I ain’t dying yet. No need to worry. But I’ve started to consider the music I’d like played a my funeral. I’m a fan of the 60’s and 70’s so want to narrow it down to those types of popular songs. I currently have 3.
Turn Turn Turn by the Birds
Dust in the Wind by Kansas
Time in a Bottle Jim Croce
I think 3 is a bit out of character but the 3 gives you a sense of what I’m thinking about.
I was thinking The Last Resort by the Eagles, because its a lovely song of lament, but not really a song dealing with the loss of a loved one…I may put it in anyway.
Looking for suggestions…classic 60’s 70’s songs. NOT Seasons in the Sun…
EDIT:
Ive added:
Drift Away
Leaving on a Jet Plane
I Can See Clearly Now
Actually, I’d perfer “Can’t Take It With You” by Alan Parsons for my funeral. I’d be trying to make a deal with death right up to the boatman getting to the shore.
I may request that whoever gets saddle dwith making the arrangements for me goes the Andy Kaufman route (at least as in the biopic, no idea if he did this at his actual funeral) and play “Friendly World.” “Always Look on the Bright Side of Life” is a popular one and I may jump on that train as well. Other picks might me “God Moving Over the Face of the Water” by Moby, “The Long Road” by Eddie Vedder and Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan or "Watermelon in Easter Hay " by Zappa for their general moods.
“Farewell, Farewell” by Fairport Convention. Not a well-known song, but written by Richard Thompson and sung by the incomparable Sandy Denny. Actually written in memory of RT’s late girl friend, so quite appropriate for a funeral.
I have a tear in my eye just thinking about that. How perfect!
I attended a viewing for a man I knew professionally, who had worked in the radio business for years before starting his own advertising agency. Playing on the PA system were all manner of pop hits from the 60s to the 80s. (I specifically remember hearing “Sherry” by the Four Seasons.) At first I thought the choices were odd, but then it dawned on me that these were all songs that at various points in his life had meant something to him, songs that he had especially liked. He had a long terminal illness and his death wasn’t sudden, and he had selected those songs himself as his life’s playlist. I thought that was a great way to go and if I have time to do that before I pass on, I’m planning on doing the same thing. I have very eclectic musical tastes and people are really gonna freak out when they hear my playlist!
I made my list many years ago. I have all on a CD and a thumb drive. I should put them on an SD card too.
Blue Oyster Cult, (Don’t Fear) the Reaper. Agents of Fortune album. 4:45
Temple of the Dog, Say Hello to Heaven. Temple of the Dog album. 6:24
Alice in Chains, Over Now. Alice in Chains album. 7:03
The Hollies, He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother. He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother album. 4:14
Pink Floyd, One of These Days. From the Pulse DVD. 6:15
Led Zeppelin, Battle of Evermore. Led Zeppelin IV 5:50
Deep Purple, Smoke on the Water. Made in Japan album. 7:29
The first two cover the alleged places where my soul could end up. Number 3 says I have accepted my fate. Heard number 4 at a funeral many years ago, it had the attendees bawling like babies. Number 5 says I might not be done on earth if there is an afterlife. Number 6 says I’m ready for the journey to my next home. Number 7 is my favorite song of all time, let it be the final memory of those attending my service.
Sorry, I have no suggestions for the OP, though I really liked the idea of “The Great Gig in the Sky”.
My family already knows that I was moved when I saw the guy in “The Full Monty” playing “Abide With Me” on the trumpet at his mother’s funeral. I have mentioned that I want someone to play that hymn on a suitable brass instrument for me when the time comes.
Not a topic I like to dwell on much though.
