What song at your funeral?

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 18 Jul 2002, and now archived in the Forum Library.

Mlle Lenormand	18 Jul 2002
If you could let ppl know ahead, what song would you have played at your funeral and/or when they lower your coffin? Mine would be a song called "Remember me" by Lorena McKennit and "Always look on the light side of life" by Monty Python.

wavebreaker	18 Jul 2002
I have already put that down in writing ;): "Under the bridge" - Red Hot Chili Peppers "Lightning crashes" - Live "One" - U2 "Everybody hurts" - REM I chose these songs not just because they are from my favourite bands, but also because they mean something to me. The RHCP song for example is about the times when I feel lonely, the REM song is about not giving up when you are feeling down and the Live song is about reincarnation. And the U2 song is just a very beautiful song... ;) I did think about putting down "Fire" ("Let me stand next to your fire") by the Red Hot Chili Peppers as well (I want to be cremated), but I seriously doubt whether my family will see the humour of that... }) ;)

VGimlet	18 Jul 2002
I have thought about it, and have written it down in my will. :D Here are a few "Samba Pa Ti " - Santana I just love it. "Little Wing" - I collect different versions of it I would want the original, though. I have a bunch more, but those are the two that I remember off- hand. Most of them are a bit more upbeat, though.

Nightwalker	18 Jul 2002
There are only two songs I want played at my funeral/memorial. 1. The Dance - Garth Brooks 2. Amazing Grace played on the bagpipes. For those who haven't heard it The Dance is about how much easier life would have been if you didn't take any chances, but you would miss "The Dance". And I absolutely love Amazing Grace played on the bagpipes. No singing with it, just the bagpipes. I first heard it in the 2nd Star Trek Movie - The Wrath of Khan. It's one of those songs that move me every time I hear it. Nightwalker

kayne	18 Jul 2002
I want ballons... Maybe "Celebration" (Kylie Minogue version) I want people to smile...

catlin	18 Jul 2002
Queen: "Who wants to live forever?" Boney M.: "El Lute" and "Auld long syne"(?) or "Amazing grace".

Marion	18 Jul 2002
Quote: [i] And I absolutely love Amazing Grace played on the bagpipes. No singing with it, just the bagpipes. [/b] I moved to Nova Scotia in 1975. Nova Scotians are more Scottish than the Scots, there are more Gaelic speakers here than in Scotland. I frigging **hate** bagpipes!! They are everywhere! Therer is a tourist spot called "Peggy's Cove" which is of surpassing natural beauty. I love to go there. Three years ago they installed a piper. What's with this, the sound of the ocean not good enough, you have to have that cat's wail in the background? *rant, rant* mutter, bagpipes. Come the revolution I know what I am going after first.... Downtown, on the waterfront, at weddings... arrrrgh.

catlin	18 Jul 2002
Poor Marion, I think this is pretty disturbing. I do not mind bagpipes on radio or CD as long as there is a button to switch it off ;)

lunalafey	18 Jul 2002
If my words did glow with the gold of sunshine And my tunes were played on the harp unstrung Would you hear my voice come through the music Would you hold it near as it were your own? It's a hand-me-down, the thoughts are broken Perhaps they're better left unsung I don't know, don't really care Let there be songs to fill the air (Chorus) Ripple in still water When there is no pebble tossed Nor wind to blow Reach out your hand if your cup be empty If your cup is full may it be again Let it be known there is a fountain That was not made by the hands of men There is a road, no simple highway Between the dawn and the dark of night And if you go no one may follow That path is for your steps alone (Chorus) You who choose to lead must follow But if you fall you fall alone If you should stand then who's to guide you? If I knew the way I would take you home composed by R. Hunter and J. Garcia, Ice Nine publishing.

kelli	18 Jul 2002
Aaaaaalways look on the bright side of death. (whistle whistle) I agree Carolyn.. but wouldnt it be good if they all WHISTLED too!!! Kelly (AKA a monty fan - "Hes not the Messiah!! Hes a very naughty boy!")

Sam	18 Jul 2002
"Baby Got Back"- Sir-Mix-A-Lot "One In A Million" -?

Umbrae	18 Jul 2002
I CAN SEE CLEARLY NOW I can see clearly now the rain is gone I can see all obstacles in my way Gone all the dark clouds that made me blind It's gonna be a bright, (bright) bright, (bright) sun shiny day It's gonna be a bright, (bright) bright, (bright) sun shiny day Yes I can make it now the pain is gone All of the bad feelings have disappeared Here is the rainbow I have been praying for It's gonna be a bright, (bright) bright, (bright) sun shiny day Look all around, there's nothing but blue skies Look straight ahead, there's nothing but blue skies I can see clearly now the rain is gone I can see all obstacles in my way Here is the rainbow I have been praying for It's gonna be a bright, (bright) bright, (bright) sun shiny day It's gonna be a bright, (bright) bright, (bright) sun shiny day I can see clearly now the rain is gone I can see all obstacles in my way Gone all the dark clouds that made me blind It's gonna be a bright, (bright) bright, (bright) sun shiny day It's gonna be a bright, (bright) bright, (bright) sun shiny day Look all around, there's nothing but blue skies Look straight ahead, there's nothing but blue skies... Johnny Nash

Liliana	18 Jul 2002
I forget the name of the song, but some of the lyrics "The lives that Ive lived, the lessons Ive learned, playing with fire, without getting burned, Ill never know, what youre going through, but time is the space, between me and you" Good lesson there something by Aerosmith not sure what, but was one of my Dads favorite bands Tubthumpin by Chumbawumba Is that the title? (I get knocked down, but I get up again, youe never gonna keep me down is lyrics) Its lyrics have an amusing meaning when applied to a funeral hehe Where you goin now by Damn Yankees Its my wedding song, and gives a postive message about going on no matter what A hymn called This is my Fathers World I just like this song, it was taught to my husband by a friend of his and taught to me by my husband. Amazing Grace, as many verses as possible Always loved this song In the garden lovely hymn, good as a closing :THP

Rhiannon	18 Jul 2002
Rain King - Counting Crows (August and Everything After) When I think of heaven Deliver me in a black-winged bird I think of flying down into a sea of pens and feathers And all other instruments of faith and sex and God in the belly of a black-winged bird. Don't try to feed me I've been here before and I deserve a little more I belong in the service of the Queen I belong anywhere but in between She's been crying, I've been thinking And I am the Rain King And I said mama, mama, mama, why am I so alone? I can't go outside I'm scared I might not make it home I'm alive, I'm alive but I'm sinking in If there's anyone at home at your place, darling Why don't you invite me in? Don't try to bleed me Cause I've been there before and I deserve a little more I belong in the service of the Queen I belong anywhere but in between She's been lying, I've been sinking And I am the Rain King Hey, I only want the same as anyone Henderson is waiting for the sun Oh, it seems night endlessly begins and ends After all the dreaming I come home again... When I think of heaven Deliver me in a black-winged bird I think of dying Lay me down in a field of flame and heather Render up my body into the burning heart of God in the belly of a black-winged bird Don't try to bleed me Cause I've been here before and I deserve a little more I belong in the service of the Queen I belong anywhere but in between She's been dying, I've been drinking And I am the Rain King

Red raven	18 Jul 2002
'Ode to my Car' by Adam Sandler :D it has absolutly nothing to do with being dead, remembering, or any of the usual funeral fare. but it's funny. then again, I don't want a funeral. just a party. with everyone wearing those tacky hawaiian shirts I love so much.

truthsayer	18 Jul 2002
i want the poem "don't stand at my grave and weep. i am not there. i do not sleep..." read. the only hymn i like is "how great thou art" b/c it acknowledges the beauty of the earth. i want "take me home, country roads" and "annie's song" by john denver. "pachebel's cannon". "the fairy ring"-can't remember the guy's name. "velocity of love" by suzanne cianni". "adaggio for strings" by samuel butler-this haunting piece was in the movie "platoon". "bridge over troubled water" and "homeward bound" by simon and garfunkel. i kind of would like "you can't always have what you want" by the rolling stones. it was played in the movie "the big chill" at a funeral and i thought it was really cool. "don't worry. be happy" might be a good final message but i doubt anyone would see the humor but me. ;)

niah	18 Jul 2002
"I'm Your Boogie Man" by Rob Zombie. LMAO. That would clear the area quick! :TCHAR I'm your Boogie Man I'm here to do whatever I can Be it early morning, late afternoon Or at midnight, it's never too soon To want to please you, to want to keep you; I want to do it all, all for you. I want to be your rubber ball I want to be the one you love most all Oh yeah!!! I'm your boogie man, I'm your boogie man, Turn me on I'm your boogie man, I'm your boogie man I'll do what you want I'm your boogie man, I'm your boogie man Turn me on I'm your boogie man, I'm your boogie man I'll do what you want I'm your boogie man, that's what I am I'm here to do whatever I can Be it early marning, late afternoon Or at midnight, it's never too soon To want to take you , to want to hold you; I want to give my all, all to you And I want you to completely understand Just where I'm at and where I am, Oh yeah I'm your boogie man, I'm your boogie man Turn me on, I'm your boogie man, I'm your boogie man, I'll do what you want. I'm your boogie man, I'm your boogie man Turn me on I'm your boogie man, I'm your boogie man I'll do what you want I'm your boogie man, that's what I am I'm here to do whatever I can Be it early morning, late afternoon Or at midnight, it's never too soon I want to be with you, I want to be with you. Yeah, we'll be together, you and me I want to see you; ah Get near you, I want to love you, ah From sundown to sun up. Oh yeah. Oh yeah!!!

truthsayer	18 Jul 2002
niah, it might surprize you but "i'm your boogie man" wasn't originally done by rob zombie. it was done by a popular "boys group" in the seventies called KC and the Sunshine Band. i remember talking to my friends at lunch about them. i think we were around 13 years old. wow! time sure goes by whether you're enjoying it or not...that's around the same time i started using tarot. mind boggling!

niah	18 Jul 2002
Truth- I know that. Just because I'm young doesn't mean I'm ignorant. I chose Rob Zombie's version because he sounds a lot scarier than KC! Thank you. :TCHAR

wavebreaker	18 Jul 2002
Hm, truthsayer, we must be about the same age, I remember them too... :D "That's the way, aha, aha, I like it..."

Mlle Lenormand	18 Jul 2002
Looks like I'm the same age group too. Never thought this post would generate so many poetic replies, what a wonderful bunch of ppl you are. My aim at my funeral is not to have someone carry on about how wonderful I was and wax lyrical about my deeds and exploits...cos it wouldn't be me. I want the warts and all stuff and then leave em laughing with the monty python song, just to remind them that I'm still around.....probably sitting on top of the coffin checking out who came!

RedWood	18 Jul 2002
I do like the song "I Can See Clearly Now" and maybe Fields of Gold by Sting.. also..Put a Candle in the Window..By Credence Clearwater Revival for a closing song: Proud Mary by CCR or Tina Turner..I Love them both

truthsayer	18 Jul 2002
Quote: Originally posted by niah Truth- I know that. Just because I'm young doesn't mean I'm ignorant. I chose Rob Zombie's version because he sounds a lot scarier than KC! Thank you. :TCHAR i'm didn't mean to insinuate what you thought. i actually thought it was really charming how the same song can unite generations. it was also a nice trip down memory lane for me. i didn't mean to offend you b/c i don't think you are ignorant. it just brought up pleasant memories for me. the problem was probably in how i stated it. i've never heard the version you spoke of but now my curiosity is aroused. i wonder if ray zombie is as cute as kc was to us 20+ years ago. :)

Geenius at Wrok	19 Jul 2002
Quote: Originally posted by Liliana I forget the name of the song, but some of the lyrics "The lives that Ive lived, the lessons Ive learned, playing with fire, without getting burned, Ill never know, what youre going through, but time is the space, between me and you" That's "Prayer for the Dying" by Seal. Except that the first line of the chorus is "Crossing that bridge with lessons I've learned." I would want "Love Is Stronger Than Death" by The The: Me and my friend were walking In the cold light of mo(u)rning Tears may blind the eye, but the soul is not deceived In this world even winter ain't what it seems Here come the blue skies Here come the spring tides When the river runs high and the tears run dry When everything that dies . . . shall rise Love, love, love Is stronger than death In our hearts we hunger For those we cannot touch All the thoughts unuttered and all the feelings unexpressed Hang upon our hearts like the mist upon our breath But awoke by grief our spirits speak: "How could you believe that the life within the seed That grew arms that reached And heart that beat And lips that smiled And eyes that cried Could ever die?" Here come the blue skies, etc.

Liliana	19 Jul 2002
I thought it was by Seal, but lyrics I found were for Kiss from a Rose and I got confused, I always thought he was saying grave instead of grey in kiss from a rose lol Heres the lyrics Fearless people, Careless needle. Harsh words spoken, And lives are broken. Forceful ageing, Help me I'm fading. Heaven's waiting, It's time to move on. Crossing that bridge, With lessons I've learned. Playing with fire, And not getting burned. I may not know what you're going through. But time is the space, Between me and you. Life carries on... it goes on. Just say die, And that would be pessimistic. In your mind, We can walk across the water. Please don't cry, It's just a prayer for the dying. I just don't know what's got into me. Been crossin' that bridge, With lessons I've learned. ...learned............... Playing with fire, And not getting burned. ...burned burned... I may not know what you're going through, But time is the space, Between me and you. There is a light through that window ...light through that window... Hold on say yes, while people say no Life carries on ...on on on... Ohh! It goes on....oh-ee-oh, whoa-ee-oh ho oh... I'm crossing that bridge, With lessons I've learned.... I'm playing with fire, And not getting burned.... I may not know what you're going through. But time is the space, Between me and you. There is a light through that window. Hold on say yes, while people say no 'Cause life carries on....oh-ee-oh, whoa-ee-oh ho on... It goes on....oh-ee-on, It goes on. Whoah. Whoah. Life carries on. When nothing else matters. When nothing else matters. I just don't know what's got into me. It's just a prayer for the dying. ...dying dying dying dying... For the dying. :THP

Sam	19 Jul 2002
Quote: Originally posted by Sam "Baby Got Back"- Sir-Mix-A-Lot "One In A Million" -? Oh yeah, and "What Is Love"- Haddaway

floracove	19 Jul 2002
I think I would like some Elvis love songs sang or played at mine... love me tender. fools rush in.......... and maybe one i wrote. "searching in the darkness"

cricket	19 Jul 2002
Don't Fear the Reaper (just to scare people) It's Not Easy Being Green done by Kermit the Frog (to see if they would laugh) Lightning Crashes Music of the Night edited to add>> Angel by Sara MacLaughlin (thanks to lunar_rabbit for the reminder)

lunar_rabbit	19 Jul 2002
Two that I can think of. 1) Amazing Grace -- it was played at our wedding, too. and 2) Something by Sarah Maclaughlan.... I can't think of the title right now, but the tune is in my head!

GoserGosarian	19 Jul 2002
ALTAR OF SACRIFICE - Slayer anything by CANNIBAL CORPSE or maybe "Grandma got run over by a reindeer" or "Kill Yourself" by S.O.D.

Kismet	19 Jul 2002
Lillian, that song by Seal is great, love it. niah, I had to giggle at your choice, not in a bad way, just found it of interest : ) Definately Garth Brooks "The Dance", definately Celine Dion "A New Day", definately James Taylor "You Can Close Your Eyes", and maybe Dionne Warwick "I Say a Little Prayer For You" and Celine Dion with Andre Borcelli "The Prayer". There is also a gospel song I recall as a child named "I'll Be Home Before Dark" that I hope someone will find the lyrics to and sing. The chorus goes "I'll be home before the darkness falls, in this troubled land...I'll be meeting with the ones I love, on the golden strand...When the supper table has been set, before they start..I'll be meeting with the ones I love, I'll be home before dark..." Love and Light, Kismet

destinyawaitsme	20 Jul 2002
Hey I really like the song by Dave Matthews Band, "Tripping Billies." I think it's more about drugs than dieing, but I love the chorus. We were above You were standing underneath us We were not yet lovers Dragons were smoked Bumblebees were stinging us I was soon to be crazy Eat drink and be merry For tomorrow we die Eat drink and be merry For tomorrow we die We're tripping Billies We're wearing nothing Nothing but our shadows Shadows falling down on the beach sand Remembering once, out on the beaches We wore pineapple grass bracelets So why would you care To get out of this place You and me and all our friends Such a happy human race We're tripping Billies We are all sitting Legs crossed around a fire My yellow flame she dances Tequila drinking, oh, our minds will wander To wondrous places So why would you care To get out of this place You and me and all our friends Such a happy human race Eat drink and be merry For tomorrow we die Eat drink and be merry For tomorrow we die

Ravenswing	22 Jul 2002
dark side of the moon-- in its entirety. ravenswing

Mermaid	22 Jul 2002
Teardrop by Massive Attack... Followed by some Pearl Jam, U2, Red Hot Chillis, Midnight Oil, Live... And finishing with some trance and an ethnic drum circle to dance to all night long!

divinerguy	22 Jul 2002
Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring, by J. S. Bach, a nice piano version.

Violet Gargoyle	22 Jul 2002
I have got various modes of thinking on this: Queen- "The Show Must go On", "One Year of Love", or "Who Wants to Live Forever". Cyndi Lauper- "Time after Time" Final Fantasy 7- Aeris' Theme Funereal March of the Marionette (or the Alfred Hitchcock theme) Linus and Lucy Time of your Life- Green Day Vincent Black Lightning (Ill remember who sang that later)

Mlle Lenormand	22 Jul 2002
Quote: Originally posted by Mermaid Teardrop by Massive Attack... Followed by some Pearl Jam, U2, Red Hot Chillis, Midnight Oil, Live... And finishing with some trance and an ethnic drum circle to dance to all night long! I absolutely adore Teardrop by Massive Attack! Get myself lost in that song often, and Dark side of the Moon ....well... 'and you run and you run to catch up with the Sun, but its sinking...racing around to come up behind you again...the sun is the same in a relative way, but you're older, shorter of breath and one day closer to death. I used to meditate to that album when I was a teenager (yeah I'm old!). Many memories.

Sally Gardens	23 Jul 2002
You've got to hear the original recording to get the full effect, but the lyrics speak pretty well for themselves. At My Funeral by the Crash Test Dummies 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 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 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

mooncat2	23 Jul 2002
Janis Joplin- Me and Bobby McGee Bette Midler - The Rose Pachelbel's Canon And Christina Rossetti's ( I think) poem " Do not weep for me"

Diana	23 Jul 2002
Quote: Originally posted by mooncat2 Janis Joplin- Me and Bobby McGee I wouldn't mind Bobby McGee either "I'd give up my tomorrows for a single yesterday....". And there is certainly no more to lose when one has departed. I'd like a French song that no-one here will ever have heard of. It was written after Allende's assassination in Chile, but it talks of the human condition in general. It's so beautiful. Then I'd end with the "International" sung by the Red Army Choir. Just to remember how dreams went sour, but that one day, maybe, who knows, something good will be found in the ashes on which to build again.

Maan	23 Jul 2002
A song by Herman van Veen! Don't now wich one but deffinatly one of his songs!!!!!! He is a dutch singer and clown and he is so good. maybe the german people here now him too? As he is touring in germany at the moment. I even believe he will visit Switserland too! ( so Diana go see him ;) )

tabbycat	23 Jul 2002
Violet Gargoyle said Quote: Vincent Black Lightning (I'll remember who sang that later) Richard Thompson - 1952 Vincent Black Lightning. Music at my funeral? I'd pick Jerusalem, as it's probably the most pagan hymn I know, and 'Praise my soul the King of Heaven' just for these lines in the last verse - 'Sun and Moon bow down before him, Dwellers all in Time and Space'. I'd also choose a Melanie song, either 'Racing Heart' or 'Some say I got Angel'. I'm much clearer on the readings - Tolkien's 'The Road goes ever on and on', Yeats' 'When you are old and grey and full of sleep' and 'Song' by Christina Rosetti - 'and dreaming through the twilight that doth neither rise nor set, haply I may remember or, haply, may forget.' Jilly

Phoenix	23 Jul 2002
Sex Bomb by Tom Jones. LOL!

Kismet	24 Jul 2002
I thought of another song I'd like played at my funeral. "The Circle of Life" by Elton John. At the rate I'm going, my funeral will be nothing but music, hehe... Love and Light, Kismet

midnightmerry	24 Jul 2002
I've always wanted Enya's song "Watermark" to be played at my funeral.

divinerguy	25 Jul 2002
<------------- puts Watermark into his CD player. Yeah, that's a good one.

DarkElectric	25 Jul 2002
My way (Sid Vicious version) Reba (Phish) and any of the Charlie Parker/ Myles davis stuff!

GoserGosarian	27 Jul 2002
No funeral. My body will be left in a field to rot, and for neighborhood children to poke at with sticks and what not. A party will be held in celebration, and nothing but SLAYER will be played. A sacrifice of one enemy (tricked into attending) will occur at 12 PM. Antone caught crying, reminiscing, or trying to replace SLAYER with some cheesy sad/moody music (this includes any hymn, Enya, Amazing grace, or saying anything about gOD will immediately be drawn, quartered, and having their parts placed on all sides of the party as a warning to others.

DarkElectric	27 Jul 2002
" And many of the subs of Zu'Ul knew what it was like to roast in the depths of the slor that day, I can tell you..."

jade	28 Jul 2002
well, your get together, gg, is one that i will be glad to miss. for myself, i don't believe in funerals so i won't be having one. i would prefer that everyone takes a moment in their lives to just smile and think a wonderful thought of me and then go on with their day. no travelling to a distant place, or taking time off work and living to get together with other people and all say goodbye to me...................nope, thanks anyway. in light, jade :D

starr	28 Jul 2002
A good old celebration of life THE WAKE. FLutes, fiddles irish pipes, music, music, music. Perhaps a little Beethoven and Tchaikovsky. Starr.

Cocobird55	30 Jul 2002
"Open a New Window" from Mame. "Open a new window, Open a new door. Follow a new highway that's never been tried before." Or -- "If You Want to Sing Out" from Harold and Maude. I don't much believe in funerals either, but my daughter does, so I expect I will have one. I would like people to leave my funeral thinking about all the things they haven't tried and haven't done, so that they can do at least some of them while they are still around. Sue

Liz	30 Jul 2002
My brother, who is 14, has already left specific instructions to play the Monty Python theme song, or "Send in the Clowns". Of course, he is 14. We will both forget this by the time he's dead. I hope. Me, I don't really know... I like Celtic stuff, maybe a Celtic-y version of "Be Thou My Vision" by 4Him that I have. Liz

january	30 Jul 2002
i've been gone so many weeks from this forum i feel like i'm dead.... However, for the real ending: it would be "Good Riddance" by Green Day. This is really sick, but sometimes when I listen to "Let it Be" I love to get a good bawling, sobbing session going thinking about my mother's funeral. I would totally play that for her, hopefully not too soon. Anyone remember the ending of "All That Jazz", the semi-autobiographical film by Bob Fosse? "Bye-Bye Love" played and faded. Then he was dead, cut to black. Pretty powerful. ~ january

midnightmerry	30 Jul 2002
Quote: Originally posted by january Anyone remember the ending of "All That Jazz", the semi-autobiographical film by Bob Fosse? "Bye-Bye Love" played and faded. Then he was dead, cut to black. Pretty powerful. ~ january Yep; love that movie. It was a great take on death.

The What song at your funeral? thread was originally posted on 18 Jul 2002 in the Chat board, and is now archived in the Forum Library. Read the active threads in Chat, or read more archived threads.