BS: Your own funeral

Subject: Your own funeral
From: Callie
Date: 07 Mar 00 - 09:09 AM

Ok. I'm feeling cheery this morning. So if you had to choose the music that will be played at your own funeral, what would you choose?

Mine: The Beatles' Blackbird; the melody of "My Lagan Love" played on cello, Phil Ochs' "When I'm Gone" and maybe Elvis Costello singing "Favourite Hour"

Over to you ...

--Callie

Subject: RE: BS: Your own funeral
From: kendall
Date: 07 Mar 00 - 09:26 AM

Gently down the stream of time..Ed Trickett. And, the last few lines of William Cullen Bryants Thannatopsis.
...So live, that when your summons comes to join that innumerable caravan that moves to that mysterious realm, where each shall take his place in the silent halls of death, thou go, not like the quarry slave at night, scourged to his dungeon, but, sustained by an unfaltering trust, approach thy grave like one who wraps the covers of his couch about him, and lies down to pleasant dreams.

And on my head stone: I knew if I lived long enough, something like this would happen.

Subject: RE: BS: Your own funeral
From: Crowhugger
Date: 07 Mar 00 - 09:37 AM

Well, Callie, good morning!

Your cheeriness matches my own today. Let's see now...

Whilst people assemble and wait, or arrive late, fish for kleenex, look to see who paid for the biggest floral arrangement, etc: "Please Don't Bury Me" over and over until it's time for the emcee, er, minister, I mean, to begin.

Singalong hymn substitutes:

"Jennie Jenkins" but the attendees MUST make up verses -- in fact, maybe each person, upon arrival, mysteriously received a small card with a colour on it, but no clue yet as to why. You know, kind of an ice breaker, in case the opening theme doesn't bring on a serious case of the giggles. Not enough colours? Just look at what they name paints...

"Let's Not Just Have a Sniffle" With all the verses a Mudcat thread can conjur. Plus a few more if those present feel creative.

Recessional: "Art Thou Troubled?" A lovely song by the inimitable Georg Frideric Handel. If I'm dead, then it seems fair that one song die too, so it MUST be played by bagpipes and organ! Yes, together. No offence intended to pipers or organists. I simply cannot imagine those instruments pulling off the dynamics necessary for this gem.

Please, no private e-mails about how am I doing. Much better now, thanks. This thread is very therapeutic. Thanks Callie. Gotta go write my codicil now. (Just kidding, honey.)

Subject: RE: BS: Your own funeral
From: Allan C.
Date: 07 Mar 00 - 09:40 AM

Surely one of the best funeral songs ever written was performed by the Crash Test Dummies:

At My Funeral
by Brad Roberts

I'm still young, but I know my days are numbered

1234567 and so on

But a time will come when these numbers have all ended

And all I've ever seen will be forgotten

Won't you come to my funeral when my days are done

Life's not long and so I hope when I am finally dead and gone

That you'll gather round when I am lowered into the ground
When my coffin is sealed and I'm safely 6 feet under

Perhaps my friends will see fit then to judge me

Oh when they pause to consider all my blunders

I hope they won't be too quick to begrudge me

If I should die before I wake up

I pray that the Lord my soul will take but

My body, my body - that's your job

Well I can't be sure where I'm headed after death

To heaven, hell, or beyond to that Great Vast

But if I can I would like to meet my Maker

There's one or two things I'd sure like to ask

Won't you come to my funeral when my days are done

Life's not long and so I hope when I am finally dead and gone

That you'll gather round when I am lowered into the ground

Subject: RE: BS: Your own funeral
From: canoer
Date: 07 Mar 00 - 09:44 AM

"Safe in the Harbor" -- Eric Bogle

Subject: RE: BS: Your own funeral
From: catspaw49
Date: 07 Mar 00 - 09:44 AM

"Lay Down Your Weary Tune"

Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: Your own funeral
From: Wesley S
Date: 07 Mar 00 - 09:54 AM

I love a song by the Rev Gary Davis called "I Will Do My Last Singing In This Land Someday". Also "While I'm on My Journey" by the Weavers

Subject: RE: BS: Your own funeral
From: Tony Burns
Date: 07 Mar 00 - 10:03 AM

"Bury Me In My Shades" Shel Silverstein.

Subject: RE: BS: Your own funeral
From: Amos
Date: 07 Mar 00 - 10:06 AM

Just give me a tight Dixieland quartet, warming up with the Muskrat Ramble, reeling off the Saints, fading to a solo horn doing a heartfelt Taps. Then it's yours truly off to Bill Gates' place to see if they're interested in more offspring. May as well start right next time, eh?

A

Subject: RE: BS: Your own funeral
From: Giac
Date: 07 Mar 00 - 10:12 AM

No funeral. Just friends getting together, talking about how weird I was and making music. The song?? Hmmmmmm. "All My Life's A Circle."

Giac

Subject: RE: BS: Your own funeral
From: Bert
Date: 07 Mar 00 - 10:25 AM

http://www.mudcat.org/bert/songs/plastic.html

Subject: RE: BS: Your own funeral
From: GUEST,Roger the skiffler
Date: 07 Mar 00 - 10:39 AM

I don't intend having a funeral, having left my body to the Inspector of Anatomy for transplant, research or teaching. Any bits over after the med students have finished laughing will get a free cremation. I suspect my everloving, being a churchwarden, might organise something with her own choice of music but I suppose "Ain't it grand to be bloomin' well dead" might be fitting!
RtS

Subject: RE: BS: Your own funeral
From: Mbo
Date: 07 Mar 00 - 10:40 AM

Dang Amos! You stole my idea! Except I want "Josh's Medey: Oh What A Friend We Have In Jesus/ Oh Didn't He Ramble" followed up by "South Rampart Street Parade." Then "Amazing Grace" on massed pipe and military band..."Just One Life" by Brian May..."Sail On" by Dick Gaughan..."Ave Maria" with Pavarotti singing it....and the reunited Electric Light Orchestar singing "I'm Alive." Hoooo...wouldn't the guests get a kick out that?

--Mbo

Subject: RE: BS: Your own funeral
From: Steve Latimer
Date: 07 Mar 00 - 10:46 AM

My best friend has made me vow that I play Willie Nelsons' "Angel Flying Too Close to the Ground" at his funeral.

I'm unsure, but I hope that I'll have a lot of time to think of one.

Subject: RE: BS: Your own funeral
From: GUEST,Patrish
Date: 07 Mar 00 - 11:21 AM

I too like Roger have left my bits to Leeds University Pathology Department. But I have left instructions that the money that would have been spent on the box etc. has to be spent on a wake with lots of singing and some dancing and all my friends having a whale of a time - knowing that if its possible I will be there. (I don't like to miss out on a good time)
Patrish

Subject: RE: BS: Your own funeral
From: Amos
Date: 07 Mar 00 - 12:06 PM

Geez...Mbo, if you want a funeral that long you'd better get cooking and build a HUGE life of creative contributions to the world, so your scads of adoring admirers will stand still for it! Think John Lennon, crossed with Dylan and two dollops of ELO. Gotta get prodigious, me lad...and put that away, its not the prodigious I meant...I meant prolific...

Subject: RE: BS: Your own funeral
From: Clinton Hammond2
Date: 07 Mar 00 - 12:24 PM

The Prophet, by Kris Kristofferson.... Mostly for the first couple of lines...

Followed by Who Dies, by James Keelaghan...

And then even though I hate the song, and the man who wrote it, it's the attitude I'd rather have at my funeral, Jimmy Buffets, 'Why Don't We Get Drunk And Screw'

And anybody who cries gets a right boot up the arse!!!
LOL!!!!!!

{~`

Subject: RE: BS: Your own funeral
From: paddymac
Date: 07 Mar 00 - 12:25 PM

I could care less about the funeral. What I would like is a wake to rival Finnegan's. In my practice, I'm finding it more frequent for clients to make arrangements in their wills for various kinds of festive send-offs. Maybe that's because I make it a practice to present that as an option for their consideration.

Subject: RE: BS: Your own funeral
From: Troll
Date: 07 Mar 00 - 12:33 PM

Nobody made much of a fuss when I was born and I don't want a fuss when I go. Sing The Jug of Punch and go spent some time with your kids. Celebrate life in your own way. Have a party if you like but do it for yourselves, not for me.

troll

Subject: RE: BS: Your own funeral
From: Wesley S
Date: 07 Mar 00 - 12:35 PM

I almost forgot - play ANYTHING but "Amazing Grace" It has GOT to be the most overdone funeral song. IMHO.

Subject: RE: BS: Your own funeral
From: Lonesome EJ
Date: 07 Mar 00 - 12:50 PM

No joyful music at my Funeral. I want everybody to weep and moan. There'll be time enough for happy memories later. How about a couple of hymns:The Old Rugged Cross and He Walks with Me. Bridge Over Troubled Water would also hit the right mood. And Dan Milner's Leave Her, Johnny Leave Her. Vivaldi's Fireside Largo would assure that no one left with a dry eye.

Subject: RE: BS: Your own funeral
From: rangeroger
Date: 07 Mar 00 - 12:51 PM

A celebration wake instead of a funeral for me.
Emmylou Harris singing "Until I Gain Control Again". Darrel Evans "I Lay me Down."
And my tombstone to read "I forgot to get married" Unless,of course,something happens between now and then.
rr

Subject: RE: BS: Your own funeral
From: Amos
Date: 07 Mar 00 - 12:58 PM

Well, once disincarnate, I propose to go up to Silicon Valley and find a millionaire to father/mother my next round. So my funeral should have a loop endlessly replaying Do You Know the Way to San Jose?. I don't like long funerals, anyway...And Tony Bennett singing...guess what?

A

Subject: RE: BS: Your own funeral
From: Eric the Viking
Date: 07 Mar 00 - 01:14 PM

It's already in my will!-Jimmi Hendrix-all along the watchtower.

Subject: RE: BS: Your own funeral
From: Jon Freeman
Date: 07 Mar 00 - 01:35 PM

I don't really care what songs. My only hope/wish is that I have enough money to pay for friends to have a few drinks and a good time.

Jon

Subject: RE: BS: Your own funeral
From: MK
Date: 07 Mar 00 - 01:49 PM

I don't plan on checking out until I can figure a way to take my guitar collection with me.    8-)

Subject: RE: BS: Your own funeral
From: Peg
Date: 07 Mar 00 - 02:12 PM

ooh I like that Jimi Hendrix idea! I love that version...great song.
I have sung at a funeral, a Scottish Gaelic lament no one understood the words to but which everyone agreed was right for the occasion...but this was without question one of the hardest things I have ever done, emotionally...trying to hold it together to sing a sad song while feeling like crying (and when everyone around you is crying)is no easy task...I pretty much broke down in tears as soon as I finished...and I have been to memorial services where the music chosen for that person was just heartbreaking..."Forever Young" by Rod Stewart, for a friend who was murdered...
I never thought about this for myself...maybe "Dun Ringtill" by Jethro Tull...

peg

Subject: RE: BS: Your own funeral
From: Clinton Hammond2
Date: 07 Mar 00 - 02:25 PM

COOL CHOICE PEG!

I hadn't even thought of that....

I'm gonna append mine with that in mind...

Too Old To Rock And Roll, Too Young To Die
Followd by Broadsword

Peg, we gotta bury the hatchet and have a cyber conversation sometime... obvious past differences aside, I think we have a lot in common!

Subject: RE: BS: Your own funeral
From: Quirk Malarkey
Date: 07 Mar 00 - 02:25 PM

i heard a song a few years ago that might be fun to hear that i'ld like, as my remains are disposed of in the most efficient way possible. preferable for the roses. the chorus goes: send me to glory in a glad bag don't waste a fancy coffin on my bones just put me out on the curb, next tuesday let the sanitation office take me home. -- doodlezak

Subject: RE: BS: Your own funeral
From: Llanfair
Date: 07 Mar 00 - 02:40 PM

"who knows where the time goes" for me, please, whilst my ashes are sprinkled in the Irish sea. Bron.

Subject: RE: BS: Your own funeral
From: Peg
Date: 07 Mar 00 - 03:16 PM

clinton--
why? because we both like Jethro Tull? That includes a few million other people...

peg

Subject: RE: BS: Your own funeral
From: Linda Kelly
Date: 07 Mar 00 - 03:41 PM

Since I live over the cemetary wall I think it would be safe to put me in a bin bag and just throw me over the top of the fence to the strains of 'Good year for the Roses' (Elvis Costello version) which, If I am allowed to biodegrade, in situ, it will be!

Subject: RE: BS: Your own funeral
From: Amos
Date: 07 Mar 00 - 03:43 PM

Smokin', Peg!

I sang at my mother's funeral -- two songs which I did very badly because I was finding it hard to sing. The songs, and I think she mighthave chosenthem serself had she been asked, were Finnegan's Wake just for the last line, really, and the plaintiff verse from His Eye Is on the Sparrow". But I left a whole verse out of the former, and barely managed to get the latter out, and I had to change my strings afterward, too...

Rust.

Subject: RE: BS: Your own funeral
From: Bill D
Date: 07 Mar 00 - 04:33 PM

oohhh...can I continue living till I have looked at ALL the songs and chosen wisely?..I have 30 or 40 choices right now..(guess it'll have to ne a LONG service and wake, huh?)

regarding Michael K's post.."I don't plan on checking out until I can figure a way to take my guitar collection with me.  8-) "...I heard a guy sing something years ago called "Can I Take My Martin with me to Heaven when I die?".....haven't heard it since

Subject: RE: BS: Your own funeral
From: MK
Date: 07 Mar 00 - 04:48 PM

Bill D, A close and quite psychic friend of mine has assured me that ''everything you are'' you get to take with you when you leave ''this earthly plane.'' That somehow the personality and soul, are inextricably intertwined...so I figure, if I can manifest a body, or at least an upper torso with arms and hands...perhaps I can manifest a 1938 OOO-28 and D-45, and keep on pickin'.   8-)
(I'd settle for that, and just leave the rest of collection to Fielding.)

Subject: RE: BS: Your own funeral
From: Dave (the ancient mariner)
Date: 07 Mar 00 - 04:50 PM

Dvorak Stabat Mater Dolorosa Eternal Father (for those in peril on the sea) Flowers of the forest on the pipes Then let slip my cable at 30 degrees west longitude. Yours,Aye. Dave

Subject: RE: BS: Your own funeral
From: Dave (the ancient mariner)
Date: 07 Mar 00 - 04:52 PM

Forgot to mention; use the words to the hymn not the other version of Eternal Father. Yours,Aye.Dave

Subject: RE: BS: Your own funeral
From: Dave (the ancient mariner)
Date: 07 Mar 00 - 04:53 PM

Forgot to mention; use the words to the hymn not the other version of Eternal Father. Yours,Aye.Dave

Subject: RE: BS: Your own funeral
From: GUEST,Walrus
Date: 07 Mar 00 - 05:28 PM

For me? Well for a hymn I thought "I have a sweet hope of Glory In my soul" - It's one we used to "sing away" members of my old ECW Regiment who had died - Then you can carry me out to "The Parting Glass" and plant me and hoist a glass to my memory.

Regards

Walrus

Subject: RE: BS: Your own funeral
From: katlaughing
Date: 07 Mar 00 - 05:44 PM

The River Where She Sleeps by Dave Carter and Tracy Grammar
I Walk in Beauty
Ah, Sweet Mystery of Life (has to be done on a quavery old organ!)
Songs of the Indian Flute by John Rainer, Jr. (the whole thing!)
Ou Sube a Terra...on pipes
The Drowning Plains
White Wings... on cello, whistle, and fiddle

as well as several more...like Bill, I want plenty of time to go through all, but I am sure of the ones I've listed.

By the by, just a suggestion to any who wonder about how we will know of one another's passing, I have written a *goodbye, luvya* letter to you all, that my fmaily has been instructed to post when and if I ever go.**BG**

Like Amos, I will immediately be looking for a good family, so you young'uns, if I come knocking ya better keep up the good music, 'cause I don't want any tone deaf parents next time around!

Anyone know where I can get sheet music to the last three?

Subject: RE: BS: Your own funeral
From: Callie
Date: 07 Mar 00 - 05:45 PM

Well, good morning everybody! I can see folks have been busy posting while I slumbered. Thanks, Alan C, I'd forgotten that great Crash Test Dummies Song.

I forgot to mention that I'd also like Plastic Jesus played, and that song that Lee Hayes wrote about his own death. I don't remember the words, but it 's something about sprinkling his ashes on the compost, eating the resulting vegetables, and then "and excrete me with a grin".

Long live Mudcat!

--callie

Subject: RE: BS: Your own funeral
From: Murray MacLeod
Date: 07 Mar 00 - 06:04 PM

When I first heard the late great Roy Buchanan's instrumental version of "Sweet Dreams" in 1972 my immediate reaction was: that is the music I want to depart by. Nothing I have heard since has made me change my choice ....

Subject: RE: BS: Your own funeral
From: GUEST,The Beanster
Date: 07 Mar 00 - 07:16 PM

Without a doubt, Mozart's Requiem, K. 626 by the Boblingen Bach Choir--the WHOLE thing. (!) Aside from the religious lyrical content (which I consider worthless), it's such a beautiful piece of work--and the relatives will like it...

Too bad I won't be there. :)

Subject: RE: BS: Your own funeral
From: Callie
Date: 07 Mar 00 - 07:48 PM

You could consider changing the words (in the tradition of folk!) in preparation for the sorry day ...

Subject: RE: BS: Your own funeral
From: Amos
Date: 07 Mar 00 - 08:11 PM

I dunno, Beanster -- if you can'thave fun at your own funeral, where can you have fun? As the old sailors are wont to say, "First turn of the screw pays all bills...". The picking part is probably hard, but nothin to stop you from grinning and tapping your ectoplasm!

Subject: RE: BS: Your own funeral
From: Paul G.
Date: 07 Mar 00 - 08:15 PM

Two songs that I can think of...First, Jim Ballew's "When I Die", and just for the sake of vanity, a song I wrote for a dying friend called "When This War Is Over"...

pg

Subject: RE: BS: Your own funeral
From: kendall
Date: 07 Mar 00 - 08:22 PM

I have the words to Send me to glory a glad bag if anyone wants them

Subject: RE: BS: Your own funeral
From: Ebbie
Date: 07 Mar 00 - 08:32 PM

At my brother's funeral, they played a tape in which he sang, I Will Meet You in the Morning and a John Denver-recorded song, (It's Good to be) Back Home Again. Pretty good choices. For myself, the instrumental of Autumn Leaves.

Subject: RE: BS: Your own funeral
From: Bill D
Date: 07 Mar 00 - 08:42 PM

I guess if they just play and sing "The Vacant Chair" and cry for a few minutes, that'll do...then they can have a wild wake and sing anything they want...

Subject: RE: BS: Your own funeral
From: Bill D
Date: 07 Mar 00 - 08:44 PM

oh...and just because it's PURTY.."Will There Be Any Stars in My Crown"

Subject: RE: BS: Your own funeral
From: Art Thieme
Date: 07 Mar 00 - 09:13 PM

"Goodnight Irene"

Subject: RE: BS: Your own funeral
From: GUEST,frank m
Date: 07 Mar 00 - 09:20 PM

dont forget "Let the mystery be" from iris dement

Subject: RE: BS: Your own funeral
From: Mbo
Date: 07 Mar 00 - 09:55 PM

I don't care if you bloody heathens think "Amazing Grace" is overplayed--I'm having it played at MY funeral, so NYAH!

--Mbo

Subject: RE: BS: Your own funeral
From: MMario
Date: 07 Mar 00 - 10:02 PM

I want amazing grace played at my funeral, but I want the theme song from Gilligan's Island to be sung to it. That and "the Wild rover"

Subject: RE: BS: Your own funeral
From: BlueJay
Date: 08 Mar 00 - 12:28 AM

About a verse and a half of "The Wedding Song, followed by the scratchy sound when you quickly pull the needle from a record player. Callie, I'd have to second your motion for Prine's "Please Don't Bury Me". And then, I hope they don'tgo on with all this: "We are her to remember poor BlueJay" crap. I've seen enough of those. I don't think they really aid in remembering much. I'd prefer, "Well, he made a Hell of a go at it, but everything caught up with him in the end". Maybe Doc Watson doing "Gonna Lay Down My Old Guitar". (Hopefully not in person).

Subject: RE: BS: Your own funeral
From: wysiwyg
Date: 08 Mar 00 - 01:00 AM

Bury Me in my Overalls, of course!

Subject: RE: BS: Your own funeral
From: GUEST,The Beanster
Date: 08 Mar 00 - 09:15 AM

Callie, Amos--LOL

I used to think I'd like "So Long, It's Been Good To Know Ya" and then Jerry Jeff's "Maybe Mexico" (or some other travelin' song). Then I thought I might play a spooky prank on the mourners by playing "Every Breath You Take," followed by the "Peanuts" theme as they file out of the church, just to let them know I was only kidding. (!) But now I've settled on Requiem because although it is ostentatious and will provide much more fanfare than I deserve, I can still indulge my narcissism without being around to be embarrassed by it!

Subject: RE: BS: Your own funeral
From: Mooh
Date: 08 Mar 00 - 10:12 AM

Among Thomas Tallis and such, "Since I've Been Loving You" (Led Zep, 3rd album) loud.

Subject: RE: BS: Your own funeral
From: Mbo
Date: 08 Mar 00 - 11:05 AM

Oooh YEAH! Mooh! Gotta do the whole medley, though: Immigrant Song, Celebration Day, Friends, Since I've Been Loving You" YEAH! I'm about to lose my mind!

--Mbo

Subject: RE: BS: Your own funeral
From: Callie
Date: 08 Mar 00 - 06:04 PM

Beanster, you crack me up. How about - after Every Breath You Take going into Alan Parson's Eye in the Sky, and Paul Kelly's "Invisible Me" (Invisible me, you might feel something brushing, but it's only nothing, just invisible me)

--Callie

Subject: RE: BS: Your own funeral
From: GUEST,The Beanster
Date: 08 Mar 00 - 08:32 PM

Chuckle chuckle chuckle, Callie! I like this--let's scare the snot out of 'em! I love your "Invisible Me" selection...giving ME the heebie jeebies. LOLOL!!

Subject: RE: BS: Your own funeral
From: Pete Peterson
Date: 08 Mar 00 - 11:10 PM

From the Sacred Harp Amsterdam (#84) Northfield (#155) but NOT Amazing Grace-- I agreee with other posters on this! and if possible the setting Tina Liza Jones has of Longfellow's Psalm of Life

Subject: RE: BS: Your own funeral
From: GUEST,Seamus Kennedy
Date: 08 Mar 00 - 11:53 PM

Gene Autry singing Beautiful Dreamer, and the Clancy Bros & Tommy Makem's Parting Glass.

Subject: RE: BS: Your own funeral
From: Mooh
Date: 09 Mar 00 - 08:37 PM

Mbo...Yeah I like that. Gimme Shelter and Sympathy for the Devil, too. All Right Now. Human Highway (Neil Young). There's a great rendition of Jerry Lee Lewis doing "Don't Put No Headstone on My Grave" which would be nice...for the non-traditional funeral. Mooh.

Subject: RE: BS: Your own funeral
From: GUEST,Amergin
Date: 10 Mar 00 - 02:44 AM

Personally, I'd like the Lumberjack Song by Monty Python to be played. That and maybe Barnyards of Delgaty, and the Song of Amergin being read aloud.

Subject: RE: BS: Your own funeral
From: Terry Allan Hall
Date: 10 Mar 00 - 08:53 AM

No funeral for me...don't believe in wasting perfectly good land to plant myself when that land could be used to plant something useful...perhaps the "Terry Allan Hall Memorial Pot-Patch"...LOL

Now, at my cremation/Bar-B-Q (hopefully not at the same time!), I think I'd like Mike Oldfield's "Ommadawn", Tish Hinojosa's "Something About The Rain" and finally, Woody Guthrie's "So LOng, It's Been Good To Know Ya".

But, I'm in no hurry!

Subject: RE: BS: Your own funeral
From: Crowhugger
Date: 11 Mar 00 - 05:16 AM

Rethinking my first post to this thread, something sordid by Gavin Briars seems appropriate somehow...the lovable hateable Jesus' Love Never Failed Me. Hey, I'll be over my morbid phase soon. Probably. I think.

Subject: RE: BS: Your own funeral
From: Wavestar
Date: 11 Mar 00 - 07:46 AM

Hmm... I think among other things, I'd go for the 2 movement of Gorecki's third symphony... or parts of it... I'd love to have the whole symphony, but nothing I did in my life could justify that. Anyone here familiar with it? My favourite piece of classical music of all time. Absolutely makes me quiver, and always has.

and I'll have to go with Giac on Harry Chapin's "Circle"... My mother sang that at my grandfather's funeral, when I was twelve. It had special meaning to her, because she's known Harry, and babysat his son, before he died... That song tends to come round in my family every now and then. And of course, "Turning towards the Morning"...

-J

Subject: RE: BS: Your own funeral
From: katlaughing
Date: 11 Mar 00 - 08:20 AM

Terry Allan Hall....thanks for pointing that out, I meant a cremation, too! No way I want to waste any space with a carcass!

Oh, and sicne this thread started, I've been thinking on this even more and have decided in addition to the music, I will also have gourmet chocolates passed round!

Subject: RE: BS: Your own funeral
From: GUEST,TTCM
Date: 11 Mar 00 - 11:39 AM

''No way I want to waste any space with a carcass!''

...For once we and the lafcat are in total agreement...

(Oh......sorry. You meant --post-humously.)

Subject: RE: BS: Your own funeral
From: tar_heel
Date: 11 Mar 00 - 11:41 AM

"gone home,"words and music by,bill carlylse. the only serious song that he probably ever wrote,but now a classic amoung the old-time gospel songs.

1.ALL OF THE FRIENDS THAT I LOVED YESTERDAY, GONE HOME-GONE HOME. THE SONGBIRDS THAT SING IN THE DELL SEEM TO SAY, GONE HOME-GONE-HOME. chorus THEY'VE JOINED THE HEAVENLY HOME. THE'RE WALKING THE STREETS OF PURE GOLD. THEY LEFT ONE BY ONE, AS THEIR WORK HERE WAS DONE, GONE HOME-GONE HOME.

2.LIFE HERE IS EMPTY SINCE THEY'VE GONE BEFORE, GONE HOME-GONE HOME. THE OLD WEEPING WILLOW THAT STANDS BY THE DOOR, GONE HOME-GONE HOME.

3.WHEN THE TRUMPET SHALL SOUND ON THAT GREAT JUDGEMENT DAY, GONE HOME-GONE HOME. WE'LL MEET ALL OUR FRIENDS THAT HAVE GONE ON THEIR WAY, GONE HOME-GONE HOME.

performed by ,the hemrick family singers, the gospel way album-heritage records, woodlawn virginia. [e-mail]

Subject: RE: BS: Your own funeral
From: GUEST,singout aka Sail
Date: 11 Mar 00 - 12:21 PM

I want to have a sing-a-long, as many people today don't know how enjoyble that is. Included would be "Well May the World Go," "Canaan's Land," and "Who Will Sing For Me." They ought to enjoy that, don't you think? Penny

Subject: RE: BS: Your own funeral
From: GUEST,_gargoyle
Date: 12 Mar 00 - 05:14 AM

One of the most memorable graveside services I have ever attended had 350 strangers singing a song we all knew

Happy Trails To You - Until We Meet Again

Subject: RE: BS: Your own funeral
From: Wolfgang
Date: 12 Mar 00 - 06:20 AM

"Adieu, Émile" and "So troll' ich mich..." for me. Wolfgang

Subject: RE: BS: Your own funeral
From: Banjer
Date: 12 Mar 00 - 06:20 AM

I have been to so many funerals where old traditional hymns (mostly played on organ) have been piped in that I have told my family 'NO WAY'......My request would be a live bluegrass/old time band playing stuff like: Rank Strangers
Just Over In Glory Land
Where Could I Go But To The Lord
Old Rugged Cross

If there is time, then take requests from the attendees for some of their favorites to be played. We just recently (Feb 23) laid to rest our brother-in-law. After the minister told us all we already knew about his life someone had the good sense to stick a CD in a player and let it boom out some Hank Williams. I think leaving there to the tune of Jambalya would have been Pug's own idea!

Subject: RE: BS: Your own funeral
From: GUEST,me
Date: 12 Mar 00 - 04:36 PM

I don't want to be buried either. I want to be stuffed and stowed in the living room. I think right next to the fireplace sounds good.

Subject: RE: BS: Your own funeral
From: Caitrin
Date: 12 Mar 00 - 05:05 PM

Me...
That's what my uncle Randy says, too. Actually, he wanted to be on the porch, dressed in his Tommy Hilfiger boxer shorts. He claims he'll leave a provision in his will to pay my younger brother to move him to various family porches, just for a gag. Uncle Randy's an interesting guy.
I don't know what I want played at my funeral. I'll get back to ya once I've thought about it some more.

Subject: RE: BS: Your own funeral
From: Amos
Date: 12 Mar 00 - 05:31 PM

I think "Haul Away, Joe" might be nice....

Subject: RE: BS: Your own funeral
From: Mbo
Date: 12 Mar 00 - 07:08 PM

Oh YEAH Wavestar!!! I ADORE Gorecki's 3rd "Symphony of Sorrowful Songs." That 2nd movement...oh...I'm lost for words on how to describe it! It gave me goosebumps for an hour after hearing it....it still raised the hair on my neck whenever I hear it. It surely has to be one of the most gorgeous things in creation!

--Mbo

Subject: RE: BS: Your own funeral
From: Callie
Date: 12 Mar 00 - 07:36 PM

Yep - I spent a new year's eve some years ago listening to the Sorrowful Songs as the new year dawned. It was a very contemplative welcome to a new year! --Callie

Subject: RE: BS: Your own funeral
From: Gaffer
Date: 12 Mar 00 - 07:55 PM

I'm not too worried but "The Laughing Policeman" might be nice!

Subject: RE: BS: Your own funeral
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 12 Mar 00 - 08:36 PM

Saying goodbye to peole is a complicated process, musically, as in other ways.

As I see it there should be:

A wake - which is the night before the funeral, in the home of the fella that's died, preferably with her or him present in the box, but that's not essential. And that's when friends and family sit and reminisce and have a few drinks and sing songs that fit, songs that the deceased might have liked or that bring back memories of shared times.

Then there's the funeral itself, at the church (or some equivalent public place), which should be three days after the death. And that's where the hymns and the requiems and so forth belong.

Then there's round the grave, where a suitable song should be sung - maybe a hymn, maybe something else entirely.

Then there's the celebration afterwards, a bit like a wedding reception, but friendlier. That's where the funny songs fit in, and the dance music.

And after that maybe, when things have settled down, some kind of memorial thing, and that's where the Symphonies and that might fit in.

I said it was a complicated process. Not that many people get it right. Finnigan only got to the first stage, and it was too much for him.

Subject: RE: BS: Your own funeral
From: WyoWoman
Date: 13 Mar 00 - 10:10 AM

Wavestar and MBo, I'm not familiar with that symphony. Can you recommend a particular recording?

WyoWoman

Subject: RE: BS: Your own funeral
From: katlaughing
Date: 13 Mar 00 - 10:26 AM

WW, you can hear sound clips of ir here at CDNow, but if you buy, don't forget to go through the Mudcat to get them a cut of the deal.:-)

Subject: RE: BS: Your own funeral
From: Mbo
Date: 13 Mar 00 - 02:00 PM

Yep, and MAKE SURE it's the one with Dawn Upshaw singing. She has an amazing voice!

--Mbo

Subject: RE: BS: Your own funeral
From: Rt Revd Sir jOhn from Hull
Date: 25 Aug 01 - 07:04 AM

Always Look on The Bright Side of Life-Eric Idle
Spring from The Four Seasons-Kennedy

PS. I live at the other end of the cemetry that Ickle Dorrit mentioned, so just throw me over the wall as well.

Subject: RE: BS: Your own funeral
From: iamjohnne
Date: 25 Aug 01 - 10:54 AM

I really havnt thought too much about my own funeral but maybe "Try to Remember " from the "Fantastics"

Subject: RE: BS: Your own funeral
From: vindelis
Date: 25 Aug 01 - 12:46 PM

The traditional wake on Portland, includes crab sandwiches and dough cake; tag a good boozy ceilidh on as well and I think that will do.

Subject: RE: BS: Your own funeral
From: DougR
Date: 25 Aug 01 - 01:18 PM

No songs. That's an invitation to sadness as far as I'm concerned. Just lots of friends getting together with some booze and having a good time together. Some of my ashes will be spread on a golf course in southern Arizona where my wife's are, and where we had so many good times together; some will be scattered on our family plot in Texas, and the balance in the Close at our church near where the rest of my wife's ashes are buried.

DougR

Subject: RE: BS: Your own funeral
From: Diva
Date: 26 Aug 01 - 08:25 AM

One hymn I don't want is "The Lord's My Shepherd" or "Abide with me" cannot stand either of them. I would like a huge party with lots of singing and everyone enjoying themselves. The one tune I MUST have is "The Glasgow Police Pipers" played by the Neilson Pipe Band if possible as it has been my favorite pipe tune for many years.

Subject: RE: BS: Your own funeral
From: Crazy Eddie
Date: 26 Aug 01 - 08:49 AM

Ewan McColls "The Joy of Living"
Liam Clancy's version of "The Parting Glass"

Then when they have grieved a bit, Monty Python's "Always Look on The Bright Side of Life" to cheer everyone up.

Subject: RE: BS: Your own funeral
From: Little Hawk
Date: 26 Aug 01 - 01:32 PM

Who says I want a funeral in the first place? I detest funerals. Ambrose Bierce had the right idea...he just disappeared with no forwarding address.

If I must pick a song, though...Buffy Sainte-Marie recorded one called "The Angel", I think was...it wasn't written by her. It's a beautiful song.

Other than that, I'll agree with Spaw that "Lay Down Your Weary Tune" by Dylan is a fine choice.

- LH

Subject: RE: BS: Your own funeral
From: Ralphie
Date: 26 Aug 01 - 02:12 PM

Well
If one was feeling optimistic about the hereafter....
You could always have that eponymous Rolling Stones song
"Hey You....Get off of my cloud"
Just in case the Germans had arrived early (with their towels!)
Ralphie

Subject: RE: BS: Your own funeral
From: katlaughing
Date: 14 Mar 05 - 06:50 PM

refresh

Subject: RE: BS: Your own funeral
From: LilyFestre
Date: 14 Mar 05 - 07:01 PM

I have no idea what I want played at my funeral but I sincerely hope it is NOT this song. I hear it on the radio frequently and I think the whole song is just WRONG. Imagine if you were suicidal and heard this or imagine you were a parent who lost a child to suicide....this song is just WRONG WRONG WRONG!

How Do You Get That Lonely by Blaine Larsen


It was just another story written on the second page
Underneath the Tiger's football score
It said he was only eighteen, a boy about my age
They found him face down on the bedroom floor

There'll be services on Friday at the Lawrence Funeral Home
Then out on Mooresville highway, they'll lay him 'neath a stone...

(Chorus)
How do you get that lonely, how do you hurt that bad
To make you make the call, that havin' no life at all
Is better than the life that you had
How do you feel so empty, you want to let it all go
How do you get that lonely... and nobody know

Did his girlfriend break up with him, did he buy or steal that gun?
Did he lose a fight with drugs or alcohol?
Did his Mom and Daddy forget to say I love you son?
Did no one see the writing on the wall?

I'm not blamin' anybody, we all do the best we can
I know hindsight's 20/20, but I still don't understand...

(Chorus)
How do you get that lonely, how do you hurt that bad
To make you make the call, that havin' no life at all
Is better than the life that you had
How do you feel so empty, you want to let it all go
How do you get that lonely... and nobody know

It was just another story printed on the second page
Underneath the Tiger's football score...

Subject: RE: BS: Your own funeral
From: katlaughing
Date: 16 Sep 06 - 12:54 PM

refreshing once more

Subject: RE: BS: Your own funeral
From: Bill D
Date: 16 Sep 06 - 02:50 PM

since I last posted on this thread, I've decided I'm not going...but we'll have the wake, anyway, 'cause they are fun.

Subject: RE: BS: Your own funeral
From: Scooby Doo
Date: 16 Sep 06 - 03:38 PM

I am having Everybody Hurts by REM and Spirit in the Sky when the coffin has disappeared down the hole.The wake will go on for days,i dont want the congregation to be upset.
Scooby

Subject: RE: BS: Your own funeral
From: Matt_R
Date: 16 Sep 06 - 06:26 PM

- "The Dark Isle" on pipes
- Theme from "Once Upon a Time In The West" by Ennio Morricone

and maybe Funkadelic's live "Maggot Brain," the greatest rock & roll instrumental ever recorded.

Subject: RE: BS: Your own funeral
From: GUEST
Date: 16 Sep 06 - 07:49 PM

100 R.I.P

Subject: RE: BS: Your own funeral
From: *Laura*
Date: 17 Sep 06 - 05:35 PM

Queen - Another One Bites the Dust.
please.

xLx

Subject: RE: BS: Your own funeral
From: Sorcha
Date: 20 Aug 07 - 08:14 PM

As cheaply and 'green' as is possible here, with the family feelings in mind. BUT...if they play any of that Jesus Music, especially In the Garden, Rock of Ages, or Amazing Grace, I WILL rise up and haunt them to the end of their days! LOL!

Subject: RE: BS: Your own funeral
From: Neighmond
Date: 21 Aug 07 - 09:12 AM

"Claremont" by Alexander Pope

"Happy Land" by Andrew Young

"We will walk through the streets of the City" by Garfield.

And a regular old hillbilly wake.

Subject: RE: BS: Your own funeral
From: GUEST,Keinstein
Date: 21 Aug 07 - 11:27 AM

When I die, I want my body to be cryogenocally preserved so that future generations can laugh at it. And so that they can sing at the funeral: "Freeze a jolly good fellow..."

Alternatively, I want the DNA in my body to be extracted, just to see how many times it stretches to the moon and back.

Subject: RE: BS: Your own funeral
From: SINSULL
Date: 21 Aug 07 - 12:05 PM

I am going but quietly. Instant cremation. Scatter me in the nooks and crannies of my house. I like Maine.
I have left some money to a friend who will use some of it for a party. Toast me with Jack Daniels and let me lie in peace.

Subject: RE: BS: Your own funeral
From: The PA
Date: 22 Aug 07 - 03:54 AM

My friend has cancer and all the treatments have been unsuccessful, he only has months to go, so he has arranged his own funeral - how brave is that. This set us all thinking, I have decided on the compulsary wearing of pink, men included, and a stand up comedian. If anyone is miserable, I'm coming back to haunt them. Music, Always Look on the Bright Side of Life, and Roll out the Barrel.

The husband is getting chucked on the muck-heap - well there's no point in waisting him, is there.

Subject: RE: BS: Your own funeral
From: Genie
Date: 27 Sep 07 - 03:13 AM

I'd love to have a bunch of jazz musicians do the New Orleans "funeral" version of Saints Go Marching In.

Also Terry Pinnegar's "Flyin' Shoes" and Rick Fielding's "Sing With The Angels."

Subject: RE: BS: Your own funeral
From: kendall
Date: 27 Sep 07 - 07:27 AM

Anything but Amazing Grace..

Subject: RE: BS: Your own funeral
From: GUEST,BobL
Date: 27 Sep 07 - 09:10 AM

Last three minutes or so (depending on the conductor, with Len Bernstein it will be more like four) of Stravinsky's Symphony of Psalms.

And since I'm a founder member of the WGMA, the Shropshire Funaral (sic) Hymn, complete with high sop doing the alto line an octave up as a last-verse descant.

Subject: RE: BS: Your own funeral
From: Peace
Date: 27 Sep 07 - 10:59 AM

I don't want one. A funeral that is. Waste of money, waste of time. Buy a perfectly good box--made from wood, polished and all--and put it in the ground or the oven of a crematorium. That make any sense to y'all? And pay 5-10 thousand dollars for the privilege of having people come tell more lies about you in death than they usually did in life? Humbug!

Subject: RE: BS: Your own funeral
From: Little Hawk
Date: 27 Sep 07 - 12:09 PM

I'm with you, Peace. I don't see any reason to have a funeral. I'd like to leave the room so quietly that no one even found out about it for a year or so...by which time I'll be well in on my next project anyway, and good and done with this one, I can assure you.

Subject: RE: BS: Your own funeral
From: Catherine Jayne
Date: 28 Sep 07 - 03:47 AM

Funerals are for the people left behind and for some reason cost an absolute fortune, unless you know an undertaker and someone who does horse drawn funerals etc!

I want to be cremated once any organs that are useful have been removed for donation. I have written my funeral...just so it is right and doesn't have any Christian elements in it. I don't want the curtains to close at the cremetorium as its what most people focus on and remember. I want a party atmosphere, I don't want my death mourned but my life celebrated. I've got a list of music but it will constantly change as my life changes.