I can't take credit for this: it was Borachon's idea in the "What Are you Listening to Right Now?" thread. However, I thought it was a good idea and was afraid it wouldn't get posted.

So, the question is pretty simple. What song would you want played at your funeral? Please try to make your answer a little more creative then "The Funeral" please

This, by the way, is a pretty hard question. I'm gonna need some time to come up with my answer.

Tom Waits' "Come On Up to the House" at the very end of the service.

"Surprise! You're Dead!" - Faith No More. End of story.

There's a bit about this in the movie High Fidelity where John Cusack's character lists the songs he wants played at his funeral. I can't recall them all, but I know one was "Many Rivers To Cross" by Jimmy Cliff.

I'll go with Billy Joel's "Only the Good Die Young" because, no matter how old I am when I die, it'll be too young.

And also because I'd rather laugh with the sinners than cry with the saints. The sinners are much more fun.

quote:

Originally posted by philosopherEric:
And also because I'd rather laugh with the sinners than cry with the saints. The sinners are much more fun.

My grandfather hired a Dixieland jazz band play at his memorial (he was cremated, so there wasn't a traditional funeral). I liked the idea that he tried to make it a joyous occasion, rather than a somber one.

Radiohead - "Motion Picture Soundtrack" would be great.

also:

Adem - "There Will Always Be"

I'm sure I'll think of some other good ones later.

I think that my list is rather cliche' but I don't care.

"Time of your life" Green Day
"With or without you" U2
"The End" The Doors
"Under the bridge" Red Hot Chili Peppers
"I'll be Missing you" Puff Daddy

"Funeral Song" - Sleater-Kinney
"Live Forever" - Oasis

Considering my social standing: "Good Riddance" by Kayak, "Dancing on Your Grave" by Motorhead and "You Won't Be Missed" by the Dirty Babies.

More than likely there will be no funeral- from the morgue to the crematorium, get it done and over with. Maybe I can have my LPs and CDs burned me. Hmmm, "Light My Fire" by the Doors.

"Since I Left You" - Avalanches. I want some ass shaking on my dead grave.

or

"I Don't Wanna Die" - Unicorns. That would be funny.

As someone who's closer to death than most of you, I'd let the mourners bring along their own favourites. I'd also make sure there was a porthole in the coffin so I could watch the fights break out - "How could you like that shit!?!?" "Ah, go fuck yourself!!!" "Why you little..."

Ooh! Nice thread.

Like I said on the "what are you listening to" thread, I'd have Sammy Davis Jnr's version of "Mr Bojangles". Ever since I saw American Movie and they played it over the end credits, I've thought it would be a really poignant song to play at a funeral. It's really sad and touching but also respectful and celebratory.

If they play the Robbie Williams version though, I'll be back!

I will have to think of some more later on, but I think I would love to have Tom Waits' "If I Have to Go"--a song I simply adore--played at the end of my funeral. I love that song so much and it reminds me of so many things I tell my girlfriend (future wife.)

"Forever Paradise" by the Undertones
"Take Me to the River" by the Talking Heads
"How Soon is Now?" by the Smiths
Days of Heaven Soundtrack (probably have to just play the movie with the picture off (blasphemy) because I don't think there's an album
The Planets by Gustav Holst (my copy)
"Blackbird" by the Beatles

This will be at a heavy-drinking wake. No funeral. Cremation in secret. Just a few of my friends drinking a few to me and themselves with music blasting away.

This takes considerable reflection, but I know it will not be "Amazing Grace". That has been beat to death so to speak.

quote:

Radiohead - "Motion Picture Soundtrack" would be great.

Hey! You stole my choice!

Other possibilities until now:

Johnny Cash - Hurt
Nick Drake - Road

And if I was american I'll probably choose Wilco - ashes of american flag

Israel Kamikawiwo'ole - Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What A Wonderful World

Strangely enough, I think the last song on Arcade Fire's 'Funeral' would suit me fine. The lyrics may not be perfectly in line with the situation ('In The Backseat'), but the way the music swells when Regine sings 'I've been learning how to drive all my life' sends chills all over me. It's a nice combination of quiet and bombast, a fitting farewell to this world while looking towards the next (if you believe such stuff :-).

quote:

Originally posted by Chamberk:
Israel Kamikawiwo'ole - Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What A Wonderful World

Excellent choice. One of my faves.


"Skyway" The Replacements
"Fools Like Us" Echo and the Bunnymen
"Endless Farewell" Soul Asylum
"Walk On" U2

and, if my wife goes first,

"I Will Follow You Into the Dark" Death Cab for Cutie

How about Wish I was In Heaven Sitting Down - RL Burnside.

Nice little blues number that suggests that after all this time on Earth with the ups and downs and running around, that sitting down and relaxing in heaven is an ideal (as opposed to golfing with Bob Hope, Elvis and Sinatra or something ).