better each day. Ebbie

Subject: RE: Funeral Tunes, songs that heal
From: mactheturk
Date: 20 May 00 - 11:56 AM

The CD "Tribute to Steve Goodman" has some great tunes, with a very positive, uplifting feel to it. John Prine is the host of the show, kind-of, warm and loving celebration of a great mans' life.

Check it out...

MP

Subject: RE: Funeral Tunes, songs that heal
From: Clinton Hammond2
Date: 20 May 00 - 01:29 PM

Mary G...

That's "JOY OF LIVING"... fantastic song... But I'll never be able to forget Garnet Rogers patter to this song... Makes the last verse hilarious...

And I'd much rather people laugh at my funeral than weep! OR ELSE!!!! LOL!!!!

{~`

Subject: RE: Funeral Tunes, songs that heal
From: GUEST,mary g
Date: 21 May 00 - 02:40 AM

when I'm gone..Phil Ochs????

Let me fish off Cape St. Mary's...Otto Kellan??

Subject: RE: Funeral Tunes, songs that heal
From: Clinton Hammond2
Date: 21 May 00 - 04:05 AM

HEY!!!!!!!

ta' fer making the link in the above message of mine, whoever did it!!

I never even though to look or to try...

{~`

Subject: RE: Funeral Tunes, songs that heal
From: Peter K (Fionn)
Date: 21 May 00 - 07:22 AM

If ever you have to organise the funeral for a brilliant college student who has killed herself aged 20, try Kermit's "It isn't easy being green" - a real choker.

Fairport's "Meet on the Ledge" makes a stirring funeral anthem.

Subject: RE: Funeral Tunes, songs that heal
From: Susan A-R
Date: 21 May 00 - 10:58 AM

I'll also go with Hallowell. I also have always loved I Know that My Redeemer Liveth. When a young friend of mine committed suicide, I sang Oh Had I a Golden Thread. When my friend Harlan died last December, they had a jazz band doing Oh When the Saints Go Marching In, starting it slow and winding up rocking. It was amazing.

Sandy, what a list of songs and singers!

Subject: RE: Funeral Tunes, songs that heal
From: Art Thieme
Date: 22 May 00 - 12:57 AM

I always hoped someone would do a rousing version of "IRENE GOODNIGHT" at my memorial.

Also "Done Laid Around This Old Town Too Long"

and "So Long It's Been Good To Know Ya"

Art

Subject: RE: Funeral Tunes, songs that heal
From: Sandy Paton
Date: 22 May 00 - 04:37 AM

I'll do it, Art, if I can manage to out-live you!

Sandy

Subject: RE: Funeral Tunes, songs that heal
From: GUEST,Pete Peterson at work
Date: 22 May 00 - 08:49 AM

If you keep staying up till 4:30 AM you might not! (or did you get up early?)

Subject: RE: Funeral Tunes, songs that heal
From: mactheturk
Date: 22 May 00 - 06:46 PM

"Give my stomach to Milwaukie, if they run out of beer. Put my socks in a cedar box, just get em' outa' here.

Venus D'milo can have my arms, look out!, I've got your nose. Give my heart to the junkman, but save my love for Rose."

John Prine

Subject: RE: Funeral Tunes, songs that heal
From: Sandy Paton
Date: 22 May 00 - 06:51 PM

I never get up early, Pete! Got home late from a surprise birthday party Sally gave for for Howie Bursen and just had to work my way through those fifty-one e-mails. Then to the 'Cat for a break. Got a bit later than I realized. This sportin' life is killin' me!

Sandy

Subject: RE: Funeral Tunes, songs that heal
From: Ferrara
Date: 22 May 00 - 07:18 PM

For my mom's memorial service we sang "Whispering Hope," "Only Remembered (For What We Have Done)," and "Gathering Flowers for the Master's Bouquet." "Only Remembered" was especially appropriate, because she had probably helped every person in that room in some special way during her life. If a certain song brings the person to your mind, you're on the right track I guess.

Subject: RE: Funeral Tunes, songs that heal
From: mactheturk
Date: 22 May 00 - 08:25 PM

side-thread, sorry...

The book "Tuesdays with Morrie" is a book that heals. It's been on The New York Bestsellers List for 115 weeks!

Is there something about these times that makes it so popular?

Mac

Subject: RE: Funeral Tunes, songs that heal
From: Turtle
Date: 23 May 00 - 12:52 PM

How about "Pull for the Shore"?

"Pull for the shore, sailor, pull for the shore
Heed not the rolling waves but bend to the oar
Trust in the lifeboat sailor cling to self no more
Leave the poor old stranded wreck and pull for the shore"

And the last verse, my favorite:

"Bright gleams the morning sailor uplift the eye
Clouds and darkness disappearing glory is nigh
Safe in the lifeboat sailor sing forever more
Glory glory hallelujah pull for the shore"

Subject: RE: Funeral Tunes, songs that heal
From: Croney
Date: 23 May 00 - 04:11 PM

I like "May the work I have done speak for me.." Jon Fromer, I believe. And I love "Who Will Sing for Me?"--especially the way Merritt Herring sings it.

I also have written a few--

"Credo" from The Long Way Home -

Oh, our lives are lived like a flash across the sky
Let us cherish one another 'til the moment that we die
It is oh, so simple, tho' I did not understand
It is love and forgiveness, and the reaching of a hand

or "Nothing's More Important Than Love" from Lay It Down: Images of the Sacred.

I went out walkin' with a friend yesterday
She was laughing and smiling all the way
I'd come to comfort, she had almost lost her life
But instead she had a few things to say
And she said
Nothing's more important than love in the world
Nothing's more important than love
When it's all said and done and there's no place to run
Nothing's more important than love

Cancer got my mother, and she almost got me
No way to know -- it might get me yet
But my body's been rockin' in the love of my friends
It's a lesson I'll never forget-- and she said
Chorus
What seemed important just a short time ago
Seems like nothin' - just dust in the wind
And I thank heaven for each new day of life,
It may seem simple, but I'll say it again
And she said, CHORUS

This next one has been used on at least two occasions that I've heard of to sing people down as they were dying. It's on my first album Circle Me, Sisters. The tune is very similar to Farther Along.

Sometimes I'm happy, sometimes I'm free
Sometimes I can't break these chains around me
Circle me, sisters
Drink the cool waters
Sing me down softly
Let me go home

If I had the strength, Lord
If I had the time
I learn how to sing, oh, my,
And I'd learn how to fly
CHORUS
But I don't feel like singin'
Got no wings to fly
But if you circle me, sisters
I'll learn by and by
CHORUS

Here's the chorus of "Lay It Down" (on the CD of the same name)--song can be heard on my web site- www.lindasongs.com

Lay It down, lay it down
Let my breast be your pillow, lay it down
Lay it down, lay it down
There is comfort in my arms, lay it down.

I could go on, but I'll refrain. Thanks!

---

HTML line breaks added. -JoeClone 10-Jan-2001

Subject: RE: Funeral Tunes, songs that heal
From: wysiwyg
Date: 23 May 00 - 05:48 PM

See Tavern 2 thread, I just posted a song there, IN JESUS' LAP. Guess it serves this topic too. I am working on getting a sogfile done so you can hear the tune.

~S~

Subject: RE: Funeral Tunes, songs that heal
From: mactheturk
Date: 23 May 00 - 08:58 PM

Hello Linda!

Really enjoyed your lyrics.

Please DO go on.

Thanks...Mac

Subject: RE: Funeral Tunes, songs that heal
From: Ebbie
Date: 23 May 00 - 11:45 PM

Linda, great songs- moving lyrics. Especially Nothing More Important... Thanks for sharing. Ebbie

Subject: RE: Funeral Tunes, songs that heal
From: Jon W.
Date: 24 May 00 - 07:44 PM

I was at my aunt's funeral yesterday - we did a great song which I'd never heard before, "My Shepherd Will Supply My Need." It was credited as a Southern Folk Hymn. The whole extended family practiced it on Monday and sang it in the funeral on Tuesday and it was beautiful. After the interment we got together for a family dinner and some of us did some songs - I did "Farther Along" which I learned from a Mississippi John Hurt recording and I like a lot.

Jon W.

Subject: RE: Funeral Tunes, songs that heal
From: GUEST,Bill H
Date: 25 May 00 - 07:43 PM

Although I must say that to me AMAZING GRACE / TURN TURN TURN/ and Phil Ochs WHEN I'M GONE and NO MORE SONGS have always meant the most to me---I have to add another for the people who attend either a shiva or a wake---Kate Campbell's FUNERAL FOOD.

You know, I think I will have my funeral be a concert---wish I could attend.

Bill H

Subject: RE: Funeral Tunes, songs that heal
From: Ron Olesko
Date: 25 May 00 - 10:06 PM

Bill - don't make it on a Sunday when we have a show to do!!

Subject: RE: Funeral Tunes, songs that heal
From: GUEST,Bill H
Date: 25 May 00 - 10:46 PM

And, for the show I am risen as always.

Bill

Subject: RE: Funeral Tunes, songs that heal
From: GUEST,Utah
Date: 26 May 00 - 01:12 PM

A song sung often at funerals here starts out:"Because I have been given much I too must give." It's a beautiful song.

Subject: Lyr Add: If You Could See Me Now^^
From: wysiwyg
Date: 27 Jun 00 - 11:51 AM

Finally found this. Heard it once late at night, driving across Indihio (or was it Ohdiana), on the radio years ago... looked high and low for it, heard it once more last year, finally this spring I called the local Christian radio station that played it, and they were kind enough to supply lyrics. Recorded by Russ Lee, from an album titled Truth, I believe on Integrity Music. Don't have author name, yet, sorry, but it sings beautifully....

~S~

IF YOU COULD SEE ME NOW

Our prayers have all been answered;
I finally arrived.
The healing that had been delayed
Has now been realized.
No one's in a hurry--
There's no schedule to keep--
We're all enjoying Jesus,
Just sitting at His feet...

If you could see me now....
I'm walking streets of gold.
If you could see me now...
I'm standing tall and whole!
If you could see me now...
You'd know I'd seen His face.
If you could see me now--
You'd know the pain is erased.

You wouldn't want me
To ever leave this place.
If you could only see me, now.

My light and temporary trials
Have worked out for my good.
To know it brought Him glory
When I misunderstood!
Though we've had our sorrows
They can never compare--
What Jesus has in store for us
No language can share....

CHORUS, TWICE

You wouldn't want me
To ever leave this perfect place!
If you could only see me now...
If you could see me now--
If you could only see me now.

Subject: RE: Funeral Tunes, songs that heal
From: Bagpuss
Date: 27 Jun 00 - 12:05 PM

Here I am Lord, and On Eagles Wings are two different hymns, but they are both very beautiful.

My sister had "Always look on the bright side of Life" at her wedding - didn't Graham Chapman have it at his funeral?

I know you said no dirges, but I have always liked The Lyke Wake Dirge.

Bagpuss (just a saggy old cloth cat)

Subject: RE: Funeral Tunes, songs that heal
From: GUEST,Dragonfly
Date: 27 Jun 00 - 03:39 PM

I second the motion on Merritt Herring's version of "Who Will Sing for Me". For my mother's memorial service we used Forever Young by Bob Dylan, and for my father's memorial we used Across the Great Divide by Kate Wolfe. We used Amazing Grace at both services. Most people know it so even folks who do not usually sing in public join in. Another song I've always liked is Awake, Awake to Love and Work. It is in the UCC Hymnal and would sound great with Sacred Harp type harmony.

Subject: Lyr Add: I Will Meet You in the Morning^^
From: Ebbie
Date: 27 Jun 00 - 10:58 PM

At my brother's memorial service we played a bluegrass cut of a tape he had recorded. And he sang:

I will meet you in the morning on the bright river side
When all sorrows have drifted away
I'll be standing at the portal with the gates open wide
At the close of life's long , dreary day.

Cho: I'll meet you in the morning with a How do you do?
And we'll sit down by the river and with rapture auld acquaintance renew
You'll know me in the morning by the smile that I wear
When I meet you in the morning in that city that is built four-square.

I will meet you in the morning in the sweet by and by
And exchange the old cross for a crown
There will be no disappointments and no body shall die
In that land where life's sun goeth down.

Cho.

I will meet you in the morning at the end of the way
On the streets of that city of gold
Where we all can be together and be happy for aye
As the years of eternity roll...

Subject: RE: Funeral Tunes, songs that heal
From: wysiwyg
Date: 28 Jun 00 - 03:58 PM

Ebbie--

I have that in a songbook, chords too, if anyone wants it.

There is also one like it. THE EASTERN GATE-- "I... will meet you in the morning... just inside the Eastern Gate...."

And "IF WE NEVER MEET AGAIN THIS SIDE OF HEAVEN....."

And "I am going to a city WHERE THE ROSES NEVER FADE....."

~S~

Subject: RE: Funeral Tunes, songs that heal
From: mactheturk
Date: 29 Jun 00 - 08:20 AM

When Mom passed away we had a Bagpipe Player perform "Amazing Grace" at the funeral service.

Since then I've become a real fan of the Bagpipe, have one hanging on the wall, in fact, along with a map of Scotland, as we plan our first vacation there this September.

Mac

Subject: RE: Funeral Tunes, songs that heal
From: GUEST,rainyweather
Date: 29 Jun 00 - 11:25 AM

If it is a Christian funeral, LOTS of songs from the Sacred Harp (Denson or Cooper) would be nice, especially "All is Well" (Denson, 122) "China" (Denson, 163) "Christian's Farewell" (Denson, 347) or "Parting Hand" (Denson, 64)- but those are just some of my favorites-! It would be better if you had about 100 howling singers, and put the bereaved in the center of the square, but a quartet could do OK.

There's also "Sweet Beulah Land" (AKA "Beulah Land") which I heard recently sung by a tenor-alto duo. It was shivery.

Subject: Lyr Add: Farewell Anthem^^
From: GUEST,Central NY
Date: 29 Jun 00 - 12:52 PM

If we're talking Sacred Harp, I want Funeral Anthem at my service. Wondrous Love for the non-SH singers. And a 2 day singing so they can do all 250 of my favorties :-) Better make that 3 so there's time for my regular hymn favorites as well.

Words for these & the earlier message can be found at the Fasola.org web site http://fasola.org/index/0Index.html

Farewell Anthem:

My friends, I am going a long and tedious journey,
Never to return. Fare you well my friends,
And God grant we may meet together in that world above,
Where trouble shall cease and harmony shall abound.

Hark! Hark! my dear friends, for death hath called me,
And I must go, and lie down in the cold and silent grave,
Where the mourners cease from mourning and the pris'ner is set free:
Where the rich and poor are both alike.
Fare you well, my friends.

Subject: RE: Funeral Tunes, songs that heal
From: Jon W.
Date: 29 Jun 00 - 01:08 PM

Here's a link to the hymn mentioned by my fellow Utahn above. I we all, including especially myself, applied the philosophy expressed in this hymn, better in our lives.

Subject: RE: Funeral Tunes, songs that heal
From: GUEST,DW guest
Date: 29 Jun 00 - 02:20 PM

When my friend Joan lost her daughter to suicide I sent her a tape of Gordon Bok's Turning Toward the Morning. When Bok sings the chorus, "Oh my Joanie don't you know..." in that rich mellow voice of his it is like soothing honey to the heart. My friend Henry sang at my husband's funeral in 1982, "If I were a Troubador." Another song which could be just right for someone is "Fiddler's Green." There is a new recording called "Before Their Time" (CD and Casette) with many of the songs listed here on it. Heard about it on Traditions (WFDU 89.1). Ron Olesko might know the source of the recording. I've sent for it and lost the URL on which it is featured.

Subject: RE: Funeral Tunes, songs that heal
From: wysiwyg
Date: 29 Jun 00 - 02:33 PM

Central NY, where you at? Husband and I are in N Central PA, an hour south of Elmira. There are Mudcatters in the Finger Lakes and Syracuse. Jam in Syracuse may happen in late July.

Or, are you anywhere near the Amsterdam Deli?

~S~

Subject: Lyr Add: GIVE ME THE ROSES WHILE I LIVE^^^
From: GUEST,open mike
Date: 29 Jun 00 - 06:59 PM

I had such a good reply composed and then it vanished. I will try to recall it: Last fall a friend died in a car wreck. I sang Eric Clapton's No Tears in Heaven for her. (I don't know how I managed--strength from above, I guess!) Also did Poor Wayfaring stranger. Sang this for my elderly uncle last week as well. (Funeral) It can be adapted to fit the person by adding or subtracting verses regarding family members 9 (bro, sis, father, mother) if the person still has these family members surviving, you can put in "I'm goin' there no more to wander, I'm goin' there no more to roam" it rhymes with home.... I also have found a couple of gems regarding the subject of death, but they are better sung before death, as the subject is sort of a "be here now" type deal thus: Give Me the Roses--apparently an old Carter family tune originally composed by a Welsh miner around the turn of the century (from Cornwall)

GIVE ME THE ROSES WHILE I LIVE
------------------------------
Heard on Prairie Home Companion
As sung by
Greg Brown and Kate Mackenzie

  D
  Wonderful things of folks are said,
   A
  When they have passed away.
    D
  Flowers adorn the narrow bed,
  A                      A  A7
  And over the sleeping lay.
  
  CHORUS:
                G                   D                   D
  Give me the roses while I live, trying to cheer me on,
             D                                  A               
  Useless the flowers that you give, after the soul is gone.
  
  
   D                                  A
  Folks are forgiven when folks lie, cold in the narrow bed.
   D                                 A
  Let us forgive them ere they die, now should the words be said.
  
  CHORUS
    D                                 A
  Praises are heard not by the dead, roses they cannot see.
   D                                     A
  Let us not wait till souls have fled, tenderest friends to be.
  
  CHORUS, REPEAT CHORUS

This sort of reflects the sentiments of a tune categorized as an old gospel tune sung by Terry Allen which states:

If you can't give me flowers while I'm living,
Don't stick any lilies in my hands
(Or something like that)

And lastly, the song which is appropriate for so many purposes, an all-purpose song good for weddings, lullabies, birthdays, as well as funerals is Bob Dylan's Forever Young. I once sang it a teen-age suicide victim's funeral---whew!

Subject: RE: Funeral Tunes, songs that heal
From: GUEST,Central NY
Date: 29 Jun 00 - 07:33 PM

Praise, I'm a bit new here & not quite ready to join up. Could you take a look at my request in the Song Circle Locations thread & give me dates for July in Syracuse? Thanks.

Subject: RE: Funeral Tunes, songs that heal
From: bflat
Date: 30 Jun 00 - 07:17 PM

Guest DW,guest,

The URL you referred to is www.beforetheirtime.com

I too, heard it from the Traditions broadcast.

Subject: RE: Funeral Tunes, songs that heal
From: GUEST,Chris
Date: 18 Mar 04 - 06:26 PM

I'll be there by Escape Club is one of the best songs to help in dealing with death or to play at a funeral in my oppinion. It's important to remember Jesus Christ loves us all very much and will help us in dealing with the death of a loved one and in every day life. All we have to do is pray. The Lord knows our hearts and our every need and desire and will comfort us in our time of need especially!

Subject: RE: Funeral Tunes, songs that heal
From: GUEST,Chris B (Born Again Scouser)
Date: 18 Mar 04 - 06:45 PM

I can't believe no-one's mentioned 'Isn't it Grand, Boys' by the Clancy Brothers.

To remind you:

'Let's not have a sniffle,
let's have a bloody good cry,
and always remember the longer you live,
the sooner you'll bloody well die.'

Either that or Sarah Vaughan singing 'I'll be seeing you'.

But do I have to make up my mind now?

Subject: Lyr Add: FOR A DANCER
From: PaulBobbyBuzz
Date: 19 Mar 04 - 12:18 AM

Jackson Browne's "For A Dancer" I've told my wife I want this one for my memorial, and a party it shall be!    pbb

FOR A DANCER

Keep a fire burning in your eye
Pay attention to the open sky
You never know what will be coming down
I don't remember losing track of you
You were always dancing in and out of view
I must have thought you'd always be around
Always keeping things real by playing the clown
Now you're nowhere to be found

I don't know what happens when people die
Can't seem to grasp it as hard as I try
It's like a song I can hear playing right in my ear
That I can't sing
I can't help listening
And I can't help feeling stupid standing 'round
Crying as they ease you down
'Cause I know that you'd rather we were dancing
Dancing our sorrow away
(Right on dancing)
No matter what fate chooses to play
(There's nothing you can do about it anyway)

Just do the steps that you've been shown
By everyone you've ever known
Until the dance becomes your very own
No matter how close to yours
Another's steps have grown
In the end there is one dance you'll do alone

Keep a fire for the human race
Let your prayers go drifting into space
You never know what will be coming down
Perhaps a better world is drawing near
And just as easily it could all disappear
Along with whatever meaning you might have found
Don't let the uncertainty turn you around
(The world keeps turning around and around)
Go on and make a joyful sound

Into a dancer you have grown
From a seed somebody else has thrown
Go on ahead and throw some seeds of your own
And somewhere between the time you arrive
And the time you go
May lie a reason you were alive
But you'll never know

Subject: RE: Funeral Tunes, songs that heal
From: Bobert
Date: 19 Mar 04 - 06:58 PM

Well, I weren't 'round here when this thread was started but I'd do a couple weepy ones, "Amazing Grace", which I do in open G tuning on a steel bodied resonator, then "Will the Circle be Unbroken" on the Martin in E with satndard tuning and then use "I'll Fly Away" as the song to play as folks file out of the church which ig done in C in standard tuning everyone in the joint can sing along...

If you only have two songs, leave out "Amazing Grace" since it is a tad threadworn...

Bobert

Subject: RE: Funeral Tunes, songs that heal
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 19 Mar 04 - 09:25 PM

At my mother's funeral we had "Now thank we all our God": the words are so appropriate for celebrating someone's life rather than mourning their death. The organist also played a selection of her favourite Scottish tunes, including some that had rather hilarious personal stories attached, which some of the congregation wouldn't have known, but we as the family did. My dad requested "Highland Cathedral" which is another amazing pipe tune, now usually played at any public occasion where there are pipe bands.

Subject: RE: Funeral Tunes, songs that heal
From: Sandy Mc Lean
Date: 20 Mar 04 - 12:49 AM

This afternoon I attended a funeral where a soloist sang "On Eagles Wings". It was very beautiful, but the singer had pipes far better than mine. I would think it a very hard song to sing.
This evening at a concert a friend of mine sang " Far Side Bank Of Jordan". One of the songs that I sang was "The Wreck of The Old '97".
I was born in 1947. Perhaps Henry Whitter will forgive me if I change that to "Wreck Of The Old '47" and if my friend outlives me perhaps he will sing both songs for me. :-}
                Sandy

Subject: RE: Funeral Tunes, songs that heal
From: breezy
Date: 20 Mar 04 - 01:08 PM

Keith Marsden's 'Funeral Song' for afterwards when we gather.




'The Leaf'

- What is the life of a man any more than a leaf

A man has his seasons, so why should he grieve...

All through this life we appear fine and gay

like a leaf we must wither, and soon fade away

Subject: RE: Funeral Tunes, songs that heal
From: GUEST,Donna
Date: 05 Dec 04 - 03:08 PM

My son died June 18,2004.
He picked the music he wanted played at the funeral home and during his service.
The songs he choose were Free Bird by Lynard Skynard
Turn The Page by Metallica, Blackbird by Beatles, Wish You Were Here by Pink Floyd, Forever Young by Rod Stewart, Hurt by Johnny Cash, When Angels Cry by Janis Ian and Dust In The Wind by Kansas

Subject: RE: Funeral Tunes, songs that heal
From: GUEST,mel
Date: 15 May 05 - 08:51 PM

does anyone have the chords to On eagles wings?

Subject: ADD Chords: On Eagles' Wings (Michael Joncas)
From: Joe Offer
Date: 16 May 05 - 03:56 PM

ON EAGLES' WINGS
(Michael Joncas)

  G                     Dmj7
  You who dwell in the shelter of the Lord,
        G                       Dmj7
  Who abide in His shadow for life,
   F                      Dm
  Say to the Lord:"My refuge,
       F      Gm      Asus4
  My rock in whom I trust!"
  
  
       A7           D
      And he will raise you up on eagle's wings,
       Em               A7
      Bear you on the breath of dawn,
       D            D7            G   Em 
      Make you to shine like the sun,
       A   Bm      F#m     EmA7        D
      And hold you in the palm of His hand.
  
  (last chorus)
           Bm  F#m           Em7      A          D
      And hold you, hold you in the palm of His hand.

The is from the Yohann Anderson songbook titled Songs. I don't know what they mean by EmA7 - is a misprint for Em7???

-Joe Offer, not a guitarist-

Subject: RE: Funeral Tunes, songs that heal
From: Dave'sWife
Date: 19 May 05 - 02:16 AM

I agree with PaulBobbyBuzz - I want 'For a Dancer' at my funeral too. That and 'Homeward Bound'

Of course, I frequently change my mind which ticks off my Husband, who is not Davetnova. He says I should keep a list posted on the refrigerator door and cross songs out or add new ones as the spirit moves me, sort of like a Grocery List. There is a "Songs I want at my Funeral' Thread somehwere here on Mudcat and I believe I posted this there too.

For A Dancer is just so perfect because it addresses both the finality and mystery of Death whilst encouraging those left behind to dance their sorrows away, to 'cast some seeds of their own' and to make a 'joyful sound.'

I really wish I had known that song when I was younger. We lost a number of dear friends in a tragic accident when I was a teen and I was asked to perform at the Memorial. We had a rough time getting through the songs chosen because they were so overwhelmingly sad. It was hard on the congregated mourners to see the kids leading the service break down during the songs. Of course, I doubt any Funeral for 16 year olds can be anything less than profoundly sad. Even so, I would have liked to have left them at the end of the service with a song like "For a Dancer' that exhorted them to go and DO something besides cry.

I think that's what the OP was referring to when they posted this thread - songs that cause the mourners to find some useful outlet for their grief or songs that can simply comfort them and make them feel less alone in their loss.

If you've never heard 'For a Dancer' or if it's been a very long time since you've heard it, seek it out. It's on Jackson Brownes CD LATE FOR THE SKY and Linda Ronstadt does a decent cover of it on THE WESTERN WALL CD. You never know when you might need a song like this.

Subject: RE: Funeral Tunes, songs that heal
From: GUEST,Bob998
Date: 15 Jun 05 - 01:19 PM

EmA7 isn't a misprint for Em7, it's just Em A7.

Subject: RE: Funeral Tunes, songs that heal
From: rich-joy
Date: 15 Jun 05 - 08:05 PM

I used a recording of Rob Whitesides-Woo's "Miracles" ("Music of the Spirit for Harp, Strings and Wind") at my father's 1987 funeral and many people, including the Minister, wanted a copy ...


Cheers! R-J

Subject: RE: Funeral Tunes, songs that heal
From:
Date: 18 Jul 05 - 08:22 PM

My Mother is very sick and in the final stages of breast cancer. she is not expected to live much longer. Maybe a few weeks or so. She is 61 years old. My biggest fear is that she will not have the funeral she deserves. When the time comes I would love to sing a song at her funeral. I am not a professional singer but I have sung in a few choirs and can carry a tune. I have been practicing a few of your suggestions and I am okay when I don't think about anything, but the second I think of my Mom, my voice cracks and it takes me a whole line to get back on track. I am planning on making a recording of whatever I decide to sing as a backup in case I'm feeling too fragile to get throught the song. Does anyone have any suggestions or advice for keeping it together to get through a song? Or song suggestions that might fit my situation? She is a devoted Catholic. I am not, but I am happy to sing a song from her tradition. I grew up singing "On Eagle's Wings" and "Here I am Lord" in school so I know them by heart, but I have also heard them so many times that I might liike to sing something else. She is a positive extremely loving and kind person who has been fighting cancer for 2 1/2 years. Her funeral will be crowded as she belongs to a big, very supportive Church and has a very big extended family.

My Mom is thinking about what she might want so of course I'll sing whatever she wants, but we are both open to suggestions.

Thanks much for any help.

Caitlin

Subject: RE: Funeral Tunes, songs that heal
From: Amos
Date: 18 Jul 05 - 08:31 PM

I would recommend perhaopps an abridged version of "Abide With Me", one of the most beautiful of religous songs:

Abide with me; fast falls the eventide;
The darkness deepens; Lord with me abide.
When other helpers fail and comforts flee,
Help of the helpless, O abide with me.

Swift to its close ebbs out life's little day;
Earth's joys grow dim; its glories pass away;
Change and decay in all around I see;
O Thou who changest not, abide with me.

Not a brief glance I beg, a passing word;
But as Thou dwell'st with Thy disciples, Lord,
Familiar, condescending, patient, free.
Come not to sojourn, but abide with me.

Come not in terrors, as the King of kings,
But kind and good, with healing in Thy wings,
Tears for all woes, a heart for every plea—
Come, Friend of sinners, and thus bide with me.

Thou on my head in early youth didst smile;
And, though rebellious and perverse meanwhile,
Thou hast not left me, oft as I left Thee,
On to the close, O Lord, abide with me.

I need Thy presence every passing hour.
What but Thy grace can foil the tempter's power?
Who, like Thyself, my guide and stay can be?
Through cloud and sunshine, Lord, abide with me.

I fear no foe, with Thee at hand to bless;
Ills have no weight, and tears no bitterness.
Where is death's sting? Where, grave, thy victory?
I triumph still, if Thou abide with me.

Hold Thou Thy cross before my closing eyes;
Shine through the gloom and point me to the skies.
Heaven's morning breaks, and earth's vain shadows flee;
In life, in death, O Lord, abide with me.



For my own mother, I sang at her funeral "I SIngs BEcause I'se Happy", and one of her favorite pieces "Finnegan's Wake". But I was busting up pretty bad and left a whole verse out of the latter. No-one seemed to mind, though. I think weeping over the loss of your mother will not be held against you, quite the contrary.

Keep breathing, pal. This is a rough passage. My sympathy goes with you.

Amos

Subject: RE: Funeral Tunes, songs that heal
From:
Date: 24 Aug 05 - 05:59 PM

I am trying to find the name of a song that was sung at a Baptist funeral.

The lyrics had these words

...not too long you'll look for me but I'll be gone.


Please help me find this song.

Subject: RE: Funeral Tunes, songs that heal
From: Leadfingers
Date: 24 Aug 05 - 09:53 PM

Dont Mourn the death - Celebrate the life !!

Subject: RE: Funeral Tunes, songs that heal
From: Leadfingers
Date: 24 Aug 05 - 09:53 PM

And collect 100th posts

Subject: RE: Funeral Tunes, songs that heal
From: GUEST,Lindsay
Date: 24 Aug 05 - 11:27 PM

no-one has mentioned Sydney Carter's song "One More Step" with the wonderful chorus;

It's from the old I travel to the new
Keep me travelling along with you.

My father, a teacher and musician, died recently aged 82 and I had already chosen this as a personal preference for his eventual funeral, when he told me that he wished for "Love Divine" and "Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence", which we gave him...

Subject: RE: Funeral Tunes, songs that heal
From: GUEST
Date: 16 Sep 05 - 11:58 PM

City of God is a beautiful hymn, not solemn but appropriate with
meaningful lyrics

Subject: RE: Funeral Tunes, songs that heal
From: rogerontheoldtraps
Date: 17 Sep 05 - 09:32 AM

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

-----------------
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
-------------------------------------------------

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)
----------------------------------------------------

Subject: RE: Funeral Tunes, songs that heal
From: GUEST
Date: 17 Sep 05 - 11:44 AM

Sand And Water
Words: Beth Nielsen Chapman
Music: Beth Nielsen Chapman
Performed By:   Beth Neilsen Chapman, Elton John

Sung By Elton John On His "Big Picture" Tour


All alone I didnt like the feeling
All alone I sat and cried
All alone I had to find some meaning
in the center of the pain I felt inside

All alone I came into this world
All alone I will some day die
Solid stone is just sand and water baby
Sand and water and a million years gone by

I will see you in the light of a thousand suns
I will hear you in the sound of the waves
I will know you when I come as we all will come
Through the doors beyond the grave

All alone I heal this heart of sorrow
All alone I raise this child
Flesh and bone, he's just brushing towards tomarrow
And his laughter fills my world and wears your smile

Subject: RE: Funeral Tunes, songs that heal
From: Deckman
Date: 17 Sep 05 - 04:51 PM

About a month ago I sang two songs at a memorial service. I sang at the request of two of my daughter's girlfriends. Their Father had passed away and they wanted to remember him with some music. One song was a bedtime song that he used to sing to them: "The Magic Penny," by Malvena Reynolds. The other I chose and they loved: "Who Will Sing For Me." It seemed to be a comfort to many and pleased the family. CHEERS, Bob(deckman)Nelson

Subject: Chorus that says Hold on, Hold on
From: GUEST,llorentz
Date: 15 May 06 - 08:45 PM

Was at my cousins funeral last week. The music that played during the video of pictures of him kept signing hold on, hold on. It was a really soft males voice. Gave me chills. Anyone heard of this song? I think it is new.

Subject: RE: Funeral Tunes, songs that heal
From: GUEST,Nora
Date: 28 Feb 07 - 01:28 PM

"On Eagle's Wings" by Michael Joncus (based on Psalm 91)....I sang it at my beloved Father's funeral and it is sooooo healing

Subject: RE: Funeral Tunes, songs that heal
From: Cats
Date: 28 Feb 07 - 01:46 PM

It was Jon's dad's funeral last week and we had 'Flowers of the Season' by Crasdant, Jon's own 'Like a Sailor to the Sea', which he wrote for his Dad a few years ago, and 'Duke of Wellington's March' by Brass Monkey to go out to. Perfect.

Subject: RE: Funeral Tunes, songs that heal
From: LilyFestre
Date: 28 Feb 07 - 02:04 PM

I recently attended a funeral where the song, For You I Am Praying, sometimes known as I'm Praying For You was sung and it was very comforting.

LQF

Subject: RE: Funeral Tunes, songs that heal
From: oldhippie
Date: 28 Feb 07 - 02:32 PM

One Small Star - Eric Bogle

Subject: RE: Funeral Tunes, songs that heal
From: Jean(eanjay)
Date: 28 Feb 07 - 02:33 PM

One of the hymns I chose for my parents' funerals was "Praise My Soul The King Of Heaven" because it was one of the hymns played at my wedding and I felt it was a good hymn to give praise for their lives.

I also chose "The Day Thou Gavest Lord Is Ended" because I just love it.

For the third hymn I chose "O God Our Help In Ages Past" for my father because he used to be in the army and "Great Is Thy
Faithfullness" for my mother, and a soloist sang "I know that My Redeemer Liveth" G.F. Handel. The music was beautiful and uplifting and I recited some of "Auguries Of Innocence" because my mum was trying to learn it all before she died.

Subject: RE: Funeral Tunes, songs that heal
From: Scoville
Date: 28 Feb 07 - 03:01 PM

I've promised to play Howie Mitchell's "Dipper of Stars" at my mother's funeral (many years from now, I hope). And the slow version of "Haste to the Wedding" as Bob Beers recorded it, and as he played it for his grandmother's funeral. Two of Mom's favorites.

Subject: RE: Funeral Tunes, songs that heal
From: Alan Day
Date: 28 Feb 07 - 03:08 PM

When my Mother and very close Aunt died I decided to write them both a tune.When I can, I perform these tunes in public just to remember them by.It never eases the pain of loss, but somehow helps me accept the situation.I must say that when a number of musicians join in, it does get very emotional, but in a pleasant way.
Al

Subject: RE: Funeral Tunes, songs that heal
From: GUEST,Gill Cawley
Date: 28 Feb 07 - 03:17 PM

It may help to pick a song with a refrain. I have sung 'Gone, Gonna Rise Again' (Si Kahn) at a friend's funeral, and the congregation joined in all the refrains, which helped me get through the song, wobbling, but not breaking down. This is a good song for anyone who leaves children '... The storms of life have cut him down But the new wood springs from the roots underground ...'

Subject: RE: Funeral Tunes, songs that heal
From: GUEST,Sue A
Date: 28 Feb 07 - 05:36 PM

I helped my ex-husband's second wife organise his predominantly secular funeral (yes - it's possible, and her and I remain very close friends!) and it was the most beautiful funeral I have ever attended. It opened and closed with classical music on CD, and included counter tenor Andreas Scholl on CD singing The Salley Gardens, we sang a version of St Francis's prayer 'Make me a an instrument of your Peace', had Irish music (can't remember which tunes now!) on flute and bodhran, had that lovely Irish blessing read out 'May the road rise up to meet you ... etc', Taffy Thomas told the lovely story of 'Death and the Nut' with its moral that in order to have life we need to have death, and our son spoke about his father, selecting a song to illustrate his feelings: Roy Bailey's 'You can be anybody you want to be', with its last lines 'And the only measure of your words and deeds, will be the love you leave behind you when you're done' really saying it all.

It was a perfect occasion because it suited the person, and was a celebration of a life, as all the best funerals are.

For myself, there's so much I want it's going to be a full length concert programme, but the highlights will be Vaughan Williams' Thomas Tallis Fantasia, The Parting Glass and that lovely hymn we have for all family weddings or funerals (because it fits all): Lord of All Hopefulness ... set to the tune of that hauntingly beautiful Irish song The Banks of the Bann. That should set them all weeping. Serve them right!

Subject: RE: Funeral Tunes, songs that heal
From: GUEST,Bardan
Date: 01 Mar 07 - 01:33 PM

My grandfather had a wicked sense of humour, so as we walked out of the church at his funeral, my uncle Robert played a sort of quiet, down-tempo version of 'always look on the bright side of life'. There were a few things like that. He left a note about my grandma that said 'feed her twice a day. Walk her once a day.' or something like that.

Subject: RE: Funeral Tunes, songs that heal
From: GUEST,Jim
Date: 01 Mar 07 - 10:26 PM

How about:

MY BUDDY
(Gus Kahn / Walter Joseph Donaldson)


Nights are long since you went away
I think about you all thru the day
My buddy,
My buddy,
No buddy quite so true
Miss your voice,
The touch of your hand
Just long to know that you understand
My buddy,
My buddy,
Ooh your buddy misses you


or
I'll Be Seeing You ( in all the old familiar places...)

Subject: RE: Funeral Tunes, songs that heal
From: lennice
Date: 02 Mar 07 - 12:36 AM

Many of my favorites already mentioned, but with all the mudcatters in D.C. I can't believe no one mentioned the very, very top one on my list: Susan Hills' "Sing Me Over When I Am Gone." The melody is beautiful. Having it at my going away party is the first thing I mentioned in my "last directives" (along with Och's "When I'm Gone"). Last I heard from Susan she said she didn't mind having her songs circulated, so here's a bit of it (sorry for errors, Susan):

....as I cross over Jordan I might turn back an ear,
just to hear what my old friends are singing.
How hard it will be to keep moving along,
I might stop at that river and cry.
But the songs that you sing will [put wind in my sails?]
Please sing me across when I die.

ch:
Sing me over when I am gone.
I would not linger, I would move on.
Sing me over when I am gone,
Help me to find my way home.

Oh my.

Rita Ferrara made a tape for me the Year from Hell when my health was going down the tubes, I had to move suddenly because the roof fell in during a snow storm and ruined most of my possessions (my bed was ground zero), I had a car wreck and was hospitalized, my father died, my cat died, and my shrink left me. (Yes, I know, don't feel guilty, laughter IS the best medicine.) She picked the most marvelous songs - uplifting, touching, but not maudlin or just sad - good not only for a person going through a rough patch, but many great for a funeral. If you are looking for funeral songs, grieving songs, or just comforting songs, think about Rita's list - what she included and what she didn't. People with good reason to feel bad do not want to hear "Look on the Sunny Side" claptrap, but neither do they want to hear downers. Rita's selection strikes just the right note:

-Hoboe's Lullaby (Woody Guthrie)
-Turning Toward Morning (Gordon Bok)
-Skye Boat Song (trad?)
-Mockingbird Hill!!! (very comforting)
-A trad song I can't pull in just now about making you a bower (sp?) of roses to lie in

-2 songs Rita wrote - one that basically says just hold me - and I felt like she was holding me as I listened, and one that basically says quit fighting life so hard, you need a rest - it's ok to just rest.

-And another Susan Hills song great for grieving (which she wrote for Rita):

"You've been on my mind quite a lot these days,
I hold you in the light like the Quakers say,
And so I'm writing you this song
To send my love along.

Ch:
I'll hold you in the light, lift you to the light,
be with you in the light that shines on us all.
You're walking in the light in a time of strife, but there is [light on every branch?] of the tree of life.
God send you sleep deep and nourishing,
Dreams sweet and comforting,
Lead you by rivers and fields [...sorry, can't remember]
And when you need a friend, find comfort and peace in the wind."

Bless you Rita and Susan!

A few more funeral favorites not previously mentioned: "Chariots Come Carry Me Home" (not "swing low", much cheerier), Jerry Rassmussen's "Handful of Songs," and one of the world's all-time best funeral songs: Harry Chapin's "Circle Song," esp. the lines "I've been here a thousand times ... let's go 'round one more time."

My father was a staunch Baptist, so for him I sang his favorite poem, beautifully set to music (by Sally Rogers I think), "Touch of the Master's Hand." It is maudlin, but it's a really good going away party song for someone who wasn't exactly perfect and you don't want to blow chunks while everybody lies about what a great person blah blah - it was perfect for my daddy because he did try, he wanted to be a good man.

...And then again there's always Tom Paxton's "Forest Lawn" - if you haven't heard it, look it up - especially if you are suicidally depressed.

Subject: RE: Funeral Tunes, songs that heal
From: GUEST,Annon
Date: 07 Apr 07 - 12:44 PM

At my father's memorial the Fromers sang:

At the end of a rainbow you will find a pot of gold.
At the end of a story all the secrets will be told.
At the end of a journey well the road has got to bend.
But a lifetime is measured by your friends.

Subject: RE: Funeral Tunes, songs that heal
From: Anne Lister
Date: 07 Apr 07 - 04:32 PM

For my grandmother and for my mother in law I wrote and played my song "Spreading Rings". The funeral director at my mother in law's funeral asked for a copy for other non denominational and agnostic/atheist funerals, which I took as high praise.

SPREADING RINGS
Anne Lister


Eternity is made up of little things
Not a bigger splash but thousands of spreading rings
Through the eyes of all of us who care
You'll still look out, you'll still be smiling there
Time after time.

I can't believe in curtains after all
Can't believe in endings
Can't believe that night could ever fall
On all your warmth ascending
I do believe you've left behind
Some hopeful part of a peaceful mind
That glows and sends a candle shine
Into tomorrow...

Everything you've ever done lives on
Casts a living shadow
And every note and word of every song
Leaves a lasting echo
And everything you've done in hope
And everyone you've helped with love
Will light a candle up above
And go on shining...

Maybe we can never be reborn
Maybe time's a river
Flowing on through fields of growing corn
Changing shape forever
But somewhere there's a shape you made
And somewhere there's a debt you paid
And left a mark which will not fade
But goes on shining ...

And if there is a future for the soul
If there is some meaning
We can make the part into the whole
And call an end to dreaming
And everyone who's suffered pain
And everyone who's loved in vain
Will see the world turn round again
And walk forward smiling.

Anne

Subject: RE: Funeral Tunes, songs that heal
From: Bert
Date: 07 Apr 07 - 07:06 PM

Here's another one from a couple of years ago.
About a premee that lived for two hours


Ariseli

Sleep softly my pretty one
sleep softly my darling
you promised a happiness
that only you could bring

You came for a moment
and then you were gone
faded away
like a snowflake in spring

Sleep softly my pretty one
sleep softly, my love.

Subject: RE: Funeral Tunes, songs that heal
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 07 Apr 07 - 08:48 PM

Anne, that's beautiful- have you recorded it?

Subject: RE: Funeral Tunes, songs that heal
From: GUEST,Scoville
Date: 07 Apr 07 - 11:09 PM

My mother has exacted a promise to me to play "I'll Fly Away" (which about dying but has a happy tune), "Who Will Sing For Me?", and Howie Mitchell's "Dipper of Stars" at her funeral, which will hopefully not be for several decades.

I'm going to have to learn a good Cajun two-step for her, too, though, the way things are going. Might as well go out with some party music.

Subject: RE: Funeral Tunes, songs that heal
From: katlaughing
Date: 07 Apr 07 - 11:31 PM

Anne, I agree with Animaterra, very beautiful.

Bert, only two hours? Puir wee thing. Beautiful words, darlin'.

Subject: RE: Funeral Tunes, songs that heal
From: Anne Lister
Date: 08 Apr 07 - 05:57 AM

Thank you for the comments - yes, I recorded it on my first solo CD, which used the song as a title track. I confess I couldn't actually sing it at the funerals myself, with my emotions always too close to the surface, so it was just as well it was in a recorded form!

Anne

Subject: RE: Funeral Tunes, songs that heal
From: Big Mick
Date: 08 Apr 07 - 03:09 PM

I recently buried my closest friend. He was a chosen brother. I struggled, when asked to sing for him. But then I heard Dave Carter's "When I Go". I arranged it my way, and it worked beautifully. Here are the lyrics:

Come, lonely hunter, chieftain and king
I will fly like the falcon when I go
Bear me my brother under your wing
I will strike fell like lightning when I go

/ Am - C G / Dsus2 FG Am - / :

I will bellow like the thunder drum, invoke the storm of war
A twisting pillar spun of dust and blood up from the prairie floor
I will sweep the foe before me like a gale out on the snow
And the wind will long recount the story, reverence and glory, when I go

/ C - G - / Dm - Am - / C - G - / Dsus2 - F G Am - C G Dsus2 FG Am - /

Spring, spirit dancer, nimble and thin
I will leap like coyote when I go
Tireless entrancer, lend me your skin
I will run like the gray wolf when I go

I will climb the rise at daybreak, I will kiss the sky at noon
Raise my yearning voice at midnight to my mother in the moon
I will make the lay of long defeat and draw the chorus slow
I'll send this message down the wire and hope that someone wise is listening when I go

And when the sun comes, trumpets from his red house in the east
He will find a standing stone where long I chanted my release
He will send his morning messenger to strike the hammer blow
And I will crumble down uncountable in showers of crimson rubies when I go

Sigh, mournful sister, whisper and turn
I will rattle like dry leaves when I go
Stand in the mist where my fire used to burn
I will camp on the night breeze when I go

And should you glimpse my wandering form out on the borderline
Between death and resurrection and the council of the pines
Do not worry for my comfort, do not sorrow for me so
All your diamond tears will rise up and adorn the sky beside me when I go

Le gach dea-mhéin,

Mick

Subject: RE: Funeral Tunes, songs that heal
From: GUEST
Date: 08 Apr 07 - 04:47 PM

I'd go for Motorhead's "Ace of spades" for the line "I don't wanna live for ever". But if that's too rock 'n' Roll for you then I'm surprised no-one's suggested:

ONLY REMEMBERED

Up and away like the dew of the morning,
Soaring from earth to its heavenly home,
Thus would I leave from this world and its toiling:
Only remembered for what I have done.

cho: Only remembered, Only remembered,
Only remembered for what we have done;
Only remembered, Only remembered,
Only remembered for what we have done.

Shall we be missed when others succeed us,
Reaping the fields we in spring time have sown?
Nay, for the sower shall pass from his labor,
Only remembered for what he has done.

Only the truth that in life we have spo ken,
Only the seeds that on Earth we have sown,
These shall pass on ward while we are forgotten,
Only remembered for what we have done.

Subject: RE: Funeral Tunes, that are played in a funeral
From: GUEST
Date: 07 May 07 - 12:10 PM

Subject: RE: Funeral Tunes, songs that heal
From: GUEST,Soon to be there
Date: 26 Oct 07 - 12:58 AM

"Fly" By Celine Dion. Listen and you will understand.

Subject: RE: Funeral Tunes, songs that heal
From: cptsnapper
Date: 26 Oct 07 - 03:48 PM

I sang the first three verses of " Mr. Tambourine Man " at a friend's funeral & people seemed to feel that it was appropriate.

Subject: RE: Funeral Tunes, songs that heal
From: GUEST,GUEST LB
Date: 28 Oct 07 - 12:37 AM

WANT TO PLAY NEW ORLEANS FUNERAL "SONG" AT HUSBAND'S MEMORIAL. MAYBE JAZZ BUT NOT WILD AND LOUD. DAUGHTER SAYS THERE IS A N.O. WELL-KNOWN SONG PLAYED AT N.O. FUNERALS. DON'T KNOW THE TUNE OR WORDS. CAN YOU HELP? THANKS MEMORIAL IS 11/2/07

Subject: RE: Funeral Tunes, songs that heal
From: Nigel Parsons
Date: 28 Oct 07 - 01:41 PM

For a hymn I can find little better than O Love that will not let me go to the tune of St Margaret.

Or, for the wake, "The Parting Glass"

CHEERS
Nigel

Subject: RE: Funeral Tunes, songs that heal
From: GUEST,joseph
Date: 29 Oct 07 - 08:12 AM

there are two very nice hymns written by Liam Lawton 1. In THe Quiet and 2. There is a Place. If any one would like the lyrics I will submit them .

Subject: RE: Funeral Tunes, songs that heal
From: GUEST,Saxman
Date: 18 Jun 08 - 01:17 PM

I need the chords to I Will meet you in the morning if you still have them. Thanks!

Subject: RE: Funeral Tunes, songs that heal
From: GUEST,Zach Hump
Date: 28 Oct 08 - 01:22 AM

The name of your song is "walk around heaven"

Subject: RE: Funeral Tunes, songs that heal
From: Genie
Date: 22 Nov 08 - 09:53 AM

Here's another one I love:

Flyin' Shoes (Terry Pinnegar).

Subject: RE: Funeral Tunes, songs that heal
From: cptsnapper
Date: 22 Nov 08 - 11:52 AM

There's also " There's A Light ' by Beth Nielsen Chapman which I and my partner, Jennie, will be singing for my Mum on Tuesday. George Norris

Subject: RE: Funeral Tunes, songs that heal
From: GUEST,Sean
Date: 02 Feb 09 - 05:57 AM

I thought this was a discussion of Catholic music. Songs like "On Eagle's Wings" is sung in lots of Christian churches. Has anyone ever sung the "In Paradisum" or other music from Catholic sources other than the Haugen-Haas, Hurd and St Louis Jesuit crap that came out years ago during the hippy era?

Subject: RE: Funeral Tunes, songs that heal
From: Acorn4
Date: 02 Feb 09 - 06:07 AM

Julia sand Maddy Prior's "Somewhere Along the Road" for her mum's funeral.

Johnny Cash "Meet me in Heaven" and Vince Gill "Go Rest High on that Mountain" are also good.

A lot depends on how ,and in what way,the deceased person was religious.

Subject: RE: Funeral Tunes, songs that heal
From: TenorTwo
Date: 02 Feb 09 - 09:02 AM

Plainsong "In Paradisum" at a friend's funeral last year. Actually, plainsong/plainchant any time!

T2

Subject: RE: Funeral Tunes, songs that heal
From: wysiwyg
Date: 02 Feb 09 - 09:11 AM

NOW WE TAKE THIS FEEBLE BODY Arr. R. Nathaniel Dett

~S~

Subject: RE: Funeral Tunes, songs that heal
From: GUEST,Ref
Date: 02 Feb 09 - 12:29 PM

In addition to many already noted, David Dodson's "Farthest Field", Cindy Kallett's "Tide And The River Rising", Rani Arbo's "Crossing The Bar", Eric Bogle's (written for Stan Rogers) "Safe In The Harbor." Remember we're not all Christians or believers (NOT a criticism of those who are!)

Subject: RE: Funeral Tunes, songs that heal
From: ClaireBear
Date: 02 Feb 09 - 01:07 PM

In autumn 1989 a friend asked if me to find and rewrite some verses from the Egyptian Book of the Dead for use as a "rowing song" to be sung as part of a guided meditation for a Samhain ritual. This song is the result.

My husband wants me to sing it at his funeral.

ROWING SONG

© 1989, 2004 Claire Beorn Norman

Spin and dance, dance for tomorrow.
Sing and chant and forget your sorrow.
Cast aside your flesh and leave it far behind you;
Throw away your long bone, let the water bind you.

I return to the rhythm of the water.
I am the dark song deep within my mother.
I am a goddess and I dance at midnight;
You are a god and full of starlight.

Chorus:        Row and row, with your spirit bending.
Row and row to the journey's ending.
Row and row and gaze in the water.
Row and row, Death's son and daughter.

Green words fly from the mouth of a god.
Ground and baked, they are red as blood,
Red as the hawk's eye burning at the riverbend,
Red as the phoenix, perfect food for dead men.

This our boat is carved from the cypress
Green and strong as the voice of a goddess.
My gaze rises from the world surrounding
To the silver stars like river fishes bounding.

(Chorus)

Boats glide past in the cold black water.
Slick river drips from every paddle.
Death ferries us unto a distant shore while
Striped fish jump in silence on the dark Nile.

I have known terrors in the night,
Eaters of flesh with an evil bite.
I have known much anger and hatred,
Terror in the daytime unexpected.

(Chorus)

May light shine in us, through us, and on.
May we die each night and be born each dawn.
May we love and laugh and sing together.
May we live forever, may we live forever.


The tune is borrowed from Martin Carthy's song, "The Dominion of the Sword" (recorded on Right of Passage, Topic Records, 1988). That song was itself remade from a 17th century political rant of the same name with much original material by Carthy. He set it to an adaptation of a Breton pipe tune called "Ar Ch'akouz" ("The Leper").

I vividly recall opening the Egyptian Book of the Dead, reading a few couplets, and feeling the words pour forth in a flood. I wrote them down as fast as I could before the literary waters receded. I no longer remember which images came from the book and which sprang from some mysterious source within me.

Be careful with this song; it has power.

Claire

Subject: RE: Funeral Tunes, songs that heal
From: squeezebox-kc
Date: 02 Feb 09 - 01:31 PM

played Putting on the Ritz by Peeping Tom at mothers funeral but i would be tempted to have Keith Marsden's "Funeral Song" sung by Cockerdale incuding the last verse added later by someone about drilling a hole in the coffin lid "he always was a proud man" etc.

Subject: RE: Funeral Tunes, songs that heal
From: Weasel
Date: 02 Feb 09 - 01:38 PM

I have already made it clear that at my funeral Nellie the Elephant will be played by a horn quartet.

Cheers

Subject: RE: Funeral Tunes, songs that heal
From: Musket
Date: 02 Feb 09 - 01:50 PM

I would like Champagne Rollercoaster by Oasis.

However, two folk songs spring to mind...

Ewan McColl's moving song he wrote after being told his story had an ending, "Joy of living."

Or, thinking about it; The carnival is over. The Seekers version if nobody sings it live.

A bit of a mawkish thread this. Perhaps Woody Allen could sum it up by saying he does not wish to be immortal through his work, he wishes to be immortal through not dying.

Subject: RE: Funeral Tunes, songs that heal
From: bbc
Date: 16 Aug 09 - 03:17 PM

refresh

I was moved, to read Sandy's posts on this thread, in reference to his partner, Lee's, memorial

Barbara

Subject: RE: Funeral Tunes, songs that heal
From: Charmion
Date: 17 Aug 09 - 03:16 PM

My aunt the atheist wants "Aignish on the Machair" (also known as "Going West") sung at her funeral -- no small challenge, that. It's in the Songs of the Hebrides collection by Marjorie Kennedy-Fraser, and I just know she wants a harp accompaniment ... and she'll haunt me if she doesn't get one.

When day and night are over
And the world is done with me
Then carry me west and lay me
In Aignish, Aignish by the sea.

And never heed me lying
Among the ancient dead
Beneath the white sea breakers
And seagulls crying overhead.

Subject: RE: Funeral Tunes, songs that heal
From: GUEST,Turtleluna
Date: 18 Aug 09 - 12:53 AM

Just happened across this thread and wanted to add another - Your Long Journey. Lyrics are here http://mudcat.org/thread.cfm?threadid=21967#981706

I've only heard the Alison Krause/Robert Plante version, which is gorgeous, but I thought it would be beautiful for a memorial service.

Subject: RE: Funeral Tunes, songs that heal
From: Joe_F
Date: 18 Aug 09 - 09:45 PM

My mother didn't want a funeral (she willed her body to a medical school), but she said to put on Die Dreigroschenoper when she died, so I did.

*

Amos:

"...the hymn that more than any other belongs to the working-classes, 'Abide with Me': it is sung at football matches and other large public occasions, and many a working-class mother asks only for that at her funeral. My mother did so, and my grandmother some years later; for both of them it had an enormous weight of suggestion, of God as Father, of Heaven as Home, and of the long day of work which had been their lives, drawing to a close." -- Richard Hoggart, _The Uses of Literacy_ (1957).

---

This thread has become a frequent target for Spam, so I'm going to close it. If you'd like to post about this subject, post to one of the other threads crosslinked above, or start a new thread. Thanks.
Joe Offer, Mudcat Music Editor