Inappropriate funeral songs

Subject: Inappropriate funeral songs
From: Clontarf83
Date: 28 Jan 11 - 01:35 AM

A friend of mine went to England recently to arrange a funeral service for his aunt (yes, she was dead already). The Minister showed him a database of music to choose from. As they discussed options my friend asked the Minister what was the most unusual request he has seen. He replied that one family asked for "Smoke gets in your eyes". In the spirit of this wonderful choice can you think of any other dodgy funeral songs?

Subject: RE: Inappropriate funeral songs
From: Gweltas
Date: 28 Jan 11 - 02:51 AM

Ring Of Fire ?

Subject: RE: Inappropriate funeral songs
From: sandinmyears
Date: 28 Jan 11 - 03:15 AM

How about "Finnegan's Wake?" ;)

Subject: RE: Inappropriate funeral songs
From: BrooklynJay
Date: 28 Jan 11 - 03:32 AM

When my late father's second wife finally shuffled off this mortal coil in 1999, I could think of no more appropriate song than Ding Dong, the Witch is Dead, but her family never told me the damned old harridan had croaked - I found out after the fact through the Internet.

My other thoughts are unprintable.

Jay

Subject: RE: Inappropriate funeral songs
From: BrooklynJay
Date: 28 Jan 11 - 03:39 AM

A minor correction to the above post: He passed in 1999, she descended to the Fiery Furnace in 2009.

Of course, there's always I'll Be Glad When You're Dead, You Rascal You.

J.

Subject: RE: Inappropriate funeral songs
From: Dave Hanson
Date: 28 Jan 11 - 03:48 AM

Keith Marsdens 'Funeral Song'

Dave H

Subject: RE: Inappropriate funeral songs
From: JohnH
Date: 28 Jan 11 - 04:01 AM

An aunt of mine was dispatched to the strains of "Come Fly With Me."

Subject: RE: Inappropriate funeral songs
From: Andy Jackson
Date: 28 Jan 11 - 04:01 AM

For Mother in laws

" Always look on the bright side of life"

Subject: RE: Inappropriate funeral songs
From: Acorn4
Date: 28 Jan 11 - 04:02 AM

Queen: "Another One Bites the Dust".

Subject: RE: Inappropriate funeral songs
From: Manitas_at_home
Date: 28 Jan 11 - 04:30 AM

Really LTS on the sofa....

The Who singing 'I'm free'.... whether he wants it or not.

LTS

Subject: RE: Inappropriate funeral songs
From: Don(Wyziwyg)T
Date: 28 Jan 11 - 05:15 AM

"Isn't it Grand to be Bloody Well Dead"!

"Why Build a Wall Round a Graveyard, When Nobody's Trying to Get In" Leslie Sarony

Don T

Subject: RE: Inappropriate funeral songs
From: Splott Man
Date: 28 Jan 11 - 05:28 AM

Wish Me Luck As You Wave Me Goodbye.

I believe Light My Fire is actually quite popular.

Subject: RE: Inappropriate funeral songs
From: TheSnail
Date: 28 Jan 11 - 07:09 AM

Not a funeral but an obituary on BBC Radio 4 for Alma Cogan. They decided to play one of her hits, "Dancing Cheek to Cheek". I couldn't find a recording of her doing it but here's Frank Sinatra giving it a go. You couldn't have a better opening line.

Subject: RE: Inappropriate funeral songs
From: Dave Sutherland
Date: 28 Jan 11 - 07:49 AM

We were just discussing this last weekend (at a 100th birthday party) when my sister told us that she had been to a funeral where they played Elton John's "I'm Still Standing"

Subject: RE: Inappropriate funeral songs
From: GUEST,Desi C
Date: 28 Jan 11 - 08:34 AM

I Got Life, Going Underground, Always Look On The Bright Side Of Life (it's used regularly) Ring Of Fire

Subject: RE: Inappropriate funeral songs
From: Fred McCormick
Date: 28 Jan 11 - 09:46 AM

When Jim Peden, of Calton 3, Steampacket etc shuffled off this mortal coil it was to the tune of When You're Smiling.

I wonder how Natchez Burning would go down?

Subject: RE: Inappropriate funeral songs
From: MartinRyan
Date: 28 Jan 11 - 09:50 AM

When Tom Munnelly, the great Irish song collector, was buried, his coffin left the (borrowed) church to the strains of Wagner's Ride of the Valkyries. Groucho Marx also had a bit part in the service, which Tom himself had planned.

Regards

Subject: RE: Inappropriate funeral songs
From: autoharpbob
Date: 28 Jan 11 - 10:05 AM

I am going to my step-fathers funeral on Monday. We were not close but I will pay my respects. The music chosen has been nothing to do with me - and I don't know how I am going to keep a straight face.

We go in to the RAF March Past.
Then "What a wonderful World" - Louis Armstrong
Followed by "Going Home" sung by Andrew Johnson(??) Yes - the Hovis advert!
Then Hayley Westenra singing "Heaven"
And we leave to Kathryn Jenkins singing "Time to say Goodbye"

I kid you not.

Subject: RE: Inappropriate funeral songs
From: Nicholas Waller
Date: 28 Jan 11 - 10:17 AM

"Grave New World" by the Strawbs? They also did songs called "Burn Baby Burn" and "Burning for Me".

"Autopsy" from Fairport Convention.

"The Unquiet Grave" ("a young man mourns his dead love too hard and prevents her from obtaining peace").

Muse's "Supermassive Black Hole".

Pink Floyd are good value, though often their titles are deliberately death-oriented rather than accidentally so, so probably a cheat for the purpose of this game. Still:

"Is There Anybody Out There?"
"Come in Number 51, Your Time Is Up"
"Comfortably Numb"
"Absolutely Curtains"
"Waiting for the Worms".

Playing Alex Harvey's "Gang Bang" at a funeral might raise eyebrows, even though the lyric is clearly set after the loved-one's passing away and appears to have some of the characteristics of a heartfelt funeral oration.

LOOK AWAY NOW!

Warning: 70s sensibilities at play!:

There once was a woman with wings
Happy with the simple things
She had silk suspenders and high, heeled, stocking thighs
Helping me in my need
She was a friend, indeed
She was my baby until the day she died

Ain't nothin' like a gang bang
Ain't nothin' like a gang bang
Ain't nothin' like a gang bang to blow away the blues.

She was a woman who was twice my size
She looked into my eyes
She said "Only you can blow my blues away"
She said "I'll tell you what to do
Bring all your friends with you
And you can come up and see me any ol' time of day"

Ain't nothin' like a gang bang
Ain't nothin' like a gang bang
Ain't nothin' like a gang bang to blow away the blues.

Subject: RE: Inappropriate funeral songs
From: mauvepink
Date: 28 Jan 11 - 10:20 AM

When Obit: Martin Baker R.I.P (3 June 2010) died suddenly last June the local folk world went into meltdown. All those who knew Martin were really hit hard. This was a man who was adopted by folkies but only generally played country and let us all know it too! He was irreverent, controversial, witty, but also quietly very kind and very loved.

Right to the end Martin loved to shock...

You should have seen the Priest's face as the curtains were falling over Martin's coffin at the crematorium...

People started clapping, slapping hands and stamping feet. Not a dry eye in the house, mostly coupled with laughter and smiles... as we all joined in with Johnny Cash's "Ring of Fire"

It was Martin all over...

I hate funerals. They are necessary for us to be able to say goodbye BUT, as funerals go, Martin's is memorable not just because of sad memories but also because it was the only one I have been to where there was so much smiling and laughter. He had us laughing right up to the last second...

Hope you do not mind me sharing that

mp

Subject: RE: Inappropriate funeral songs
From: GUEST,Jonny Sunshine
Date: 28 Jan 11 - 10:27 AM

I heard a friend-of-a-friend tale of "The Wicked Witch Is Dead" being played accidentally when the deceased had requested "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" (also from The Wizard of Oz..) and the person cuing the CD had got the track number wrong.

Subject: RE: Inappropriate funeral songs
From: Sandy Mc Lean
Date: 28 Jan 11 - 10:51 AM

When I go I think this would be good!

John Prine

Subject: RE: Inappropriate funeral songs
From: goatfell
Date: 28 Jan 11 - 11:03 AM

my way

Subject: RE: Inappropriate funeral songs
From: ClaireBear
Date: 28 Jan 11 - 11:20 AM

Hmmm...how about "Dead Skunk in the Middle of the Road," or maybe "How Can I Miss You if You Won't Go Away?!"

Or perhaps, "Hit the Road, Jack."

Subject: RE: Inappropriate funeral songs
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 28 Jan 11 - 11:48 AM

Whiter Shade of Pale.

Subject: RE: Inappropriate funeral songs
From: Bernard
Date: 28 Jan 11 - 02:45 PM

I'm having John Kirkpatrick playing 'Blaze Away' at mine...!

I remember a funeral where they were playing songs by Gracie Fields... by an amazing coincidence, the song that started as the curtains closed in the crematorium was 'Wish Me Luck As You Wave Me Goodbye'!

It was a cassette tape started from the beginning, so I doubt someone did it on purpose, especially as it had only been handed to the staff as the mourners were arriving.

Subject: RE: Inappropriate funeral songs
From: ClaireBear
Date: 28 Jan 11 - 02:53 PM

Ooh, I've just thought of another one:

Eric Bogle's "(You've been a) Bloody Rotten Audience."

Subject: RE: Inappropriate funeral songs
From: ClaireBear
Date: 28 Jan 11 - 02:57 PM

Mea culpa -- Tony Miles' "(You've been a) Bloody Rotten Audience," as recorded by Eric Bogle.

Subject: RE: Inappropriate funeral songs
From: Amergin
Date: 28 Jan 11 - 03:04 PM

Bugger Off

Subject: RE: Inappropriate funeral songs
From: ClaireBear
Date: 28 Jan 11 - 03:04 PM

"Take This Job and Shove It"

Subject: RE: Inappropriate funeral songs
From: GUEST,Arthur_itus
Date: 28 Jan 11 - 03:09 PM

When my father passed away, I decided that "The Carnival Is Over" was very appropriate and got my mother's OK
We didn't let the curtains close and everybody put a rose on my dad's coffin to the sound of "The Carnival Is Over"


Fire by Arthur Brown seems very appropriate for a cremation.

Fire (Pointer Sisters)

Fire Brigade (Move)

Fire In the Hole (Steely Dan)

It isn't the cough that carries you off
It's the coffin they carry you off in.

Subject: RE: Inappropriate funeral songs
From: Art Thieme
Date: 28 Jan 11 - 03:19 PM

I once sang Froggy Went a-Courtin' at a funeral----also at a wedding. Everybody is dead after all is sung and done. Some thought it just fine---but others didn't.
I loved it!
Art

Subject: RE: Inappropriate funeral songs
From: Weasel
Date: 28 Jan 11 - 04:40 PM

At the opening of the funeral service, a friend of mine's coffin was carried down the aisle to the strains of the intermezzo from Prokofiev's Romeo and Juliet - the effect was truly pythonesque. She left the church to Mendelssohn's Wedding March having endured "Come Back to Sorrento" and Joplin's "The Entertainer Rag" along the way.

She was 17 years old. The point was, that she was a dancer and these were all pieces to which she had danced professionally in her final year of life.

As for my own funeral - it is already down in writing that I should be carried out to "Nellie the Elephant" and my closest friends all have copies of the music.

All the best,

Weasel.

Subject: RE: Inappropriate funeral songs
From: GUEST,Kate ward
Date: 28 Jan 11 - 04:40 PM

As a funeral director, I've been asked for, "Burn, Baby, Burn", "Fire!", by Alice Cooper, "Don't Worry, Be Happy", "Always Look on the Bright Side of Life", to name but a few!!!! Horses for courses, I say!!

Subject: RE: Inappropriate funeral songs
From: oldhippie
Date: 28 Jan 11 - 09:24 PM

We're A Long Time Dead - Jim Haynes

Subject: RE: Inappropriate funeral songs
From: Rapparee
Date: 28 Jan 11 - 09:39 PM

"Reveille" would be interesting when played at the grave site....

How about "There's A Place For Us" from West Side Story?

Subject: RE: Inappropriate funeral songs
From: Effsee
Date: 28 Jan 11 - 10:51 PM

How about "So long, it's been good to know you" from Woody?

Subject: RE: Inappropriate funeral songs
From: Oremus
Date: 28 Jan 11 - 11:03 PM

I was thinking "Cold as Ice" by Foreigner, or maybe the Stones doing "She's So Cold".

Subject: RE: Inappropriate funeral songs
From: Clontarf83
Date: 28 Jan 11 - 11:43 PM

Thanks gang--lots of great ideas there... Whiter Shade of Pale --pure genius, as is ring of fire, and and...cheered me up tonight.

Subject: RE: Inappropriate funeral songs
From: GUEST,van
Date: 29 Jan 11 - 02:32 AM

Alex Harvey: There's no lights on the Christmas tree mother. They're burning big Louie tonight.

Subject: RE: Inappropriate funeral songs
From: GUEST,Guest Betsy
Date: 29 Jan 11 - 06:24 AM

I would have thought Chris Rea singing " Road to Hell" might slot into this thread

Subject: RE: Inappropriate funeral songs
From: BobKnight
Date: 29 Jan 11 - 08:13 AM

At my aunts funeral we were all standing round the graveside. Finally the piper started to play - not some sad lament like "Land O' The Leal" - it was, "Wish Me Luck As You Wave Me Goodbye,' yes on the bagpipes, then seamlessly into "I'm Nae Awa Tae Bide Awa."

Subject: RE: Inappropriate funeral songs
From: bruceCMR
Date: 29 Jan 11 - 10:05 AM

A friend of mine is organist at a crematorium. She regularly gets asked for music which seems OK on the surface, but when you look more closely, it's not particularly appropriate.

One common request is the hymn "Colours of Day". Seems OK, until you reach the chorus, which begins "So light up the fire and let the flame burn, Open the door..."

Subject: RE: Inappropriate funeral songs
From: bruceCMR
Date: 29 Jan 11 - 10:13 AM

She also tells the story of the former Air Force pilot who went out to the strains of the Dambusters March.


Or (jumping from funerals to weddings!) the bride who wanted to walk down the aisle to "the theme from Robin Hood". The bride meant the Bryan Adams "Everything I do" track from the movie. The organist assumed it was the TV theme tune, "Robin Hood, Robin Hood, Riding Through The Glen..."

Subject: RE: Inappropriate funeral songs
From: Dave MacKenzie
Date: 29 Jan 11 - 10:19 AM

The story as I heard it was worse than that. The wedding was in the Caribbean, and when the video came back, the substitution had been made.

Subject: RE: Inappropriate funeral songs
From: bruceCMR
Date: 29 Jan 11 - 10:44 AM

True Story. Allegedly. The scene is a crematorium in the West of Scotland.


Just before the funeral started, the Son of the Deceased came over to the organist and asked "I was wondering, would it be appropriate if I was to sing at some part of the ceremony?"

The Organist replied that if the son and the rest of the family felt it was appropriate, then of course it was appropriate.

The Son of the Deceased thanked the Organist profusely, saying "It was my mother's favourite song".

"What song is it?"
"The Old Rugged Cross"


The music was found, and at a suitably solemn part of the ceremony the organist played the intro, and the Son of the Deceased started to sing:

"On a hill far away..."

(family all very emotional. Tears in the front row)

"... stood an old rugged cross..."

We don't know whether the singer was nervous, or over-emotional, or perhaps had had a light refreshment beforehand. But within a few bars, he was singing

"..Where the deer and the antelope play..."

Subject: RE: Inappropriate funeral songs
From: Charley Noble
Date: 29 Jan 11 - 04:59 PM

How about a few rounds of "Death, Oh Death" by Dock Boggs:

What is this that I can see
With icy hands taking hold on me?

Should cheer every one up!

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Inappropriate funeral songs
From: HuwG
Date: 29 Jan 11 - 05:09 PM

Howling Wolf, "Smokestack Lightning"!

Subject: RE: Inappropriate funeral songs
From: JennieG
Date: 29 Jan 11 - 07:01 PM

This week I attended a family funeral - the woman whose final farewell it was had been a leading light in local amateur musical theatre for a very very long time, among other achievements. There were no hymns or congregational singing - a bit of a surprise, as she had a very good voice and loved to sing - but a cobbled-together choir combined from a few local choirs sang "You'll Never Walk Alone" from "Carousel", and "Wind Beneath My Wings". When the coffin was leaving the church followed by family members and friends a song by The Seekers was played, "It's Hard to Leave". Only problem was, that isn't a very long song.....and the church was packed.......so it wasn't long before the music ended and the rest of the assembled multitude was standing in silence as they slowly shuffled out of the church. Would have been much better had a longer song been played, or had that particular song been padded out with other music.

Cheers
JennieG

Subject: RE: Inappropriate funeral songs
From: GUEST
Date: 30 Jan 11 - 04:33 PM

mentioned above is Going Home
At my brother in law's relation funeral   the tune was played and he (brother in law ) asked his dad why they were playin the Hovis tune.
Because he's Brown Bread was the sarky reply

Subject: RE: Inappropriate funeral songs
From: GUEST
Date: 30 Jan 11 - 06:08 PM

"Jingle Bells." The wife of the deceased requested this song for her husbands graveside service, as it was his request that it be sung at his graveside. After the service she asked the funeral director if that indeed was what she requested and he replied in the affirmative. She then explained that she had been so distraught that she had made a mistake in her request. The song her husband actually wanted played at his service was "When They Ring Those Golden Bells For You And Me.

Best Regards

Daryl

Subject: RE: Inappropriate funeral songs
From: Sailor Ron
Date: 31 Jan 11 - 08:22 AM

When 'Big' Pete Roger [of the Taverners ] died it was arranged as his coffin went through the curtains at the crematorium, that we would hear his recording of "Here's to you and our time together", well we heard 'Big Pete" singing true, but "Seven drunken maidens from the Isle of Wight"!!!

Subject: RE: Inappropriate funeral songs
From: G-Force
Date: 31 Jan 11 - 09:23 AM

I wouldn't object if I got Jez Lowe's "You can't take it with you when you go" at my funeral, but as a piano accordian player I think I would draw the line at "Welcome to Hell".

Subject: RE: Inappropriate funeral songs
From: foggers
Date: 31 Jan 11 - 09:52 AM

I clicked on the title of this thread in order to share the true tale of my dad's choice of tune for his cremation... and b*gger me if it ain't the first tale from the OP!

Dad was a Geordie with a sick sense of humour - people looked really embarrassed as the strains of Smoke gets in your Eyes rang around the crematorium; I think they thought it was some ghastly mistake. We had to explain to folks at the bunfight afterwards that laughter would have been fine...

Subject: RE: Inappropriate funeral songs
From: Jack the Sailor
Date: 31 Jan 11 - 10:00 AM

Going back to the disco era, how about

I Want to Kiss You All Over
I Love to Love You Baby
Pick Up the Pieces
Last Dance

and of course

Stayin' Alive

Subject: RE: Inappropriate funeral songs
From: frogprince
Date: 31 Jan 11 - 05:08 PM

How about a little something from Tom Lehrer?

I hold your hand in mine, dear,
I press it to my lips.
I take a healthy bite
From your dainty fingertips.

My joy would be complete, dear,
If you were only here,
But still I keep your hand
As a precious souvenir.

The night you died I cut it off.
I really don't know why.
For now each time I kiss it
I get bloodstains on my tie.

I'm sorry now I killed you,
For our love was something fine,
And till they come to get me
I shall hold your hand in mine.

Subject: RE: Inappropriate funeral songs
From: Trevor
Date: 01 Feb 11 - 08:04 AM

I remember reading that all his close friends knew that the tune that Peter Sellers hated more than any was 'In The Mood'. At his funeral the priest announced that they would play a piece of music that Sellers had specifically asked for and which obviously meant a great deal to him. Sure enough, 'In The Mood' rang out, resulting in all his friends collapsing in laughter.

That's the way to do it - carrying on making people laugh after you've gone.

Subject: RE: Inappropriate funeral songs
From: Clontarf83
Date: 01 Feb 11 - 11:23 PM

Thanks again all posters on this--lots of fun. Fascinated to hear Foggers saw "smoke gets in your eyes" being used by a Geordie. The funeral was down in Kent, so it looks like a case of great minds thinking alike!

Subject: RE: Inappropriate funeral songs
From: Amergin
Date: 01 Feb 11 - 11:26 PM

AC/DC's Highway to Hell would be a good one....

Subject: RE: Inappropriate funeral songs
From: GUEST,Curtis
Date: 01 Feb 11 - 11:35 PM

I know of one funeral where "She thinks my tractor's sexy" was played.
A little bit unusual but certainly not inappropriate.

Subject: RE: Inappropriate funeral songs
From: Black belt caterpillar wrestler
Date: 02 Feb 11 - 07:33 AM

I suppose it would be possible to play "Bat out of Hell" backwards!

Subject: RE: Inappropriate funeral songs
From: Billy Weeks
Date: 03 Feb 11 - 05:42 AM

We're off to see the Wizard

Subject: RE: Inappropriate funeral songs
From: GUEST,Guest UK
Date: 03 Feb 11 - 07:10 AM

My mom wants 'Cracklin' Rose'
Yeh you've guessed, she's being cremated ............... and her names Rose.

Subject: RE: Inappropriate funeral songs
From: bubblyrat
Date: 04 Feb 11 - 05:15 AM

I remember fondly the "send-off" for "Dr Rosie", at her "humanist" funeral at Reading Crematorium ; she went into the flames (in a wicker basket) to the rousing sounds of "Bold Riley-O " from the assembled mourners, who later left the premises to "Chelsea Morning" ; unforgettable !

Subject: RE: Inappropriate funeral songs
From: Ross Campbell
Date: 04 Feb 11 - 09:24 PM

What strikes some as "inappropriate" is often the best fit for the people (deceased, friends and family) directly concerned, as most of the above thread demonstrates.

When my father's best friend died, his son had a couple of specific requests for tunes to be played at the beginning and end of the funeral service. Both were initially rejected as unsuitable for the venue (his local Church in Stirling) by both the minister and the organist, a well-known anthem because it wasn't Scottish and a ragtime tune because it was secular (or possibly even "profane").

However, the family's insistence prevailed. As we gathered in the church "The Entertainer" brought a vision of my dad's friend bashing away at the piano (and a smile to all who had heard him play in life), and "Jerusalem" rang out as we followed the coffin out.

Ross

Subject: ADD: Bones (Libby Roderick)
From: Barbara
Date: 04 Feb 11 - 09:37 PM

I really like this one by Libby Roderick:

BONES
(Libby Roderick)

I come from a long line of dead people
I come from a tall pile of bones
My people lie sleeping all under the world
Their souls turn to roots leaves and stones

My grandpa went by whiskey in an LA hotel
His dad died of Ohio coal
And before him and before that they slipped under the ground
Fewer bones walk above than below

My great grandmother's eyes look out of my face
Her skinny bones dance around in my clothes
You can almost hear the whisper of her sweet southern song
In this voice I've been calling my own.

A toast to the living
Watch us walk down the aisle
So these bones can be married
To this flesh for a while
A song, a song for the living
Though this flesh worries when
These bones will be leaving
To join family again...

Repeat first verse.
Blessings,
Barbara

Subject: RE: Inappropriate funeral songs
From: CapriUni
Date: 04 Feb 11 - 11:45 PM

My mother always liked this song (by Lee Hayes from The Weavers:

If I should die before I wake,
All my bones and sinew take.
Put me on the compost pile
To decompose me for a while
Sun, worms, water shall have their way
Returning me to common clay.
When radishes and corn you munch
You may be having me for lunch!

And then, excrete me with a grin,
chortling: "There goes Lee agin."

(We didn't actually sing it at her memorial, but we did scatter a good bit of her ashes over the compost pile).

Subject: RE: Inappropriate funeral songs
From: GUEST,lovelock
Date: 06 Jul 11 - 08:34 AM

on a modern note blame it on tom by brokencyde the lyrics are totally innapropriate look it up and for something different id go the hokey pokey

No disrespect intended

Subject: RE: Inappropriate funeral songs
From: Georgiansilver
Date: 06 Jul 11 - 08:38 AM

"16 men on a dead mans chest.. yo ho ho and a bottle of rum"... was not designed to be sung at the funeral of an alcoholic!!!

Subject: RE: Inappropriate funeral songs
From: Joe_F
Date: 06 Jul 11 - 08:57 PM

For an (IMO) embarrassingly serious discussion of this question, see Douglas R. Hofstadter, _Le Ton beau de Marot_, pp. 461-465. A good friend of his died, and he found himself dreadfully conflicted on seeing, in the program for the memorial service, a couple of rock and roll pieces that the dead man had loved. Of course, he saw the appropriateness of honoring his friend's tastes. But -- "..._I still hate rock_ and _I still love jazz_.... To me, one is sacred, and the other is profane. To put it very bluntly, how can _crude trash_ -- even if the dear departed loved said trash -- do honor to a person's memory?..." And on and on.

In the commune I lived in in the '70s, a sweet man died, and we buried him, and after that there was a deafening dance such as (to judge from his motions while alive) he would have found sacred. I would have recoiled from the suggestion that there was anything undignified about that, tho I dare say that, if such things could be measured, it would turn out that I hate rock as much as Prof. Hofstadter does.

Subject: RE: Inappropriate funeral songs
From: Artful Codger
Date: 07 Jul 11 - 03:18 AM

"Poor Howard's dead and gone, left us here to sing this song..."