There's an item on BoingBoing about a recent AP report that at certain cemeteries, hymns have been almost entirely replaced by secular songs as funeral music. And not secular like "Happy Birthday," but like "Stairway to Heaven" and "Highway to Hell." Among the top picks: "My Way" and "Wonderful World." We've noticed this trend. We were at a wake once and the mix included - no joke - "Don't Get Around Much Anymore." Personally, we'd go for a little "Farther Along," or "Amazing Grace," but to each his or her own.
Anyone have any song requests, or any crazy funeral music anecdotes to share?
Reader Comments ( Page 1 of 3)
1. How about the Crue's "Don't Go Away Mad (Just Go Away)"?
Karen at 7:02PM on Jul 2nd 2008
2. I remember being in a wedding band that had a 2:00 reception but the 12:00 wake hadn't cleared out. The drummer and I got into the giggles thinking of tunes we could do. Don't get around much anymore was one of them and the others you mentioned, probably.
I'm Glad You're Dead, You Rascal,You
So Long, It's Been Good To Know You
Get Down Tonight
Zombie Jamboree
I Can't Get Started
Pick Me Up On Your Way Down
The Killin' Floor
Cold, Cold Heart
Jackie Blue
That Smell
Low Rider
Breathless
Save Them Bones For Henry Jones ('cause Henry don't eat no meat)
Memphis Underground
When Sunny Gets Blue
I should stop. We wound up with about five sets and Killer Joe for a break song.
Clif Kuplen at 7:42PM on Jul 2nd 2008
3. "Dead Man's Party" - Oingo Boingo
bob at 9:03PM on Jul 2nd 2008
4. Every funeral I've ever been to, family members were asked what music to play. Of course, then there was the one I went to a few years back.
I went to his house to pay my respects and ask about the wake, but I was interupted by a family member who said "he's gone".
And I said, "I know but"....(interupted again) and the family member said..."no you don't understand...HE's GONE....cremated right after he died and the ashes disposed of. We just called a few of his friends to meet here if they wanted between 6 and 8PM".
Maybe 10 or 15 people showed up. We left at 8PM and that was it.
Willet at 9:19PM on Jul 2nd 2008
5. Show Must Go On - Queen
zack51586 at 11:56PM on Jul 2nd 2008
6. Oh so many people are terribly fond of the Catholic favorite "On Eagles Wings".
Valery at 12:54AM on Jul 3rd 2008
7. I love that song "Save The Bones For Henry Jones (cause Henry Don't Eat No Meat!)"! The Pointer Sisters were always a guilty pleasure of mine!
I am leaving instructions for the party at my funeral to include "Willie The Whip and His Cadillac Coffin" by Stevie Ray Vaughn (& Bro). I'll have to add Henry to my list! LOL!
web jones at 1:02AM on Jul 3rd 2008
8. One of the most moving funeral songs ever (for a man) is "Danny Boy" played on the bagpipes.
Kathy at 2:07AM on Jul 3rd 2008
9. "Funeral Song For Mississippi John Hurt", J. Fahey.
JefFlyingV at 2:19AM on Jul 3rd 2008
10. I have asked that the song "Time" by the Alan Parsons Project be played at my funeral. "Time... keeps flowing like a river.. to the sea. Goodbye my friend... maybe for forever... goodbye my friend... the stars are calling me... who knows when we may meet again?... if ever..." etc.
Duane at 3:19AM on Jul 3rd 2008
11. I read that James Blunts song, "Goodbye My Lover" was the #1 funeral song.
When my Mom was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer a couple of years ago, she took the time to compile a CD with the songs she wanted played. She had a wicked sense of humor and chose songs like BB Kings "The Thrill Is Gone" and "Spirit In The Sky". My personal all time favorite funeral song, "Over the Rainbow by IZ.
justea at 3:29AM on Jul 3rd 2008
12. Queen - Another one bites the dust.
Tom at 6:59AM on Jul 3rd 2008
13. These are a few that I like and have also heard and would have at my funeral too.
1)Amazing Grace on the bagpipes
2) Go Rest High on the Mountain-Vince gill(not a country fan but this song is beautiful)
3A return to innocence-enigma
3)Lighting crashes-Live
4)Nothing else matters-Metallica(best band on earth!!!)
5)Angel-Jewel
6)Angel-sarah Mcchalan
7)You were loved-Whitney houston
8)Can't help falling in love with you-Elvis
9)Hello-Evanscence
10)A Day Without Rain-Enya
11) I Miss you-Aaliyah
12)Goodbye to you-Michelle Branch
13)I'll be missing you-Puff Daddy ft. Faith Evans
14)The Painter Song-Norah Jones
I know there is more but I am not rememebering!
Philly at 7:47AM on Jul 3rd 2008
14. 'Flight of the Condor'
'Shebeg, Shemore", Derek Bell on Harp.
sparrow at 7:56AM on Jul 3rd 2008
15. Cheeseburger in Paradise
ML at 9:16AM on Jul 3rd 2008