# What song do you want played at your funeral? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [October 19, 2000, 4:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-song-do-you-want-played-at-your-funeral/37548 "2000-10-19T16:42:21Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 8
**Author:** ![Branwen](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/7ea924/32.png) [@Branwen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Branwen)\ **Post date:** [April 29, 2003, 12:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-song-do-you-want-played-at-your-funeral/37548/141 "2003-04-29T00:00:26Z")
My first choice would would be **Hot Hot Hot** by Buster Poindexter. _Me mind on fire – Me soul on fire – Feeling hot hot hot_. I doubt my family would go for that, so my second choice is **Into the Mystic** by Van Morrisen ---
**Author:** ![Magickly\_Delicious](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/4491bb/32.png) [@Magickly\_Delicious](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Magickly_Delicious)\ **Post date:** [April 29, 2003, 12:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-song-do-you-want-played-at-your-funeral/37548/142 "2003-04-29T00:26:08Z")
“When the River Meets the Sea” from _A Christmas Together_, a Muppet record with John Denver. _When the mountain touches the valley, all the clouds are taught to fly As our souls will leave this land most peacefully. Though our minds be filled with questions, in our hearts we understand When the river meets the sea._ ---
**Author:** ![Baker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/bb73d2/32.png) [@Baker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Baker)\ **Post date:** [April 29, 2003, 12:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-song-do-you-want-played-at-your-funeral/37548/143 "2003-04-29T00:58:06Z")
I’m something of a traditionalist, and I am religious, so my funeral will be by the numbers out of the Book of Common Prayer. That being said, I have already selected the hymns I want, and I have left instructions for the organist for the music played before the service. I told them _I don’t want any of that soft, slow, boring music one usually hears before a funeral. I like organ music, the livelier the better. I want the organist to play with both hands and both feet, as if they were performing for a concert. This is the last chance I will ever get to have things MY way, so rock the place._ ---
**Author:** ![presidebt](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/c37758/32.png) [@presidebt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/presidebt)\ **Post date:** [April 29, 2003, 1:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-song-do-you-want-played-at-your-funeral/37548/144 "2003-04-29T01:18:05Z")
Out of This World by Louden Wainwright, covered by Freakwater. ---
**Author:** ![Annie](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/858c86/32.png) [@Annie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Annie)\ **Post date:** [April 29, 2003, 1:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-song-do-you-want-played-at-your-funeral/37548/145 "2003-04-29T01:24:30Z")
**O Death** from the _Oh Brother Where Art Thou?_ soundtrack. Then, as the coffee can with my ashes is punted into the deep blue sea, segue to: **Smells Like Teen Spirit** ---
**Author:** ![Sapphire\_Wolf](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/f14d63/32.png) [@Sapphire\_Wolf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sapphire_Wolf)\ **Post date:** [April 29, 2003, 1:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-song-do-you-want-played-at-your-funeral/37548/146 "2003-04-29T01:25:27Z")
I don’t want a serious funeral. That’s boring. That said, Lonestar’s “I’m Already There” would be good for me. So would Aimee Allen’s “Revolution.” And Tim McGraw’s “Please Remember Me.” Except for when I choose some others. ---
**Author:** ![Davebear](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/bcef8e/32.png) [@Davebear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Davebear)\ **Post date:** [April 29, 2003, 1:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-song-do-you-want-played-at-your-funeral/37548/147 "2003-04-29T01:33:21Z")
I don’t want a funeral. I want a “real Irish wake” (he said, having no idea how real it might actually be). I want it to be held in a pub, preferably Callahan’s Crosstime Saloon, if anyone knows where to find it, these days. Second choice would have to be any pub called the Spit N’ Swallow. Failing that, it doesn’t really matter, as long as it’s a fun place. For music, the only sad piece allowed would be Amazing Grace. Yes, I know it’s been done to death (sorry), but it’s one of the most beautiful melodies ever written, IMO. Played by a solo piper, preferably live, not recorded. The rest of the music would have to be uptempo. I wouldn’t want people crying at my wake. (Whoever that was that said they always cry when they hear Amazing Grace, you’re not invited. Well, okay, you can come, but come late, and we’ll play that first.) I guess I’ll have to start working on the playlist. But, Eve’s idea of “I’ll be glad when you’re dead, you rascal you”, as sung by Louis Armstrong, is a great one. So, that’s one down. How many more do I need? Lots, probably. I know how you people like to drink. 😉 And, I trust _someone_ will have the decency to pour a wee dram of malt into my urn as the piper is playing. ---
**Author:** ![SouthernSky](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/278dde/32.png) [@SouthernSky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SouthernSky)\ **Post date:** [April 29, 2003, 1:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-song-do-you-want-played-at-your-funeral/37548/148 "2003-04-29T01:51:46Z")
After losing my entire family, I look at death as Serious Business, and have made all the appropriate arrangements - all I have to do is show up and get cremated. Party to follow, although my best friend was distressed at the “party” term and has agreed to a “memorial service” (without religion involved). “Midnight Rambler” - Rolling Stones “Angel from Montgomery” - Bonnie Raitt’s version “Birdland” - Weather Report ---
**Author:** ![koeeoaddi](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/koeeoaddi/32/408_2.png) [@koeeoaddi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/koeeoaddi)\ **Post date:** [April 29, 2003, 2:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-song-do-you-want-played-at-your-funeral/37548/149 "2003-04-29T02:42:45Z")
“A Very Cellular Song” by the Incredible String Band _“…Lay down my dear sister Won’t you lay and take your rest…”_ ---
**Author:** ![ratatoskK](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ratatoskk/32/2987_2.png) [@ratatoskK](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ratatoskK)\ **Post date:** [April 29, 2003, 11:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-song-do-you-want-played-at-your-funeral/37548/150 "2003-04-29T11:49:04Z")
“This Monkey’s Gone to Heaven” by the Pixies ---
**Author:** ![Gerome](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/85e7bf/32.png) [@Gerome](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gerome)\ **Post date:** [April 29, 2003, 12:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-song-do-you-want-played-at-your-funeral/37548/151 "2003-04-29T12:31:26Z")
“Underground” by Ben Folds Five, of course. ---
**Author:** ![Mr.Excellent](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f19dbf/32.png) [@Mr.Excellent](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Excellent)\ **Post date:** [April 29, 2003, 12:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-song-do-you-want-played-at-your-funeral/37548/152 "2003-04-29T12:33:51Z")
Sympathy for the Devil, the Guns 'n Roses cover. A must. 🙂 Mozart’s Requiem Mass The Adagio for Strings that was on the Homeworld soundtrack. Selections from Dvorak’s New World Symphony, and from the Carmina Burana. The New World Symphany is just a beautiful piece of music, and the Carmina Burana has a lot to say about the joys of life. My Way, of course. Gotta have My Way. And, if I should have the great good fortune to accomplish anything of political significance in my life, Flogging Molly’s “What’s Left of the Flag”. Oh, and if I achieve actual political power, the Imperial March. Mourners will be asked to stand at attention for this piece. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Mr.Excellent](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f19dbf/32.png) [@Mr.Excellent](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Excellent)\ **Post date:** [April 29, 2003, 12:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-song-do-you-want-played-at-your-funeral/37548/153 "2003-04-29T12:59:13Z")
Hmm…I’d also like to second the person who said they want to be “roasted” at their funeral. I wonder if practical jokes would be appropriate? Hell, screw being appropriate - I’ll be dead, when will I have another chance to be the tasteless and vulgar Mr. Excellent my family knows and loves? I’m gonna be an organ donor (assuming some rabbi or other doesn’t get to my parents - lousy Jewish prohibition on organ donation…) so there’s gonna be some free space in there - the possibilities are endless. maybe a little tape recorder with a timer - it could play breathing noises, for example. or speaking in tongues. 🙂 I want the wake-goers to wish I was still alive, simply so they could kick my ass for that one. ---
**Author:** ![williamweigand](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/b3f665/32.png) [@williamweigand](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/williamweigand)\ **Post date:** [April 29, 2003, 1:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-song-do-you-want-played-at-your-funeral/37548/154 "2003-04-29T13:33:44Z")
Count me in with those who’ve mentioned Elton John’s “Funeral for a Friend”. Also,Pink Floyd’s “The Great Gig in the Sky”. ---
**Author:** ![Labor](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/74df32/32.png) [@Labor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Labor)\ **Post date:** [April 29, 2003, 2:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-song-do-you-want-played-at-your-funeral/37548/155 "2003-04-29T14:35:39Z")
I’m with Baker, i want it to be really loud, none of that contemplative soft stuff that goes nowhere. Interesting that someone wants the “Ride of the Valkuries”. Imagine it, the sound of seven lusty women singing about hte glory of bringing the dead soldier’s bodies to the afterworld and laughing in glee… Not for me though. I say the funeral music from Siegfried. That one packs a wallop. I say blow some of the insurance money on an orchestra, pay em union scale, get em to play the Siegfried and then the last movement to Mahler’s 2nd symphony (The Ressurection). I like the irony that many dopers have, imagine “Staying Alive” played at a funeral. Wow now that’s some powerful religion. ---
**Author:** ![DeVena](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/dec6dc/32.png) [@DeVena](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DeVena)\ **Post date:** [April 29, 2003, 4:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-song-do-you-want-played-at-your-funeral/37548/156 "2003-04-29T16:08:07Z")
Ok I want to be cremated. So not a burial, a memorial. And music doesn’t stop just because someone gets up to talk. Organ only… Start with _Claire de Lune_, the prettiest song ever written. Segues to _Learning to Fly_ - pink floyd. Then to Bach’s _While Sheep May Safely Graze_. Then _Always look on the Bright Side of Life_, right when no one expects it. Then _Wachet Auf (sleepers awake)_ by Bach and end with _I bid you Goodnight_ by the Neville Brothers. Only the people you pay attention to the music will get it. And that’s the only people I care are there. ---
**Author:** ![Count\_Blucher](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/c5a1d2/32.png) [@Count\_Blucher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Count_Blucher)\ **Post date:** [April 29, 2003, 4:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-song-do-you-want-played-at-your-funeral/37548/157 "2003-04-29T16:13:41Z")
“Good Bye To You” -Scandal ---
**Author:** ![Marley23](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@Marley23](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marley23)\ **Post date:** [April 29, 2003, 4:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-song-do-you-want-played-at-your-funeral/37548/158 "2003-04-29T16:56:48Z")
> [@](#): > > Hmmm… a laugh track maybe? The guy who invented the laugh track died about a week ago. I’d have paid ANYTHING to have been there with one. I could pick a lot of songs, but one amusing choice would be “Straight to Hell” by a band called Drivin’ N Cryin’. I heard this done at a memorial concert for a musician. It had the right effect - a few people were horrified, most were scratching their heads, and the rest realized it was perfectly in line with his sense of humor. I think the ideal mix of funeral music would, at various points, move your guests, irritate them (Livin’ La Vida Loca?), make them laugh (Dancing Queen?), and give them something to think about (a Bach fugue on slide whistle, perhaps). By the way, nothing personal to anyone, but if I’m ever attend a funeral where Green Day’s “Time of Your Life” is played, I WILL kick the ass of the guest of honor. 😉 😉 ---
**Author:** ![romare](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/cab0a1/32.png) [@romare](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/romare)\ **Post date:** [April 29, 2003, 4:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-song-do-you-want-played-at-your-funeral/37548/159 "2003-04-29T16:56:52Z")
It won’t be a long service, but we have to fit in the following in this order. “Don’t Let Us Get Sick” by Warren Zevon. (Warren will probably be gone before me unless something precipitous happens to me). “You Can Have anything You Want” by Michael Hedges (cause you gotta try…) Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” as sung by Jeff Buckley (if you can listen to this without crying you’re a cold, dead S.O.B. already) Outro will be Coltrane’s “Consequences” and the attendees will have to sit there for all 9 + minutes whether they like it or not. Or I may just make the congregation listen to my sad songs… cause, hell, I’ll be with the fine company above … Everyone who claims to love me but hates one another should then attend the AFP (After Funeral Party) and try to resolve their differences without joining the deceased. 🆒 ---
**Author:** ![shrew](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/7ab992/32.png) [@shrew](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/shrew)\ **Post date:** [April 29, 2003, 5:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-song-do-you-want-played-at-your-funeral/37548/160 "2003-04-29T17:24:30Z")
My mother can’t stand really emotional music, so I would have to pick songs she had never heard before. For that reason: _Last Goodbye_ or _Hallelujah_ by Jeff Buckley and _Ode to Joy_ by Beethoven (Mom’s not into classical music). If my mother passes before me, I’ll add _It Is Well With My Soul_ as performed by the gospel quartet from my parents’ church. She’d never make it through that one. Also, I’d love some Berlioz on violin. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-song-do-you-want-played-at-your-funeral/37548.md?page=7) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-song-do-you-want-played-at-your-funeral/37548.md?page=9)