What Song for Your Funeral?

Subject: What Song for Your Funeral?
From: Jack Blandiver
Date: 19 Sep 09 - 04:36 AM

As the years flash by, and even as the present one nose-dives into damp dark autumn, once again one's thoughts turn to one's inevitable and all-too imminent demise and the sort of send-off worthy of a wasted life such as my own. Being a Godless & Moral Vagabond, I envisage a grim municipal crematorium with but few, if any, reluctant mourners. I want no coffin, nor the remotest shred of religiosity or the merest hint of a life hereafter; I want no words other than obscene jokes, and only a short piece of recorded music to be played as my beautiful corpse is born away to be charred and pulverised into the ashes which, as per instruction, will be mixed with a bottle Newcastle Brown Ale in a half pint glass and poured into the River Tyne off the end of Tynemouth pier. If not Newcastle Brown Ale, then Lucozade will do; if not Tynemouth pier, the North Pier in Blackpool will suffice.

Question is though, what music? Well, I reckon something everyone can enjoy, the sort of stuff the whole world has in common, even me; the sort of stuff that brings tears to my eyes when I hear it on the radio. I've boiled it down to four essentials: You Wear it Well by Rod Stewart, Make Me Smile (Come Up and See Me) by Cockney Rebel, Everybody Wants to Rule the World by Tears for Fears and Regret by New Order. Any one of these would do.

What about you?

Subject: RE: What Song for Your Funeral?
From: Crow Sister (off with the fairies)
Date: 19 Sep 09 - 04:47 AM

Dunno - something to dance to. Faithless - 'God is a DJ' maybe.

Subject: RE: What Song for Your Funeral?
From: Liberty Boy
Date: 19 Sep 09 - 04:52 AM

Mo Gille Mear

Subject: RE: What Song for Your Funeral?
From: Jack Blandiver
Date: 19 Sep 09 - 04:55 AM

Just thought of another. In fact this has to be the one - the greatest song of all time!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ylOCIP54PIQ

Subject: RE: What Song for Your Funeral?
From: Folkiedave
Date: 19 Sep 09 - 05:28 AM

"Hit the Road Jack"

Subject: RE: What Song for Your Funeral?
From: GUEST,PL
Date: 19 Sep 09 - 05:51 AM

Joy of Living

Ewan MacColl


Farewell you northern hills, you mountains all goodbye
Moorland and stony ridges, crags and peaks goodbye
Glyder Fach farewell, Cul Beag, Scafell, cloud-bearing Suilven
Sun warmed rock and the cold of Bleaklow's frozen sea
The snow and the wind and the rain of hills and mountains
Days in the sun and the tempered wind and the air like wine
And you drink and you drink till you're drunk
On the joy of living

Farewell to you my love, my time is almost done
Lie in my arms once more until the darkness comes
You filled all my days, held the night at bay, dearest companion
Years pass by and they're gone with the speed of birds in flight
Our life like the verse of a song heard in the mountains
Give me your hand then love and join your voice with mine
We'll sing of the hurt and pain
And the joy of living

Farewell to you my chicks, soon you must fly alone
Flesh of my flesh, my future life, bone of my bone
May your wings be strong, may your days be long, safe be your journey
Each of you bears inside of you the gift of love
May it bring you light and warmth and the pleasure of giving
Eagerly savour each new day and the taste of its mouth
Never lose sight of the thrill
And the joy of living

Take me to some high place of heather, rock and ling
Scatter my dust and ashes, feed me to the wind
So that I will be part of all you see, the air you are breathing
I'll be part of the curlew's cry and the soaring hawk
The blue milkwort and the sundew hung with diamonds
I'll be riding the gentle wind that blows through your hair
Reminding you how we shared
In the joy of living

Subject: RE: What Song for Your Funeral?
From: Commander Crabbe
Date: 19 Sep 09 - 06:00 AM

"Beyond the Distant Hills"

CC

Subject: RE: What Song for Your Funeral?
From: Lizzie Cornish 1
Date: 19 Sep 09 - 06:01 AM

"I Keep You in My Heart" by Bruce Murdoch

I hear your voice so clear
I feel your presence near
I hold your memory dear
I keep you in my heart

In the darkest space
I have never lost the trace
I can always see your face
I keep you in my heart

I'll always hold your hand
Leaving wasn't what I planned
I pray you'll understand
I keep you in my heart

Songs in a poet's rhyme
Locked in church bells chime
Written on a page of time
I keep you in my heart

There is no dark or light
There is no wrong or right
There is no day or night
I keep you in my heart

Voices in the rain
Echo's soft refrain
Dimensions can't explain
I keep you in my heart

Subject: RE: What Song for Your Funeral?
From: Bobert
Date: 19 Sep 09 - 10:49 AM

"I'll Fly Away" is actually a hymm but has been covered over the years by many a band or folk singer...

Works fine fir me...

B~

Subject: RE: What Song for Your Funeral?
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 19 Sep 09 - 11:03 AM

I saw two shooting stars last night
I wished on them
But they were only satellites
It's wrong to wish on space hardware
I wish I wish I wish you

c
    a 
      r
        e
          d

I almost picked this one

Subject: RE: What Song for Your Funeral?
From: artbrooks
Date: 19 Sep 09 - 11:06 AM

"Taps" will do just fine.

Subject: RE: What Song for Your Funeral?
From: Georgiansilver
Date: 19 Sep 09 - 11:09 AM

I want the bearers of the coffin at my funeral to sing "He ain't heavy he's my brother"

Subject: RE: What Song for Your Funeral?
From: Bonzo3legs
Date: 19 Sep 09 - 11:13 AM

Til the Followin' Night by Screaming Lord Sutch

Subject: RE: What Song for Your Funeral?
From: iancarterb
Date: 19 Sep 09 - 11:33 AM

"All is Well," Sacred Harp page 122. We are an old enough Shape Note group to have sung a few of our members out of this life, and most of us would choose this one for our friends to sing at whatever party we may provoke by our passing.

Subject: RE: What Song for Your Funeral?
From: Murray MacLeod
Date: 19 Sep 09 - 11:50 AM

I have known since 1972 what I want played as I go into the fire.

"Sweet Dreams", by Roy Buchanan, the finest piece of guitar playing by the finest ever guitar player .

Subject: RE: What Song for Your Funeral?
From: Mr Fox
Date: 19 Sep 09 - 12:32 PM

Gotta be His Bobness of Dylan for me........

Oh all the money that in my whole life I did spend,
Be it mine right or wrongfully,
I let it slip gladly past the hands of my friends
To tie up the time most forcefully.
But the bottles are done,
We've killed each one
And the table's full and overflowed.
And the corner sign
Says it's closing time,
So I'll bid farewell and be down the road.

Oh ev'ry girl that ever I've touched,
I did not do it harmfully.
And ev'ry girl that ever I've hurt,
I did not do it knowin'ly.
But to remain as friends and make amends
You need the time and stay behind.
And since my feet are now fast
And point away from the past,
I'll bid farewell and be down the line.

Oh ev'ry foe that ever I faced,
The cause was there before we came.
And ev'ry cause that ever I fought,
I fought it full without regret or shame.
But the dark does die
As the curtain is drawn and somebody's eyes
Must meet the dawn.
And if I see the day
I'd only have to stay,
So I'll bid farewell in the night and be gone.

Oh, ev'ry thought that's strung a knot in my mind,
I might go insane if it couldn't be sprung.
But it's not to stand naked under unknowin' eyes,
It's for myself and my friends my stories are sung.
But the time ain't tall,
Yet on time you depend and no word is possessed
By no special friend.
And though the line is cut,
It ain't quite the end,
I'll just bid farewell till we meet again.

Oh a false clock tries to tick out my time
To disgrace, distract, and bother me.
And the dirt of gossip blows into my face,
And the dust of rumors covers me.
But if the arrow is straight
And the point is slick,
It can pierce through dust no matter how thick.
So I'll make my stand
And remain as I am
And bid farewell and not give a damn.

Or maybe the original. First verse, anyway.

Of all the money e'er I had, I spent it in good company;
And all the harm I've ever done, alas was done to none but me;
And all I've done for want of wit, to memory now I can't recall,
So fill me to the parting glass, goodnight and joy be with you all.

Subject: RE: What Song for Your Funeral?
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 19 Sep 09 - 12:36 PM

The Hokey Cokey

Subject: RE: What Song for Your Funeral?
From: topical tom
Date: 19 Sep 09 - 01:35 PM

"How Great Thou Art".

Subject: RE: What Song for Your Funeral?
From: Micca
Date: 19 Sep 09 - 01:39 PM

The one that includes the lines
"No Church in gloom No solemn tune No po faced Priest to moan
Go to the pub and lift a glass And my friends can sing me home"

Subject: RE: What Song for Your Funeral?
From: Smokey.
Date: 19 Sep 09 - 01:53 PM

'Jollity Farm' performed by the immortal Bonzo Dog Doo Dah Band.

Subject: RE: What Song for Your Funeral?
From: Dave Earl
Date: 19 Sep 09 - 01:55 PM

This one:-

And can it be that I should gain
An interest in the Savior's blood?
Died He for me, who caused His pain—
For me, who Him to death pursued?
Amazing love! How can it be,
That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?
Amazing love! How can it be,
That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?

'Tis mystery all: th'Immortal dies:
Who can explore His strange design?
In vain the firstborn seraph tries
To sound the depths of love divine.
'Tis mercy all! Let earth adore,
Let angel minds inquire no more.
'Tis mercy all! Let earth adore;
Let angel minds inquire no more.

He left His Father's throne above
So free, so infinite His grace—
Emptied Himself of all but love,
And bled for Adam's helpless race:
'Tis mercy all, immense and free,
For O my God, it found out me!
'Tis mercy all, immense and free,
For O my God, it found out me!

Long my imprisoned spirit lay,
Fast bound in sin and nature's night;
Thine eye diffused a quickening ray—
I woke, the dungeon flamed with light;
My chains fell off, my heart was free,
I rose, went forth, and followed Thee.
My chains fell off, my heart was free,
I rose, went forth, and followed Thee.

Still the small inward voice I hear,
That whispers all my sins forgiven;
Still the atoning blood is near,
That quenched the wrath of hostile Heaven.
I feel the life His wounds impart;
I feel the Savior in my heart.
I feel the life His wounds impart;
I feel the Savior in my heart.

No condemnation now I dread;
Jesus, and all in Him, is mine;
Alive in Him, my living Head,
And clothed in righteousness divine,
Bold I approach th'eternal throne,
And claim the crown, through Christ my own.
Bold I approach th'eternal throne,
And claim the crown, through Christ my own.

For the following reasons :-

1 It makes for a damn good sing - thank you Charles Wesley
2 I was raised as a Methodist (now lapsed) and it has been sung at every family funeral I've been to.
3 "My chains fell off" has particular relevance for me ( long illness in various family members )
4 as 1 above

Dave

Dave

Subject: RE: What Song for Your Funeral?
From: Santa
Date: 19 Sep 09 - 02:11 PM

Who knows where the time goes.

Subject: RE: What Song for Your Funeral?
From: JP2
Date: 19 Sep 09 - 02:13 PM

No question "Always look on the bright side of life".

Subject: RE: What Song for Your Funeral?
From: meself
Date: 19 Sep 09 - 02:28 PM

Hmmm - I do know that I want a chorus-girl to sing me one last song; I'm just not sure which one. Which song, that is. Guess I'll leave it up to her.

Oh, and by the way, on my hearse, if it's not too much to ask, I'd like a jazz-band playing - just to raise a little hell as we roll along.

Subject: RE: What Song for Your Funeral?
From: Irene M
Date: 19 Sep 09 - 02:30 PM

"Quitting Time" by The Roches

Subject: RE: What Song for Your Funeral?
From: Paul Davenport
Date: 19 Sep 09 - 02:36 PM

At Malcolm Douglas' funeral the final song was 'Linden Lea' set by Vaughan-Williams. Malc's choice. Beautifully played by Skyhook (I believe) and sung equally beautifully by Tegwen Roberts. I was so moved that three months later I had the same thing played at my Dad's funeral. Perfect.

Subject: RE: What Song for Your Funeral?
From: Fred McCormick
Date: 19 Sep 09 - 03:12 PM

Sam Hall.

Subject: RE: What Song for Your Funeral?
From: SuperKrone
Date: 19 Sep 09 - 03:18 PM

Air moves us, fire transforms us,
water shapes us, earth heals us
And the balance of the wheel goes round and round
And the balance of the wheel goes round

By Cathleen Sheil, Moonsea and Prune of RECLAIMING

and

"Hymn to Her"

AND [WE] WILL ALWAYS CARRY ON
SOMETHING IS LOST
BUT SOMETHING IS FOUND
[WE] WILL KEEP ON SPEAKING HER NAME
SOME THINGS CHANGE, SOME STAY THE SAME


by Chrisy Hines and The Pretenders

Whatever it may do for people at my memorial service,
imagining these being sung comforts me now.

Subject: RE: What Song for Your Funeral?
From: Art Thieme
Date: 19 Sep 09 - 03:20 PM

"Goodnight Irene"

I'm serious.

Art

Subject: RE: What Song for Your Funeral?
From: Artful Codger
Date: 19 Sep 09 - 03:37 PM

"O Bury Me Not": I'd rather be cremated.

Subject: RE: What Song for Your Funeral?
From: Bettynh
Date: 19 Sep 09 - 03:40 PM

If my son would sing it and substitute "she" for "Lee" I'd like this one:

In Dead Earnest

If I should die before I wake
All my bone and sinew take
Put them in the compost pile
To decompose a little while
Sun, rain and worms will have their way
Reducing me to common clay
All that I am will feed the trees
And little fishes in the seas
When corn and radishes you munch
You may be having me for lunch
The excrete me with a grin
Chortling, There goes Lee again
'Twill be my happiest destiny
To die and live eternally
       Lee Hays, 1981

Subject: RE: What Song for Your Funeral?
From: GUEST,Joe G
Date: 19 Sep 09 - 03:58 PM

John Tams with Home Service 'Look Up, Look Up' - I am of course being optimistic! Must have the guitar solo at the end too

Subject: RE: What Song for Your Funeral?
From: Desert Dancer
Date: 19 Sep 09 - 04:00 PM

It's worth realizing that a thread like this is a real record -- Linden Lea (as well as Lay Down your Weary Tune) got played at Malcolm Douglas's funeral because he had posted in this previous thread on the topic:

What song do you want at your funeral? (24 Feb 01)

I've got no personal selection to offer... yet.

~ Becky in Tucson

Subject: RE: What Song for Your Funeral?
From: sing4peace
Date: 19 Sep 09 - 05:24 PM

From Way Up Here - Malvina Reynolds

From way up here, the earth is very small
it's just a little ball
of rock and sea and sand
no bigger than my hand.

From way up here, the earth is very small
they shouldn't fight at all down there
upon that little sphere

Their time is short
A life is just a day
You'd think they'd find a way
You'd think they'd get along
And fill their magic days with song....

From way up here, the earth is very small
it's just a little ball so small
so beautiful and clear.

Their time is short
A life is just a day
Must be a better way
To use the time that runs
Among the distant suns.

From way up here the earth is very small
it's just a little ball so small
so beautiful and dear.

From way up here the earth is very small
it's just a little ball
of rock and sea and sand
No bigger than my hand.

-----------

Also, Phil Och's "When I'm Gone"
Sally Rogers' "We'll pass them on"
Traditional: This Little Light of Mine


Hopefully, not anytime soon.

Joyce K.

Subject: RE: What Song for Your Funeral?
From: kendall
Date: 19 Sep 09 - 05:43 PM

Turning toward the morning by Gordon Bok

Subject: RE: What Song for Your Funeral?
From: Zany Mouse
Date: 19 Sep 09 - 06:17 PM

Wish Me Luck As You Wave Me Goodbye - AND I want everyone to wave!

Rhiannon

Subject: RE: What Song for Your Funeral?
From: SuperKrone
Date: 19 Sep 09 - 09:21 PM

Or how about this?

"Please don't bury me down in the cold, cold ground--
I's rather have you cut me up, and pass me all around.
Throw my brain in the hurricane, the blind can have my eyes,
And the deaf can have both of my ears, if they don't mind the size."

Alas, most of my parts will be too shopworn for reuse!

Subject: RE: What Song for Your Funeral?
From: Amergin
Date: 19 Sep 09 - 09:57 PM

Dead Kennedys doing Viva Las Vegas

Subject: RE: What Song for Your Funeral?
From: Padre
Date: 19 Sep 09 - 10:25 PM

I've asked for two:

"Abide With Me"

"Adoro Devote" - the Benedictine Plainsong melody
for the Requiem Mass

Padre

Subject: RE: What Song for Your Funeral?
From: Art Thieme
Date: 19 Sep 09 - 10:35 PM

Geeshie Wiley--Pick Poor Robin Clean

(my second choice)

Subject: RE: What Song for Your Funeral?
From: Bruce D
Date: 19 Sep 09 - 10:43 PM

Grey Funnel Line (full version) & Naval Hymn also a medly of Shanty tunes.

Subject: RE: What Song for Your Funeral?
From: Midchuck
Date: 19 Sep 09 - 10:54 PM

Kendall said:

Turning toward the morning by Gordon Bok

That's what my mother said in '05.

And you know, I got through it. The song carried me.

Peter.

Subject: RE: What Song for Your Funeral?
From: PSzymeczek
Date: 19 Sep 09 - 11:30 PM

John Prine - "Your Flag Decal Won't Get You into Heaven Anymore"

Subject: RE: What Song for Your Funeral?
From: Georgiansilver
Date: 20 Sep 09 - 03:16 AM

Perhaps "Little Boxes" would be appropriate........

Subject: RE: What Song for Your Funeral?
From: Gurney
Date: 20 Sep 09 - 04:02 AM

Haven't decided, myself, but Her Indoors wants 'The Circle of Life' from Disney's 'The Lion King.'

Poignantly, we bury my pal on Wednesday. Makes you think. He's only 51.

Subject: RE: What Song for Your Funeral?
From: Will Fly
Date: 20 Sep 09 - 04:52 AM

A natural burial place for me - one just down the road from us, at Clayton in Sussex, which I and herself have earmarked for when we go. Bamboo or similar degradable box, buried near to a tree, wooden marker only - all of which rots away naturally and gives back to the earth some of what we took from it in being.

As to a song, I think it might have to be a small pipes man playing "The Wild Hills Of Whannies". But I might change my mind in the next 30 years or so...

Subject: RE: What Song for Your Funeral?
From: erosconpollo
Date: 20 Sep 09 - 07:03 AM

Almost certainly something by myself. I'm not going to waste the last audience I'll ever have.

Subject: RE: What Song for Your Funeral?
From: GUEST,Ray
Date: 20 Sep 09 - 07:30 AM

A banjo playing friend of mine wants "Edelweiss" because he can't stand it and he won't be there to listen to it. On the same basis I'm going to have the "Lord of the damp settee" song.
Ray

Subject: RE: What Song for Your Funeral?
From: GUEST,buspassed
Date: 20 Sep 09 - 07:32 AM

As that well known piece of R2 cricket commentary fades away [Jonners, he couldn't quite get his leg over/Oh do stop it Aggers!] I shall disappear through the final curtain to the wonderful 'Gloryland' by Waterson:Carthy. As an almost non-believer I don't think hedging my bets on a final destination should be held against me!

Subject: RE: What Song for Your Funeral?
From: GUEST,Wheatman
Date: 20 Sep 09 - 07:42 AM

Derwentwater's Fairwell played on the small pipes or English Concertina as they put my ashes on the Straw Bear bonfire. Not very green, I know

Subject: RE: What Song for Your Funeral?
From: olddude
Date: 20 Sep 09 - 10:50 AM

"Another one bites the dust"

Subject: RE: What Song for Your Funeral?
From: Tim Leaning
Date: 20 Sep 09 - 11:06 AM

Mat eof mine want "The End" by the Doors
Then there was the lady on BBC Radio 4 who said her kids were gonna play
Ding dong the witch is dead !

Subject: RE: What Song for Your Funeral?
From: Ed T
Date: 20 Sep 09 - 11:20 AM

Just A Closer Walk Wit Thee Tab by Johnny Cash& Bob Dylan

http://hypem.com/track/187448/Bob+Dylan+Johnny+Cash+-+Just+A+Closer+Walk+With+Thee

Or, maybe, The Balance,Moody Blues

http://www.webwriter.f2s.com/moody/lyrics/aqob.htm#balance

Subject: RE: What Song for Your Funeral?
From: Rafflesbear
Date: 20 Sep 09 - 03:50 PM

I've booked Jilted John (the song not the artist) to be sung live - I'm looking forward to it !

Subject: RE: What Song for Your Funeral?
From: Jack Blandiver
Date: 20 Sep 09 - 03:59 PM

I've booked Jilted John (the song not the artist) to be sung live

Now there's a notion! The artist formerly known as Jilted John is now, of course, the great John Shuttleworth responsible for such minor epics as this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Ufc8bnD8DE

Imagine having Shuttleworth playing live at your funeral!

Subject: RE: What Song for Your Funeral?
From: GUEST,mg
Date: 20 Sep 09 - 04:52 PM

Let me fish off cape st. mary's and oh boys carry me long.

Subject: RE: What Song for Your Funeral?
From: Dave MacKenzie
Date: 20 Sep 09 - 06:14 PM

I definitely don't want Psalm 23 to Crimond. If people insist then sing it to Wiltshire or preferably Martyrdom.

What I would like is Runrig's "Dust" to be played, then everybody sing "You shall go out with joy" accelerando.

Subject: RE: What Song for Your Funeral?
From: stallion
Date: 20 Sep 09 - 06:18 PM

all right now - free

Subject: RE: What Song for Your Funeral?
From: Lox
Date: 20 Sep 09 - 06:25 PM

Calling you as sung by Jevetta Steele for the Bagdad Cafe soundtrack.


       Sheer Beauty!



I also would recommend that anyone watch the film "Bagdad cafe" as it is one of the finest bits of art of any sort anywhere.


And in my opinion Jack Palances finest hour.

Subject: RE: What Song for Your Funeral?
From: Artful Codger
Date: 21 Sep 09 - 03:25 AM

I'm not sure I'd want "Derwentwater's Farewell"; it always reminds me of Peter Bellamy's "Danny Deever" setting. Don't want to be remebered as a "sneakin', shootin' hound".

If I were "hedging my bets", then I'd go with the Bellamy/Watersons rendition of Bob Dylan's "When I Die".

Subject: RE: What Song for Your Funeral?
From: GREEN WELLIES
Date: 21 Sep 09 - 03:33 AM

A friend of ours had everybody singing 'Spirit in the Sky' as his coffin left the church.

As for me, well as I leave the church I want to follow a brass band playing 'The Stripper' !!

Dont want mine to be a sad affair.

Subject: RE: What Song for Your Funeral?
From: SPB-Cooperator
Date: 21 Sep 09 - 03:41 AM

We'll all go together when we go...

Subject: RE: What Song for Your Funeral?
From: mandotim
Date: 21 Sep 09 - 04:07 AM

Not a song, but for me it has to be Elgar's 'Nimrod' from the Enigma Variations, played by a decent brass band. A lovely, emotional tune to get the crying over and done with before the drinking starts...
Tim

Subject: RE: What Song for Your Funeral?
From: Raggytash
Date: 21 Sep 09 - 04:27 AM

No question about this, as the curtains close at the crematorium Gracie Fields will start to sing .........

Wish me luck as you wave me goodbye, cheerio here I go .........

Subject: RE: What Song for Your Funeral?
From: Jack Blandiver
Date: 21 Sep 09 - 06:17 AM

Bellamy/Watersons rendition of Bob Dylan's "When I Die".

When I die isn't a Bob Dylan song - it's from the Doc Watson Family repetoire. The recording effectively reunites the Young Tradition and The Watersons. Mightly stuff indeed. Perhaps you're thinking of Death is Not the End?

Laura Nyro wrote a song called And When I Die which is very fine too:

I'm not scared of dyin'
and I don't really care
if it's peace you find in dyin'
Well then let the time be near
if it's peace you find in dyin'
When dyin' time is here
just bundle up my coffin
cause it's cold way down there

And when I die
and when I'm gone
there'll be one child born
and a world to carry on

My troubles are many
they're as deep as a well
I swear there ain't no heaven
and I pray there ain't no hell
swear there ain't no heaven
and pray there ain't no hell
but I'll never know by livin'
only my dyin' will tell

And when I die
and when I'm gone
there'll be one child born
and a world to carry on

Give me my freedom
for as long as I be
all I ask of livin'
is to have no chains on me
all I ask of livin'
is to have no chains on me
and all I ask of dyin'
is to go naturally

And when I die
and when I'm gone
there'll be one child born
and a world to carry on

Subject: RE: What Song for Your Funeral?
From: Songbob
Date: 21 Sep 09 - 03:29 PM

I'm not sure I want to dictate what's to be sung -- and my friends ain't the dictatin-to type anyway -- but I do know what I want them to say as they look at me in the coffin:

HE MOVED!!


Bob Clayton

Subject: RE: What Song for Your Funeral?
From: Big Tim
Date: 21 Sep 09 - 04:38 PM

I keep changing my mind but at the moment I'm inclined towards,

Busk Bonnie Lassie, traditional Scots, sung by Norman Kennedy.

Every Grain of Sand, written and sung by Bob Dylan.

Summertime on Bredon, words by A.E.Housman, sung by Father Sydney MacEwan (not the Vaughan-Williams melody).

Better inform my kids soon in case I drop dead unexpectedly.

Subject: RE: What Song for Your Funeral?
From: Zany Mouse
Date: 21 Sep 09 - 04:48 PM

Hey Raggytash : Stop stealing my ideas! lol

Rhiannon

Subject: RE: What Song for Your Funeral?
From: Bill Hahn//\\
Date: 21 Sep 09 - 04:48 PM

While it was written for a wedding I do believe I like Kate Wolf's--Give Yourself To Love.

On a lighter note a John Prine piece---Please Don't Bury Me... could really make the occasion memorable in a funny way. Especially if you are an organ donor.

Bill Hahn

Subject: RE: What Song for Your Funeral?
From: SharonA
Date: 21 Sep 09 - 05:06 PM

"At My Funeral" by Crash Test Dummies.

Subject: RE: What Song for Your Funeral?
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 21 Sep 09 - 07:35 PM

I had trouble keeping a straight face when someone had "A Whiter Shade of Pale" - really!
And I have a true story about "Another one bites the dust" - I once had cause to phone a LIFE insurance company re a letter they'd sent me regarding the cause of death of one of my patients. I was disputing it as being incorrect, so while they checked their records, put me on "hold" on the phone - and THAT was the song that came up!

And on a more serious note: "Crossing the Bar", as sung by Craig, Morgan and Robson - for my Dad, who was in the Navy and is now 92, when the time comes. It was Lord Tennyson's last poem before he died, and has been set to music beautifully by Rani Arbo.

Subject: RE: What Song for Your Funeral?
From: Phil Cooper
Date: 21 Sep 09 - 09:31 PM

As long as it's not Amazing Grace. What I'd really like would be Dave Carter's When I Go, A real sad song like Bonnie Woodhall. After the service/memorial there ought to be a Phil Cooper/morbid songs with jokes bash.

Subject: RE: What Song for Your Funeral?
From: GUEST,buspassed
Date: 22 Sep 09 - 05:27 AM

Who was it who asked to be carried into church to the song from 'that thing I saw on telly, about the bodyguard'? Total collapse of cogregation when instead of 'I will always love you' the theme from 'Minder' was played!

Subject: RE: What Song for Your Funeral?
From: Jack Blandiver
Date: 22 Sep 09 - 05:35 AM

I think I'd rather have the Minder theme than Witney's horrible version of I Will Always Love You, though Dolly's would be perfectly acceptable.

Surprised no one's suggested this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yHZYcC-KF_s

Or this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ZucLthble4

Subject: RE: What Song for Your Funeral?
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 22 Sep 09 - 05:36 AM

No songs. The Lento from Beethoven's quartet in F will do me. Otherwise I'll come back and haunt you.

Subject: RE: What Song for Your Funeral?
From: GUEST,sir roger at work
Date: 22 Sep 09 - 05:40 AM

"I will follow you into the dark" by Deathcab for Cutie - a band named after a Bonzo Dog song that appeared in the Magical Mystery Tour film.

Either that or "I'll see you in my dreams" as sung and played, with ukelele, by Joe Brown at George Harrison's memorial concert.

R

Subject: RE: What Song for Your Funeral?
From: Sean Mc
Date: 22 Sep 09 - 05:47 AM

The Parting Glass - supposed to do it at my Dad's when the time comes but not sure if I could get through it . . .

Subject: RE: What Song for Your Funeral?
From: BobKnight
Date: 22 Sep 09 - 05:54 AM

Not a song, but at my auntie's funeral the music played by the piper at the graveside was, "Wish Me Luck As You Wave Me Goodbye," then "I'm Nae Awa Tae Bide Awa." There were quite a few smiling faces, despite the sad occasion.

Subject: RE: What Song for Your Funeral?
From: Trevor
Date: 22 Sep 09 - 09:38 AM

Mine changes as well, but at the moment I'm on 'The Joy of Living', 'Always Look on the Bright Side of Life' and the 23rd psalm to the tune of either 'Ilkley Moor' or 'Sweet Lovely Nancy'.

Mind you, I like the thought of 'Wish Me Luck...'

Subject: RE: What Song for Your Funeral?
From: Phot
Date: 22 Sep 09 - 10:21 AM

Comfortably Numb, by Pink Floyd!

Wassail!! Chris

Subject: RE: What Song for Your Funeral?
From: GUEST,Warwick Slade
Date: 22 Sep 09 - 02:34 PM

I fancy "Days" sung by Kirsty MacColl
or "Dead on Time" by Warwick Slade www.myspace.com/warwickslade2

Subject: RE: What Song for Your Funeral?
From: Diva
Date: 23 Sep 09 - 07:10 AM

Not a song but a tune I want The Glasgow Police Pipers played by the Neilson and District Pipe Band!

Subject: RE: What Song for Your Funeral?
From: Artful Codger
Date: 23 Sep 09 - 07:12 AM

Suibhne: You hit it on the head. Shortly after I posted, I realized that I'd gotten "When I Die" confused with "Death Is Not the End"--both terrific songs sung by Bellamy (and ironic, considering his suicide), but it's the latter that's by Dylan.

Subject: RE: What Song for Your Funeral?
From: Crow Sister (off with the fairies)
Date: 23 Sep 09 - 11:05 AM

I don't want any kind of funeral at all. What's the alternative to having one? Can you just process the body, without any associated remembrance type service?

Subject: RE: What Song for Your Funeral?
From: Fred McCormick
Date: 23 Sep 09 - 11:12 AM

St. James's Hospital

Subject: RE: What Song for Your Funeral?
From: skarpi
Date: 23 Sep 09 - 11:33 AM

Saint Patricks Cathedral ...

Subject: RE: What Song for Your Funeral?
From: Fred McCormick
Date: 23 Sep 09 - 11:35 AM

I've got, I've got it. I've finally got it. Lloyd Chandler, Conversation with Death. Just as the coffin slides into the flames.

Subject: RE: What Song for Your Funeral?
From: Uncle_DaveO
Date: 23 Sep 09 - 11:36 AM

"So long! Farewell! Auf wiedersehen! Goodbye" from The Sound of Music, I think.

David Oesterreich

Subject: RE: What Song for Your Funeral?
From: Arthur_itus
Date: 22 Jul 10 - 09:16 AM

For me it would be

Roll On The Day - Allan Taylor
Sammy's Bar - From Flippin The Whale
Fiddlers Green - John Conolly

Subject: RE: What Song for Your Funeral?
From: Rob Naylor
Date: 22 Jul 10 - 09:25 AM

MacColl's "Joy of Living" for me, plus Fairport's "Meet on the Ledge"
and British Sea Power's "True Adventures" ( I'm having 3...greedy or what?).

Subject: RE: What Song for Your Funeral?
From: MC Fat
Date: 22 Jul 10 - 11:20 AM

Ae Fond Kiss

Subject: RE: What Song for Your Funeral?
From: bubblyrat
Date: 22 Jul 10 - 01:25 PM

We had great fun at Upper Dicker recently,singing the nautical "Bye Bye,Bye Bye ,Bye Bye,Bye Bye etc" and all swaying from side to side ,waving paper "hankies" ; I think I'd go with that ( and Dougie Brown singing & playing "Death Is Not The End ", assuming that he hadn't predeceased me !)
          Last year ,Karen and I attended the funeral of "Doctor Rosie", who went off ,in a wicker basket rather than a wooden coffin,into the flames to the assembled multitude singing "Bold Riley",which was moving,sad,and...well, funny !! We also had Rosie herself singing "The Bold Dragoon" ; "Jerusalem",in which I get a mention --"Dark,Satanic Mills "....(how I HATED "assembly" at school !!); and last,but by no means least,Joni singing "Chelsea Morning", on which happy note we all repaired an hostelry close by ,for a few whets and some scran ; Excellent !

Subject: RE: What Song for Your Funeral?
From: Wesley S
Date: 22 Jul 10 - 01:29 PM

I'd sung with a trio for about 12 years. Our guitar player Richard Loughridge passed away from cancer about 10 days ago. This is the song we sang at his funeral last Wednesday. We had sung this song dozens of times with Richard - it was so sad to sing it without him.

Stanley Brothers

Who Will Sing for me?

Oft I sing for my friends
When death's cold hand I see
When I reach my journey's end
Who will sing one song for me?

I wonder (I wonder) who
Will sing (will sing) for me
When I'm called to cross
that silent sea
Who will sing for me?

When friends shall gather round
And look down on me
Will they turn and walk away
Or will they sing one song for me?

So I'll sing til the end
Contented I will be
Assured that some friends
Will sing one song for me?

Subject: RE: What Song for Your Funeral?
From: Georgiansilver
Date: 22 Jul 10 - 01:35 PM

Mike Hills body lies a mouldering in his grave
But his soul goes marching on!!!!

Subject: RE: What Song for Your Funeral?
From: autoharpbob
Date: 22 Jul 10 - 04:24 PM

The one that was good enough for Jake Thackray will do me - "Jake Thackray's Last Will and testament" - "Go, go, go and get the priest boys - then get the booze"

Subject: RE: What Song for Your Funeral?
From: Joe_F
Date: 22 Jul 10 - 05:56 PM

The Song Goes On

Subject: RE: What Song for Your Funeral?
From: beeliner
Date: 22 Jul 10 - 09:04 PM

"Quitting Time" by The Roches

Excellent choice! I guess I would be a little more traditional and go with "A Mighty Fortress is Our God".

My epitaph: "So many books, so much music, so little time."

Subject: RE: What Song for Your Funeral?
From: C-flat
Date: 27 Jul 10 - 08:28 AM

Personally I'd have "A Handful Of Songs" by our very own Jerry Rassmussen.
Says it all really....

Subject: RE: What Song for Your Funeral?
From: dick greenhaus
Date: 27 Jul 10 - 10:54 AM

and nobody suggested Only Remembered

Subject: RE: What Song for Your Funeral?
From: goatfell
Date: 27 Jul 10 - 01:03 PM

in a graveyard 'hole in the ground' crematorium 'light my fire'

Subject: RE: What Song for Your Funeral?
From: Pistachio
Date: 27 Jul 10 - 01:03 PM

For those in Peril on the Sea - (like my Dad did) and The Farewell Shanty - It's time to go now....Haul away for Heaven... and know that I'll be crying, leaving such a wonderful bundle of friends to harmonise without me.
I know there's another song I've already asked Grace notes to sing - but that request was at 4am a while back and I'm not sure which song we'd just shared.

May all those who go before go peacefully.

Hazel.x

Subject: RE: What Song for Your Funeral?
From: ClaireBear
Date: 27 Jul 10 - 01:40 PM

Second for Dave Carter's "When I Go" -- simply the best.

Then my own "Rowing Song" because ... well, just because. (Thanks again for recording that, Amos).

And finally, to bring up the mood for the party after, Michael Martin Murphey's "Dancing in the Meadow" (here's a YouTube of someone singing it).

Subject: RE: What Song for Your Funeral?
From: John on the Sunset Coast
Date: 27 Jul 10 - 03:22 PM

As I expect to be cremated--though not anytime soon, I hope--I think it would be appropriate to hear Dicky Lee's, "Ashes of Love" in medley with "Blowin' in the Wind".

Subject: RE: What Song for Your Funeral?
From: Bobert
Date: 27 Jul 10 - 07:37 PM

Little known song done by a little known band called the Barefoot Servants... Anyway, they wrote a wonderful song about dieing' entitled "Meet Me on the Southside of the Sky"... Yeah, play that one 'er...

...trad song "I'll Fly Away"...

Either one will be just fine as long as ya'll don't start rehersin' too soon...

B~

Subject: RE: What Song for Your Funeral?
From: Bugsy
Date: 27 Jul 10 - 08:08 PM

Still the same songs as in the last thread.
Fred Small's "Everything Possible",Which I think is a great song for both entering and exiting the human race, and this one that I think just about sums it all up.

WE BOTH HAD A VERY GOOD TIME
(Derek Brimstone)

How mamy miles have we wandered side by side
laughing and talking, sometimes we even crie
well the long long road has ended to baby dry your eyes
come here let me kiss you, you know I'm going to miss you
and we both had a very good time


how many bar rooms, how many cities and towns
how many faces - how many sights and sounds
and how many places did you hear me sing my songs
Well laughing or grieving we broke about even
and we both had a very good time


well remember all the good times, forget all about the bad
you know I really really really loved you - i gave you all I had
didn't I always tell you some day this time would come
well I'm sorry my dear, but now that it's here
we both had a very good time


This ain't no time for sadness, It ain't no time for tears,
For happiness just fades away, then it disappears,
You've got many more years than I have - that's why I set you free
So be glad that you met me and baby don't forget me
And we both had a very good time.


So then how many miles, have we wandered side by side,
Laughing and talking, sometimes we even cried.
But the long long road has ended, so baby dry your eyes.
Come here let me kiss you, you know I'm gonna miss you,
And we both had a very good time - I mean
We both had a very good time


Cheers

Bugsy

Subject: RE: What Song for Your Funeral?
From: Phil Cooper
Date: 27 Jul 10 - 09:31 PM

Plus Dave Carter's song, September Sea!

Subject: RE: What Song for Your Funeral?
From: Dave Roberts
Date: 28 Jul 10 - 03:28 PM

'Bird On A Wire' by Leonard Cohen

Subject: RE: What Song for Your Funeral?
From: RWilhelm
Date: 28 Jul 10 - 05:03 PM

Me too: 'Bird on a Wire'

also Leiber and Stoler's 'Is That All There Is'

Subject: RE: What Song for Your Funeral?
From: Big Ballad Singer
Date: 28 Jul 10 - 05:23 PM

"Prayer Of St. Francis" by John Michael Talbot

Not for me... I will already be gone.

It's for those still here, to perhaps motivate them
to live as though their place in this world and what
they do with it really, deeply matters.

Regards,

BBS

Subject: RE: What Song for Your Funeral?
From: GUEST,Seonaid
Date: 28 Jul 10 - 06:24 PM

If you can find it, Evelyne Beers' "Time Passes" is my favorite.
My two second picks are "Fiddler's Green" and "Parting Glass."
Knowing my friends, they'll be singing "Look at the Coffin" (aka "Bloody Well Dead") at my wake, so I might as well request it.
But to go out on an up note, nothing beats "Saints Go Marching In"!

Subject: RE: What Song for Your Funeral?
From: Peace
Date: 28 Jul 10 - 06:36 PM

`Amazing Grace` by the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards.`

Subject: RE: What Song for Your Funeral?
From: Clontarf83
Date: 28 Jul 10 - 10:41 PM

If it be Your Will--Lenny Cohen

Subject: RE: What Song for Your Funeral?
From: GUEST,I Don't Know
Date: 29 Jul 10 - 04:25 AM

I would like quiet unusual songs: A Travellers Lullaby by Kenny Speirs, In memory of my mother by Jackie Leven, Feathers falling from angels by Colvinquarmby, Bury me standing by Oysterband, Sand & Water sung by the late John Wright & Walk by me by Stained Glass.

Subject: RE: What Song for Your Funeral?
From: GUEST,Neil D
Date: 29 Jul 10 - 11:35 AM

"Keep Me in Your Heart"
          by
The late, great Waren Zevon

Subject: RE: What Song for Your Funeral?
From: Peter the Squeezer
Date: 29 Jul 10 - 05:39 PM

Obituaries are not supposed to make you laugh!

Some years ago, I was reading an obituary of a cinema organist who had recently passed away.

Back in the days when the organist came up on the lift during the interval, with his back to the audience, every organist had his own signature tune - the idea being that the audience could tell who was playing by which tune they played.

It has become a tradition that when one of these old timers passes on, as the coffin is disappearing, somebody will get on the crematorium chapel organ, and play the dear departed organist's signature tune. A bit theatrical, but a cinema organist is a theatrical profession, after all.

The obituary read as follows -

"The funeral service, attended by family and friends,was held at Malvern crematorium. At the committal, the organist played Arthur's signature tune - Smoke Gets in Your Eyes".

And everywhere else too, I suppose.

Subject: RE: What Song for Your Funeral?
From: Jayto
Date: 29 Jul 10 - 05:54 PM

Sgt MacKenzie

Lay me down in the cold cold ground
Where before many more have gone
Lay me down in the cold cold ground
Where before many more have gone

When they come I will stand my ground
Stand my ground I'll not be afraid

Thoughts of home take away my fear
Sweat and blood hide my veil of tears

Once a year say a prayer for me
Close your eyes and remember me

Lay me down in the cold cold ground
Where before many more have gone
Lay me down in the cold cold ground
Where before many more have gone
Where before many more have gone

Subject: RE: What Song for Your Funeral?
From: GUEST,Kit Griffiths
Date: 30 Jul 10 - 07:11 AM

Haven't quite decided on the song yet, but for my epitaph, it's got to be laughing Lenny-

I was handsome, I was strong,
I knew the words to every song.
Did my singing please you?
"No, the words you sang were wrong...."

Subject: RE: What Song for Your Funeral?
From: Desi C
Date: 25 Aug 10 - 08:15 AM

I felt after reading your post, I want a invite to your funeral, I really would. As for me I had pretty much the same thoughts as yourself after a musical visit to my home town of Kilkenny last September, and I was inspired to write m own song to 'pass on' by, It's called Singing In Kilkenny. By chance when back in Kilkenny this july the new Mayor heard me singing it and has adopted it for his term of office, so I want to be dispatched to that and I guess it's a way of leaving something of MY otherwise wasted life behind, here's the first verse

They'll be singing in Kilkenny when it's time for me to go
Sweet songs in my memory, in tones soft and low
Songs of dear old Ireland, and rebels so long ago
They'll be singing in Kilkenny when I go

(c) Desi C 20009 all rights reserved

I'd also suggest
No Regrets
Sing As We Go
Going Underground
A Daisy A Day
Desi C xx

Subject: RE: What Song for Your Funeral?
From: buddhuu
Date: 25 Aug 10 - 09:04 AM

'The Parting Glass'





...or Motorhead's 'Killed by Death'

Subject: RE: What Song for Your Funeral?
From: stevi
Date: 25 Aug 10 - 11:14 AM

That's life by Frank Sinatra. Riding high in April shot down in May! I just pick myself up and get back in the race. That's how I would like to be remembered.



Steve

Subject: RE: What Song for Your Funeral?
From: Joe Offer
Date: 28 Nov 10 - 10:18 PM

I'd like this version of the traditional Catholic funeral hymn, In Paradisum. It's called "Song of Farewell," composed by Ernest Sands:

May the choirs of angels come to greet you.
May they speed you to paradise.
May the Lord enfold you in his mercy.
May you find eternal life.

I'm helping a friend plan a funeral for his wife just now, and I suggested this one.

-Joe-

Subject: RE: What Song for Your Funeral?
From: GUEST,Jon
Date: 29 Nov 10 - 01:33 AM

I'd probably ask for 2 these day Bloody Well Dead

and my favourite of all hymns which is I Heard The Voice Of Jesus Say

Subject: RE: What Song for Your Funeral?
From: andrew e
Date: 29 Nov 10 - 02:12 AM

Henry Purcell

Thou Knowest Lord The Secrets Of Our Hearts.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pf_84OQgZSg

I'm not "religious" but just love this style of sacred music.

We sing this one in a choir I direct.

Subject: RE: What Song for Your Funeral?
From: GUEST,Guest - Lin
Date: 29 Nov 10 - 02:19 AM

"Dust In The Wind" by the band Kansas

"Song of the Wandering Angeus" - Donovan

"Be Not Too Hard" sung by Joan Baez (written by Donovan)

"Sand and Foam" - Donovan

"Unfinished Life" - Kate Wolf

"Song of the Candle" - Stan Rogers

"Fhir a Bhata" sung by Sandy Denny

Probably not enough time for all these songs at a funeral but in my life these are some of my very favourite songs and my favourite artists. Well...the group Kansas is not a favourite group but have always loved that one song of theirs.

Subject: RE: What Song for Your Funeral?
From: GUEST,Billy Weeks
Date: 20 Jun 14 - 01:16 AM

Easy Street

Subject: RE: What Song for Your Funeral?
From: GUEST,LK867
Date: 20 Jun 14 - 02:29 AM

Frédéric Chopin's Piano Sonata No. 2 in B-flat minor, Op. 35, popularly known as The Funeral March.

Subject: RE: What Song for Your Funeral?
From: Dennis the Elder
Date: 20 Jun 14 - 05:39 AM

Keith Marsden's "Funeral Song" seems most apt for my funeral, however I have a lot of work to do first to make it realistic.
If I look very tiered if you see me, you will know I have started on my task.

Subject: RE: What Song for Your Funeral?
From: GUEST,eldergirl
Date: 20 Jun 14 - 06:14 AM

Where the Lion Stands, by Pete Ryder.
Always, by Note for a Child. Lady of the North, by Gene Clark.
And any of the songs we've sung as friends together, how about Rollin' Up, Rollin' Down? :-) x el

Subject: RE: What Song for Your Funeral?
From: GUEST,donmeixner
Date: 20 Jun 14 - 07:21 AM

Ill Be Seeing You.

Subject: RE: What Song for Your Funeral?
From: Black belt caterpillar wrestler
Date: 20 Jun 14 - 08:24 AM

I have always thought that "The Duke of Marlborough's Fanfare" from "Alright Jack" by "Home Service" is the perfect piece for the coffin to pass through the curtains at a cremation. As for songs, we'll if you believe in reincarnation how about "Embryo" from "Pink Floyd"!

Subject: RE: What Song for Your Funeral?
From: GUEST,phil cooper on spouse's laptop
Date: 20 Jun 14 - 08:27 AM

I saw this thread refreshed. I had an older brother pass away in 2011. Susan and I helped pick out songs to sing for a memorial. It turns out I got to sing a lot of songs I wouldn't mind being sung at my memorial. We did wind up singing Dave Carter's When I Go, also his song Gentle Soldier of my Soul. I found Chris Smithers' song Lay the Old Man Down. We also got the four members of the Bittersweet Christmas Band to sing David Francey's Saints and Sinners. The service was more musical than many, as you might suppose. It also didn't necessarily please some of my fundamentalist relatives. However my brother was agnostic and his daughter wanted a memorial that was true to who her dad was.

Subject: RE: What Song for Your Funeral?
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 20 Jun 14 - 08:57 AM

Well the time did come for my Dad, whom I mentioned up the thread in Sept 09: he left us on Christmas Day 2010. And we did have "Crossing the Bar" as the coffin was taken from the church. It was beautiful.

Since then, I got asked to sing at a funeral, Dave Webber's "Parting Song". The first I knew of that little plan was at the door of the crematorium, when the bereaved lady's daughter asked if her mother had said anything to me about singing! She hadn't! We had sung it in a song workshop the week before, and I had known it for a lot longer. The words had been printed in the order of service, and the minister had been told I would be singing it. So, as I stepped up to the front with knees quaking, I was about to ask the organist for a start note, when he started playing it (fortunately in a singable key!). I thanked him afterwards and asked how he knew it as it's not a very well-known song up here in Scotland. "Oh, I just looked it up on Youtube this morning"! Seat of the pants stuff!

Subject: RE: What Song for Your Funeral?
From: voyager
Date: 20 Jun 14 - 11:22 AM

I'll be singing this one -

Dying Crapshooter Blues - Willie McTell

Eight crapshooters to be my pallbearers
Let 'em be veiled down in black
I want nine men going to the graveyard, buddy
I want eight men coming back

I want a gang of gamblers gathered 'round my coffin-side
Crooked card printed on my hearse
My life has been a doggone curse

Well, well, well, well
Send poker players to the graveyard, buddy
Dig my grave with the ace of spades
I want twelve polices in my funeral march
High sheriff playin' blackjack, lead the parade

I want the judge and solic'ter who jailed me fourty times
Put a pair of dice in my shoes, what else
Let a deck of cards be my tombstone, buddy
I got the dying crapshooter blues

Sixteen real good crapshooters
Sixteen bootleggers to sing a song
I want sixteen racket men gamblin'
Couple tend bar while I'm rollin' along
Read more at http://www.songlyrics.com/moriarty/the-dying-crapshooter-blues-lyrics/#idJYQGY20FGGgXjT.99

let the mourners find their own tune.

voyager

Subject: RE: What Song for Your Funeral?
From: PHJim
Date: 20 Jun 14 - 12:02 PM

My brother Dave sang us this song Bob Dylan'sMake You Feel My Love for his own funeral. We found it among his tapes and decided it was just the thing.
I have sung "My Buddy" and Todd Snider's "I Feel Like Missing You Today" at funerals, but I have trouble thinking of a song for my funeral...maybe Tommy Thompson's "I've Got Plans".

Subject: RE: What Song for Your Funeral?
From: LadyJean
Date: 20 Jun 14 - 11:32 PM

"I Keep So Busy Praising My Jesus" I like to give people a laugh.

Subject: RE: What Song for Your Funeral?
From: GUEST,Janelle
Date: 20 Jun 14 - 11:45 PM

"Dust in the Wind" by Kansas

"All we are is dust in the wind."

Subject: RE: What Song for Your Funeral?
From: Guy Wolff
Date: 20 Jun 14 - 11:50 PM

I love both of these but I would also like anything from Orlando Gibins . My wife is early music so thats more likely .

These are both so good

Oh Come Angle Band

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l_M65lcDk6o

After the Sunrise ..


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3p1-yI6ZOqs&feature=kp

Subject: RE: What Song for Your Funeral?
From: J-boy
Date: 21 Jun 14 - 01:49 AM

John Cage's 4'33".

Subject: RE: What Song for Your Funeral?
From: AlbertsLion
Date: 21 Jun 14 - 02:32 AM

Let the Mystery Be - Iris DeMent, Trans Atlantic Session recording does it for me and Steve Earle's Pilgrim sung by friend Bob Fish.

Subject: RE: What Song for Your Funeral?
From: GUEST,freespiritceol1
Date: 21 Jun 14 - 03:38 AM

Some say the devil is dead (and buried in
killarney).

Subject: RE: What Song for Your Funeral?
From: SPB-Cooperator
Date: 24 Jun 20 - 05:29 AM

That is a very good question, and if I was to put this in my will it would cost me a fortune every time I change my mind.

I can think of three ways of looking at it:

(1) Do I want choices based on what I like - but unless I would be their in spirit to hear them for the last time that wouldn't achieve anything?

(2) Do a want to choose what 'the audience' would like to hear and dignified send off?

(3) Do I choose a song with a message beyond the grave? One that comes to mind is Tears and Pavan by Strawbs with the wonderful first line "Where are the tears, you should be crying right now?"

Definite no-no would be the over sentimental and stoic cliches.

If I was to make a choice about how I feel at the moment, it would probably be two Czech folk songs by Cechomor Mezi Horami (between the mountains) and Nepudem Domu (We aren't going home.... until the sun rises).

Subject: RE: What Song for Your Funeral?
From: BobL
Date: 25 Jun 20 - 02:49 AM

I would like to have "All is Well" from the shape note tradition (either the version in Northern Harmony, or else Peter Amidon's arrangement of the Sacred Harp one), and/or the West Gallery hymn known as "The Shropshire Funaral (sic) Hymn". However, I've been unable to get to either type of gathering for so long that I'm probably now only a distant memory to most of the SH and WG regulars, and the choir at my parish church aren't all happy with anything out of the ordinary. I may have to settle for whatever New Moon Morris can come up with (I have asked that they attend in full kit BTW).

But in any case, unless I outlive the present pandemic - which I suspect will continue for years yet, whatever science may discover and politics like to pretend - I fear it's likely to be a short private service.

Subject: RE: What Song for Your Funeral?
From: The Sandman
Date: 25 Jun 20 - 02:54 AM

spb coop, i thought you would choose old maui

Subject: RE: What Song for Your Funeral?
From: Senoufou
Date: 25 Jun 20 - 03:50 AM

I would like them to play Enya singing 'Na Laetha Geal M'Oige'.
(From her album Watermark)
and Asha Bhosle singing 'Justajoo jis kee thee' (from the film Umrao Jaan)
They each translate into this:
'I never found what I was seeking, but in the search I learned much about the world. The promise of my youth was never fulfilled.'

Subject: RE: What Song for Your Funeral?
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 25 Jun 20 - 04:13 AM

Leap Up And Down wave Your Knickers In The Air

Subject: RE: What Song for Your Funeral?
From: SPB-Cooperator
Date: 25 Jun 20 - 06:35 AM

or maybe a very long Child ballad in original dialect.

Subject: Cearcall a' Chuain
From: Felipa
Date: 25 Jun 20 - 07:26 PM

Cearcall a' Chuain

When I'm Gone (Phil Ochs)
and I also like The Joys of Living by Ewan MacZColl, already mentioned in the discussion.

Subject: RE: What Song for Your Funeral?
From: Donuel
Date: 25 Jun 20 - 07:35 PM

Daphne&Chloe and Ashokans farewell is long enough.
At my wedding it was Pictures at an Exhibition

Subject: RE: What Song for Your Funeral?
From: Bill D
Date: 26 Jun 20 - 03:38 PM

well...this is about the 4th or 5th thread on the topic. Looking thru them I see that a certain number of us have already gone.

I'm gonna, for any memorial service/wake..(no funeral with coffin... maybe a few ashes in a wooden thing I made).. stick with the one I posted in 2001

Subject: Lyr Add: WHAT'S THE LIFE OF A MAN?
From: Bill D - PM
Date: 24 Feb 01 - 07:09 PM

WHAT'S THE LIFE OF A MAN


As I was a walking one morning at ease
A viewing the leaves as they fell from the trees
All in slow motion appearing to be
And those that had withered, they fell from the trees


What's the life of a man anymore than the leaves
A man has his season, so why should we grieve
Though all thru this life, we appear fine and gay
Like the leaves we will wither and soon fade away


If you'd seen the leaves just a few days ago
So beautiful and bright they all seemed to grow
A frost came upon them and withered them all
A storm came upon them and down they did fall


If you look in the churchyard, there you will see
Those that have passed like the leaves from the trees
When age and affliction upon us do fall
Like the leaves we must wither and down we must fall.


I also said in another thread that I don't intend to go.. but just have the wake for fun...

Subject: RE: What Song for Your Funeral?
From: JHW
Date: 26 Jun 20 - 03:53 PM

Year or two ago went to funeral of BW at a Crem. For exit music they played the man himself singing the Kielder Hunt. Lots of verses, I thought they'd fade it but they didn't and all the audience stayed until it finished. So I guess I'd let someone choose me singing something. Its really for the benefit of those attending. Won't matter to me by then. They might choose somebody else.

Subject: RE: What Song for Your Funeral?
From: fat B****rd
Date: 26 Jun 20 - 03:54 PM

On the way in - The Promenade from Pictures AT An Exhibition
During the quiet bit - Meet on The Ledge
Into The Fiery Furnace - The Ride Of The Valkyries*
After - See Me . Feel Me

*I thought of "Goodbye" by Josef Locke. Bit that would be corny :-}

Subject: RE: What Song for Your Funeral?
From: Murpholly
Date: 26 Jun 20 - 06:04 PM

The older I getm my friends practice my funeral song at least once a year:- "Isn't it grand boys to be bloody well dead". That will do for me.

Subject: RE: What Song for Your Funeral?
From: GUEST,Guest
Date: 27 Jun 20 - 06:27 PM

swing low sweet chariot

Subject: RE: What Song for Your Funeral?
From: Neil D
Date: 15 Nov 20 - 05:25 AM

did you ever have the feeling

Subject: RE: What Song for Your Funeral?
From: GUEST,Sol
Date: 15 Nov 20 - 05:54 AM

"Everytime We Say Goodbye" - Ella Fitzgerald
Class.

Subject: RE: What Song for Your Funeral?
From: GUEST,Gealt
Date: 15 Nov 20 - 06:36 AM

Knock Three Times.

Subject: RE: What Song for Your Funeral?
From: GUEST
Date: 15 Nov 20 - 07:13 AM

I see I've been on here before but now would note Bill D 26June20.
Last year I sang (requested) 'What is the Life of a Man' to a full church gathered for a regular attender, staunch folkie as well as church goer, alas being seen off.

Subject: RE: What Song for Your Funeral?
From: GUEST,saulgoldie
Date: 15 Nov 20 - 09:49 AM

I second "Handful of Songs" also "Parting Glass" and "While I'm Here"
Oh, and "Finnegan's Wake"

AND...

I believe this was written by John Denver

Damn The Man That Dares to Let My Farewell Party Die

Don't want no tears shed for me when I'm gone,
Don't want nobody to sing no melancholy song,
Don't want your partin' words to become my eulogy ---
Just have a ragtime band to play when you say goodbye to me.

So keep that whiskey flowin', boys, and raise your glasses high,
I'm pleased to see you're here to say "Farewell" and not "Goodbye."
So keep that whiskey flowin', boys and raise your glasses high
And Damn the man that dares to let my farewell party die.

Don't want no organ music bringin' people down,
Don't want no long-faced mourners always hangin' 'round,
Don't want no candles, ah, but let the flowers stay ---
Girls can wear them in their hair when they see me on my way.

Roll the carpet back, my boys, and let the dancin' start,
Sing all the good old songs and don't forget my part.
Invite all the girls I've known and make sure they have fun ---
Hug and kiss 'em all for me like you know I would have done.

So keep that whiskey flowin', boys, and raise your glasses high,
I'm pleased to see you're here to say "Farewell" and not "Goodbye."
So keep that whiskey flowin', boys and raise your glasses high
And Damn the man that dares to let my farewell party die.

So keep that whiskey flowin', boys, and raise your glasses high,
I'm pleased to see you're here to say "Farewell" and not "Goodbye."
So keep that whiskey flowin', boys and raise your glasses high
And Damn the man that dares to let my farewell party die.

AND...
From the Mill Run Dulcimer Band

Sing Me A Song

As I travel through this life, midst the struggle and the strife,
Though the days may be weary and long,
As I search for happiness, I find peace and rest,
When I sit down and sing me a song.

(cho.)
Sing me a song
Sing me a song
When I come to the end of my journey,
I know it won’t be long,
Til I cross Death’s silent river,
Don’t you cry, just sing me a song.

Though our burdens are not light, always fighting for the right
Everything seems to always go wrong,
We could find peace of mind if together we would find,
Time to sit down and sing just one song.

cho.

When I cross that other shore, and I meet loved ones once more,
Join in that happy angel throng,
If I could forever sing, let the hallelujahs ring,
I’d be singing the hallelujah song.

Subject: RE: What Song for Your Funeral?
From: Geordie-Peorgie
Date: 15 Nov 20 - 10:28 AM

Coming in - “Drunk!” By Ron Trueman-Border
Thoughtful bit - “Brothers In Arms” by Dire straits
Going out - “Slip Sliding Away” by Paul Simon

And, if there’s time, “No Regrets” by The Walker Brothers!

Subject: RE: What Song for Your Funeral?
From: Gallus Moll
Date: 15 Nov 20 - 05:25 PM

More to the point, as we reach a certain stage of life, we should be considering having an annual wake with as many friends as can gather each year. Spend a day and an night in guid company, drink toasts and make speeches, sing all the good songs of our generation in wonderful harmony!
Then at the following year's gathering, if one or two are missing, having gone to Tir nan Og - the memory of their company and their singing will still be fresh in our hearts...... don't you always feel at a funeral, specially the purvey and after-ceilidh, that the one person you really want to be there - is missing?
Far better to gather and sing while life is in you!

Subject: RE: What Song for Your Funeral?
From: GUEST,Lin
Date: 15 Nov 20 - 09:01 PM

"Dust In the Wind" by Kansas

Subject: RE: What Song for Your Funeral?
From: Elmore
Date: 16 Nov 20 - 12:58 AM

"Turn, Turn, Turn."

Subject: RE: What Song for Your Funeral?
From: Elmore
Date: 16 Nov 20 - 01:26 AM

On a lighter note, "Death Letter Blues". Might need a few lyric alterations.

Subject: RE: What Song for Your Funeral?
From: GUEST,JHW
Date: 16 Nov 20 - 06:36 AM

'don't you always feel at a funeral...that the one person you really want to be there - is missing?'
Absolutely

Subject: RE: What Song for Your Funeral?
From: GUEST,saulgoldie
Date: 16 Nov 20 - 08:43 AM

Gallus Moll & JHW,

Totally agree!

Saul

Subject: RE: What Song for Your Funeral?
From: fat B****rd
Date: 16 Nov 20 - 04:12 PM

Coincidentally, Elmore, I've asked my step-daughter to read the passage from Ecclesiastes that your song is based on.
Charlie

Subject: RE: What Song for Your Funeral?
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 18 Nov 20 - 08:54 PM

Sadly at least a couple of people from the top of this thread have departed. I hope they got their wishes.
And "The Joy of Living" was one of the songs at another funeral I attended before lockdown.
Have been at several where the deceased's own recordings were used: quite surreal, but very appropriate and touching.

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This thread is drawing a lot of Spam, so I'm going to close it. Please use one of the other threads crosslinked above. -Joe Offer-