Friday Top 5: Songs I Want Played At My Funeral
This is a subject that I have personally addressed on several occasions, yet when I brought up the concept to others, it seemed quite unpopular, and viewed as unacceptable and slightly morbid. One person went as far as to suggest that I think about songs that I would want played at my dog’s funeral. Let’s think about this. My dog dies, I’m around to feel the sorrow of the loss. I die, and I don’t feel shit. My friends and family, assuming that people would actually care to show up, will have to deal with my death, but it’s out of my hands and my emotions are done. I want my death to be a celebration of my life, not some archaic, depressing, black suit ritual that we have become familiar with for whatever reason. Am I the only one that thinks about this?
5. Grandaddy – “O.K. With My Decay”
I originally embraced this song when a friend was experiencing a birthday and was feeling the years a bit more than she wanted to at the time. We all have those moments, and they are sobering. The title speaks for itself.
4. Black Sabbath – “Electric Funeral”
I have a very personal relationship with this record by Black Sabbath, as it was a very early discovery at a very, very young age, that spoke legions to me in the ways of rock and roll. Black Sabbath, laid down the foundation for a lot more in the music scene that you might ever be aware of, or even understand. I like Metal, and I like it heavy sometimes, but I do have a soft side….sometimes.
3. Tiny Vipers – “Forest On Fire”
I’m not going to lie, I love Tiny Vipers, but the reason that this song is on this list is because of my grandmother. My last living grandparent. Maybe you haven’t experienced those days, yet, but when people start to fade away from your life, you start to understand how fragile it is later than sooner. This song was a constant during that period when I watched life slip away from someone I wish I had known better. Many hours in the car making the unpleasant trip with this song serving a purpose.
2. The Smiths – “Heaven Knows I’m Miserable Now”
Now that I think about it, there are multiple songs by the Smiths that would be more than appropriate at my funeral. God (for those believers) love that ridiculous Morrissey character. Happy in the haze of a drunken hour? The guy doesn’t drink, but he did write some pretty poetic lyrics.
1. Coldplay – “Every Teardrop Is a Waterfall”
Are you f-ing kidding me? How ridiculous is that? The title is grossly appropriate for a funeral, and even more appropriate for the funeral of a dying rock band. I actually haven’t even listened to the song, but just the title makes me hate it and inspires this writing more than you might even care to know. What the f happened to Chris Martin? I only want this played at my funeral so that my true close friends would be 1. appalled and 2. understand the fact, that even in death, I have an incredibly f-ed up sense of humor. Dance, dance, dance you stupid fools!
Hopefully this wasn’t too morbid for you. You are going to die one day, and thinking about it now, and who might even show up, or care, is something to entertain. When you do die, don’t let someone else pick the music for your funeral. Have that planned out beforehand. Trust me, your friends with appreciate it much more than you will ever know.
I’ve already got this thought out and am surprised it’s not on the list, because it’s the best. I want “The Entertainer” played in a minor key at half speed.
When I die, it’s Refused “Summer Holidays Vs. Punk Routine” turned to 11.
Good call on “Electric Funeral” but I fear Ozzy would haunt me for eternity.
Great Gig in the Sky
Songs to Aging Children (Alice’s Restaurant soundtrack; from the funeral scene)