Music for my Funeral.

A slight change to the usual format.

I have been thinking about death a lot, that happens when someone you love dies. People die - that's natural - I am fairly pragmatic about the whole death and dying thing. Sometimes it might seem odd, but we all go through the emotional stuff related to death in a different way.  I'm always sad for those left behind, but for me it is always a reminder of my own mortality and what i would be leaving behind.

So I got thinking about funerals.  The word might start with the prefix fun - but they never are.  I have been to a few and the thing that always gets me is the music.  No disrespect meant to those that have died or the people that have chosen music for a funeral but so often it is just shite.  Emotional shit that just wills you to lacrimate. How would i want to go out?  Not with everyone blubbering.

A quick search of the net and its fairly easy to see what the most popular songs at funerals are:

Goodbye My Lover - James Blunt
To Where You Are - Josh Groban
Angels - Robbie Williams
Wind Beneath my Wings - Bette Middler
Candle in the Wind - Elton John
Tears in Heaven - Eric Clapton
and a whole heap of Celine Dion songs.

Seriously?  Apart from the issue I have with most of the songs and artists on the list, it just smacks of music that incites tears. I could not and will not have my memory associated with any of those songs.

I dont want my death and subsequent funeral / memorial service to be a tear fest, I want it to be a memorial and an experience. With music playing such a big part in funerals  - so often for the wrong reasons -  I want it to be a factor in making the funeral a memorable experience, but not necessarily one with the express desire of bringing on tears.

I have always thought a Jazz Funeral, an African - American tradition originating in New Orleans, would be an ace way to go.



But that probably is not going to work for me. Cremation all the way!

So I give you the songs to be played at my funeral........
Take the time, have a listen. I promise it will be enjoyable - just like my funeral.

Whilst everyone is waiting for the service to begin - some background music



Take Five by the Dave Brubeck Quartet. Off the 1959 album 'Time Out'.  Its different - the 5/4 timing is nuts.  Joe Morellos drum solo is almost worth me dying just for everyone to hear.  That will warm everyone up nicely for what is to come.  You cant be sad when you hear it, just tap along.

Then some kind words about the deceased (me) and into this.



Memorial - Explosions in the Sky - from the 2003 album 'The earth is not a cold dead place'.  Its long, but its so damn good. Nothing to do with the title of the song. There is no official film clip, but you get the idea. It is emotive and confronting with a brilliant soft & heavy contrast, perfect for some reflection - but everyone is going to be asking 'who is this band' . Im guessing shazam would be getting a fair work out on iPhones. But im cool with that. One of my favourite songs.

some more kind words, and then this



How to disappear completely - Radiohead. Off 2000's 'Kid A'.   Many songs used in funerals have lyrics that just dont fit, my first 2 were instrumental pieces. People can find whatever meaning they want in lyrics, especially when death and a sad song is invloved - so this will be my only 'sad' song. The lyrics also serve a purpose - the opening lines - That there / That's not me - sum it up.
So i expect some crying here - but just a bit.

and the grand finale......



Get Up - James Brown. The single from 1970. Apologies for the lack of a clip. How can people be sad when James Brown is playing!! Cold Sweat is probably my favourite James Brown song, but this one is better for a funeral. I Could not find a Youtube clip of the 11 minute version from the Sex Machine double album - so this one just goes on repeat. Reminds everyone that i never took myself too seriously - and neither should they!  Now that is a lasting memory.......

Things change, but at this point in time that is how my funeral is going down.

What songs would you want at your funeral?
Comment below, on the facebook page or tweet me.


RIP Pa. 7/2/1924 - 6/2/2011

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