# Plan Your Own Funeral: The Musical! **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [July 31, 2014, 5:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/plan-your-own-funeral-the-musical/694505 "2014-07-31T17:30:07Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![SiXSwordS](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/49beb7/32.png) [@SiXSwordS](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SiXSwordS)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2014, 5:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/plan-your-own-funeral-the-musical/694505/1 "2014-07-31T17:30:07Z")
I don’t mean to be morbid. It is generally accepted that funerals are for the living, but the living often like to have aspects of the service reflect the tastes of the deceased, or at least to remind them of that person. With that in mind, what music would you like played at your funeral (or whatever service you plan upon your passing)? How would you like it played? (Assume you can have anything from a full orchestra to a wind-up monkey clanking to cymbals together.) There are many opportunities for music in a stereotypical funeral: Music often plays as mourners gather; Music might be played at various breaks during the service; And of course there is the final song, the music playing as people leave. Cover as many or as few as you like. Take this as seriously or as irreverently as you see fit. On the irreverent side, I might choose [Willkommen](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FxQyITv7pr4), with a long vamp at the beginning and the full stage antics when things are about to start and with the corpse as a character. At the first break: [Alabama Song](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pQJFWhn1R_w). For a moment of seriousness: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v9fo3FoHDBc](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v9fo3FoHDBc). Then, after a moment of reflection: [Over](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bqKcW8t0lLM), Portishead. Then, for the recessional: [Monkey Gone to Heaven](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mK3iSglbZUM). And since 3 minutes isn’t enough to get everyone out… [Sheep](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UqlsVZ1zxMk), by Pink Floyd. ---
**Author:** ![Dung\_Beetle](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dung_beetle/32/7945_2.png) [@Dung\_Beetle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dung_Beetle)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2014, 6:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/plan-your-own-funeral-the-musical/694505/2 "2014-07-31T18:14:23Z")
My kids know that I want “Ding Dong, the Witch is Dead” from The Wizard of Oz. I would like an instrumental version with a slow tempo, so that the recognition breaks slowly upon the assembled masses. I want people to remember that I had a sense of humor (well, _some_ people thought I was funny at least). The kids may also remember that when they were little, I had them believing I was a witch. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![SiXSwordS](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/49beb7/32.png) [@SiXSwordS](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SiXSwordS)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2014, 6:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/plan-your-own-funeral-the-musical/694505/3 "2014-07-31T18:26:33Z")
> [@Dung\_Beetle](#): > > My kids know that I want “Ding Dong, the Witch is Dead” from The Wizard of Oz. Instead of being _IN_ the casket, you could be _UNDER_ it, and when they close it, a pair of striped stockings could roll up. ---
**Author:** ![Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/7cd45c/32.png) [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elendil_s_Heir)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2014, 6:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/plan-your-own-funeral-the-musical/694505/4 "2014-07-31T18:42:12Z")
Gotta have some favorite hymns: “The Church’s One Foundation” “Crown Him With Many Crowns” “Christ is Made the Sure Foundation” “Praise My Soul the King of Heaven” And maybe one pop song: “Angel” by Sarah McLachlan [![](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/1SiylvmFI_8/hqdefault.jpg?sqp=-oaymwEmCOADEOgC8quKqQMa8AEB-AH-BIAC4AOKAgwIABABGGUgZShlMA8=&rs=AOn4CLAKgseAJ6MlcS15tPzCP6fKHVD2uA "Sarah McLachlan - In the arms of an angel") ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1SiylvmFI_8) ---
**Author:** ![SiXSwordS](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/49beb7/32.png) [@SiXSwordS](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SiXSwordS)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2014, 8:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/plan-your-own-funeral-the-musical/694505/5 "2014-07-31T20:21:32Z")
> [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](#): > > Gotta have some favorite hymns: Well then, [AMAZING GRACE](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iR6MWSvk5N4), should be in there somewhere. ---
**Author:** ![Shodan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9f8e36/32.png) [@Shodan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shodan)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2014, 8:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/plan-your-own-funeral-the-musical/694505/6 "2014-07-31T20:42:49Z")
At my uncle’s funeral, his granddaughters sang “[Untitled Hymn](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pOzYcXaZY8k)”, and I cried. For me? Processional is “M[y Life Flows On in Endless Song](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IBHMm4jy-Ng)”. The Hymn of the Day is “[Christ is Risen! Alleluia](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EdwQV54AEk4)!” Sending Song is “[Lead On O King Eternal](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6FhKeliH94k)”. My mother’s memorial service (not a funeral - she and my dad have donated their bodies to medical school for dissection) is going to be a songfest. She has a list of about twenty hymns she wants sung in the front of her hymnal. It includes songs no longer in the ELW, like “[Hail to the Brightness of Zion’s Glad Morning](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IlTHqumq27E)”. Not a problem - after fifty years, I still know it by heart, as do my siblings. And we make up in volume what we lack in talent. Regards, Shodan ---
**Author:** ![SiXSwordS](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/49beb7/32.png) [@SiXSwordS](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SiXSwordS)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2014, 8:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/plan-your-own-funeral-the-musical/694505/7 "2014-07-31T20:51:05Z")
> [@Shodan](#): > > At my uncle’s funeral, his granddaughters sang “[Untitled Hymn](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pOzYcXaZY8k)” I hadn’t heard this song until recently. Thank you for mentioning it. ---
**Author:** ![Gagundathar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/a183cd/32.png) [@Gagundathar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gagundathar)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2014, 9:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/plan-your-own-funeral-the-musical/694505/8 "2014-07-31T21:23:09Z")
I have always assumed that “Funeral for a Friend” would be played at my memorial. My wife, fortunately, also knows this… well because my assumptions might not be that of others. 😉 ---
**Author:** ![Baker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/bb73d2/32.png) [@Baker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Baker)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2014, 10:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/plan-your-own-funeral-the-musical/694505/9 "2014-07-31T22:26:32Z")
So many to choose from, but since I’m religious I’ll have a by the book funeral. “Praise to the Lord, the Almighty” [http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/p/t/pttlta.htm](http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/p/t/pttlta.htm) “I Know That My Redeemer Lives” > **[I Know That My Redeemer Lives](https://hymnary.org/text/i_know_that_my_redeemer_lives_what_joy)** > > Authoritative information about the hymn text I Know That My Redeemer Lives, with lyrics, audio recordings, MIDI files, PDF files, printable scores, piano resources, and products for worship planners. “Thine Be the Glory” I’m a member of the Episcopal Church, but I was raised in the Lutheran Church. So the final hymn will be this most Lutheran of hymns. But I’ll have a more contemporary translation. The one I grew up on was very close to a literal translation, and the final verse would say “And take they our life, goods, fame, child, and wife/The body they may kill The verse as it will be sung is “Let goods and kindred go, this mortal life also/The body they may kill” “A Mighty Fortress is Our God” [![](https://img.youtube.com/vi/O6k8DFb8fWs/hqdefault.jpg "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God - Martin Luther") ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O6k8DFb8fWs) ---
**Author:** ![Turek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/turek/32/18782_2.png) [@Turek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Turek)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2014, 1:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/plan-your-own-funeral-the-musical/694505/10 "2014-08-01T01:36:14Z")
I’m a non-believing, recently-married, classic rock enthusiast (with a penchant for hyphenated words.) A few months ago I was listening to the ole iPod at work while I coded away, and [“Time” by The Alan Parsons Project](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O3T6IsXyq68) came around on the shuffle. For some reason, that day I paid attention to the lyrics and it got me to thinking about my recent bride and my death and funeral. To this day I can’t listen to the song without getting drippy around the eyelids. The lines that always get me are “Good-bye my love, maybe for forever” and “Who knows when we will meet again … if ever.” So I told her that has to play at my funeral so everyone can get sappy. ---
**Author:** ![Pai325](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/c68b51/32.png) [@Pai325](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pai325)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2014, 1:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/plan-your-own-funeral-the-musical/694505/11 "2014-08-01T01:57:30Z")
I’m Catholic, so the funeral will have religious music. Amazing Grace was played at my mother’s, father’s, and sister’s funerals, so I want that. Be Thou my Vision is a favorite, as well as Ave Maria. Beyond that, I’m not sure. ---
**Author:** ![Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/7cd45c/32.png) [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elendil_s_Heir)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2014, 2:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/plan-your-own-funeral-the-musical/694505/12 "2014-08-01T02:19:16Z")
> [@SiXSwordS](#): > > Well then, [AMAZING GRACE](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iR6MWSvk5N4), should be in there somewhere. You know, I hate to admit it, but I’ve heard that song so much and it’s become IMHO so cliched that I wouldn’t have it played at my funeral. ---
**Author:** ![Antinor01](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ecae2f/32.png) [@Antinor01](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Antinor01)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2014, 2:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/plan-your-own-funeral-the-musical/694505/13 "2014-08-01T02:24:25Z")
I’d rather not have a funeral at all, but I would like having Time To Say Goodbye done. ---
**Author:** ![SiXSwordS](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/49beb7/32.png) [@SiXSwordS](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SiXSwordS)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2014, 5:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/plan-your-own-funeral-the-musical/694505/14 "2014-08-01T05:08:15Z")
> [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](#): > > …I’ve heard that song so much and it’s become IMHO so cliched that I wouldn’t have it played at my funeral. Yeah, if I hear Ani DiFranco at _another_ funeral, Imma puke! ---
**Author:** ![Don\_t\_Panic](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/don_t_panic/32/398_2.png) [@Don\_t\_Panic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Don_t_Panic)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2014, 6:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/plan-your-own-funeral-the-musical/694505/15 "2014-08-01T06:04:59Z")
I’m doing my best to keep anyone from making a fuss when I go, mainly by acting like a total bastard to everyone while I’m alive so that they won’t miss me (I’m only partly joking), and also by making sure I leave some freaking written instructions. However, if someone insists on a musical number, I want them to keep it [short and sweet](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aNEd0_rm6kU). Then everyone can go home. Nothing more to see here. Seriously, get out of here and get on with your lives. Get back to whatever you were doing. ---
**Author:** ![rowrrbazzle](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rowrrbazzle/32/414_2.png) [@rowrrbazzle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rowrrbazzle)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2014, 6:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/plan-your-own-funeral-the-musical/694505/16 "2014-08-01T06:13:17Z")
If there’s a choir available, the first two are pretty standard. As for the rest, well, there’s not much chance of having a non-professional choir prepared to sing them, but I like them. And yes, #3-7 are Christmas pieces. [Agnus Dei](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rs8sMjIJ4eI) from _Requiem_ by Gabriel Faure [How Lovely Is Thy Dwelling Place](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aZcxpl30NOw) from _A German Requiem_ by Johannes Brahms [Virga Jesse Floruit](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1bazc5M2DGA) by Anton Bruckner [A Spotless Rose](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=STSq2u6vkqI) by Herbert Howells [O Magnum Mysterium](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VShyqHcWjPY) by Francis Poulenc [Truth From Above](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sUfcUreoZPw) (harmonized by Ralph Vaughan Williams) [O Magnum Mysterium](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L87ixPXviFg) by Tomás Luis de Victoria [The Last Words of David](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=icMGFh48LYU) by Randall Thompson [Love Bade Me Welcome](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WZiMSGq_fOk#t=8m37s) from _Five Mystical Songs_ by Ralph Vaughan Williams [Alleluia](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W86a2o3uaLs) by Randall Thompson > [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](#): > > You know, I hate to admit it, but I’ve heard that song so much and it’s become IMHO so cliched that I wouldn’t have it played at my funeral. I agree. It’s just overdone. But I wouldn’t impose my opinion on anyone who wants it. ---
**Author:** ![Dung\_Beetle](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dung_beetle/32/7945_2.png) [@Dung\_Beetle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dung_Beetle)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2014, 12:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/plan-your-own-funeral-the-musical/694505/17 "2014-08-01T12:18:45Z")
> [@SiXSwordS](#): > > Instead of being _IN_ the casket, you could be _UNDER_ it, and when they close it, a pair of striped stockings could roll up. I don’t know…it may detract from the live turkey drop. **Turek** , I wouldn’t mind having some Alan Parsons at my service either. You know, 'cept for being all dead and unable to appreciate it. **Martian Bigfoot** , I’d like to go to yours! Well, not _like_ to go. Oh, you know what I mean. ---
**Author:** ![RTFirefly](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/c77e96/32.png) [@RTFirefly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RTFirefly)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2014, 7:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/plan-your-own-funeral-the-musical/694505/18 "2014-08-01T19:01:42Z")
Semisonic, “Closing Time”. I know who I want to take me home, take me hoooome. 🙂 And taking advantage of [ballad meter](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=675269&highlight=ballad+meter), “Amazing Grace” with successive verses sung to the tunes of (a) “It Came Upon The Midnight Clear,” (b) “Pop Goes the Weasel”, (c) “O Little Town of Bethlehem”, (d) the “Leave It To Beaver” theme music, and (e) “Stairway to Heaven.” ---
**Author:** ![Prof.Pepperwinkle](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/prof.pepperwinkle/32/13627_2.png) [@Prof.Pepperwinkle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Prof.Pepperwinkle)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2014, 7:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/plan-your-own-funeral-the-musical/694505/19 "2014-08-01T19:47:39Z")
“The Entry of the Gladiators” (Send In The Clowns) has been my lifelong theme. It’s a must. I’ve asked for “How Can I Keep From Singing” to be played. ---
**Author:** ![SiXSwordS](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/49beb7/32.png) [@SiXSwordS](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SiXSwordS)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2014, 8:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/plan-your-own-funeral-the-musical/694505/20 "2014-08-01T20:43:59Z")
> [@Prof.Pepperwinkle](#): > > “The Entry of the Gladiators” (Send In The Clowns) has been my lifelong theme. It’s a must. Maybe as the casket is being brought to the hearse they could play [Sabre Dance](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gqg3l3r_DRI) while the Pall Bearers perform various Chinese-Fire-Drill-esque antics. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/plan-your-own-funeral-the-musical/694505.md?page=2)