Andy

What is your list of songs you want played at your funeral?

Is it just me?
Have you also got a list on songs that you want to be played at the ceremony to mark your passing?
It's a good job I'm not depressed because on my way home from another vaguely disappointing night on the town my IPod threw up 2 of 'my' songs in a row.
This made me wonder if I am alone in having such a list?
Anyway, how about sharing yours?

Here are 2 of mine:

"Revelator" by Gillian Welch
&
'One' - Johnny Cash's version of course.

Obviously I want em all crying in the aisles!

Actually I think I'd also like a memorial event 6 months later where all my favourite bands can play happier stuff & do cover versions of the songs I love. But that's another blog post.

Views: 76

Kyla Fairchild Comment by Kyla Fairchild on November 14, 2009 at 6:40pm
I have a past love of making themed mixed tapes for all sorts of occasions. A few years back I set out to make a funeral mixed tape but never got further than compiling the list of songs it would include:

Charlie Rich- Feel Like Going Home
Townes Van Zandt- Black Crow Blues
Patty Griffen- Long Road Home
Victoria Williams- I Can't Cry Hard Enough
Mickey Newbury- A Long Road Home
Guy Clark- Rex's Blues
Julie Miller- I Still Cry
Ryan Adams- Memories Of You
The Walkabouts- Will You Miss Me When I'm Gone
Norah Jones- Painters Song
Cat Power- Wild Is The Wind
Old Joe Clarks- Passers By
Peter Fahey- Send My Kisses
Nick Lowe- Between Dark & Dawn
June Carter Cash- Keep On The Sunny Side
Nick Drake- Cello Song
Nick Cave- Into My Arms
Mark Lanegan- Cary Home
Gillian Welch- By The Mark
Louvin Brothers Tribute- Let us Travel
My Morning Jacket- I'll Be There When You Die
Merle Haggard- If I Could Only Fly
Gram Parsons- In My Time of Darkness
Mojave 3- Got my Sunshine
Johnny Cash- We'll Meet Again
Ted Hawkins- Be With Me Jesus
Thad Cockerel- Some Tears
DublinBlues Comment by DublinBlues on November 14, 2009 at 10:56pm
The Dead's "Black Muddy River" is the absolute for me.

But, if I wanted an original, I'd ask Todd Snider to write it. That would probably keep me alive.
Andy Comment by Andy on November 15, 2009 at 3:50am
Kyla - Just how long a funeral service are you planning on?
diane mascherin Comment by diane mascherin on November 15, 2009 at 9:14am
Ween - Push th' Little Daisies ...
Kyla Fairchild Comment by Kyla Fairchild on November 15, 2009 at 10:25am
That's the soundtrack for the part after the service where everyone reminisces, looks at old photos of the deceased and eats.
Andy Comment by Andy on November 15, 2009 at 10:29am
Ah I see.
I'm talking about as I slide off into the cremator (is that what its called?).
Can I ask for my tattoo to be er.... removed & framed I wonder? Not sure who'd want it though.
Bigmund Comment by Bigmund on November 15, 2009 at 10:57am
Next to last thing they hear- "Last Goodbye" - Buckley

Then to finish, the finest "going away" track ever recorded - "Underway" - Peter Green's Fleetwood Mac
Arlene Comment by Arlene on November 15, 2009 at 11:13am
I read an interview once in which Emmylou Harris was quoted as saying that she wants Gillian Welch and David Rawlings to sing their song, I'm Not Afraid to Die, at her funeral.

Steve Earle wrote Pilgrim to sing at Roy Husky, Jr.'s funeral and I wouldn't mind having that song played at mine. I'm also partial to Long Journey, which Emmylou, Gillian Welch and David Rawlings sang at John Hartford's funeral. (I believe that Long Journey was written by Doc and Rosalie Watson in memory of their son, Merle.)
Easy Ed Comment by Easy Ed on November 15, 2009 at 12:26pm
Channeling Andy Kaufman here, but I've always thought the theme to Mighty Mouse might be a good way to get the service started off on the right foot.
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Stu Reid Comment by Stu Reid on November 15, 2009 at 1:45pm
At my mom's funeral, I played Bruce Springsteen's "If I Should Fall Behind". Maybe more appropriate as a wedding song, but I played the live version where each band member sings a verse and creates a real community/family vibe. My mom loved it when she saw it live, going to see a Springsteen show to see what the hell this guy who her son had been infatuated with for the last 25 years was all about.

The guitarist for the Winnipeg chapter of the Ink Spots, who my mom used to go see regularly, volunteered to come sing a couple of songs too and did an especially sweet version of "We'll Meet Again".

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Created by No Depression Feb 17, 2009 at 9:06pm. Last updated by Kyla Fairchild Jul 6, 2011.