...what song would you request to be played at your funeral???

...dark,yes,but if you had a choice,what would you have played at your Memorial???

but at the top is "The Long Road" by Cliff Eberhardt and Richie Havens.

Others:

"In My Life" Beatles- My wife's and my song...

"Blue Skys" Allman Brothers

"Where There Is Faith" by 4 Him

and for giggles "Travelin' Light"- either the Widespread Panic or Clapton version.

Brian

Bluetele54,
I haven't seen you post in awhile! Nice one! First, I probably won't care because I'll be dead... but... I'll choose 3 so that I don't have to think too hard they are all optimistic and determined choices:
1) The Highwayman (Jimmy Webb)
2) Willin' (original version with ry on slide)
3) Ol' 55 (Ian Mathews version)

"Morning Like This" as sung by Sandi Patti.

1. Let Me Die in My Footsteps............Bob Dylan

2. This Old Wheel..............The Highwaymen

3. Dark Eyes..........Bob Dylan

4. Restless Farewell............Bob Dylan

The great gig in the sky - pink floyd

Heaven - talking heads

& also something kooky & out there for a funeral.....maybe " I have been in you" by zappa or something.

...keep it going!!!...I like the idea of humor...Celebrate the life!!!...thanks,Stevie

Whipeout

I've actually asked my wife to make sure this is played at my funeral as people file out sobbing and distraught, not knowing how to get through life without The Peoples Poet.
" I've Been Balled, Like I've Never Been Balled Before "....Ry Cooder I think. ( Or might be Bobby King and Terry Evans with Ry.)

Just A Gigolo/I Ain't Got Nobody - David Lee Roth

Always Look on the Bright Side of Life - Monty Python

:smile:

"Not Dark Yet" - Bob Dylan

Ohh--"The Highwayman" is a great choice.

I was thinking of a couple old Byrds tunes--"Turn Turn Turn" or "We'll Meet Again"

Don't know why, but "Tears Of Rage" or "I Shall Be Released" by the Band would fit me too.

Great gig in the sky - Brilliant, SimonC. One of my all time favourites.

Or maybe "The Drugs Don't Work"

Baker Street - Gerry Rafferty is the choice for mine, whenever it happens

Pachelbel's Canon

Stairway To Heaven. :razz:

another one bites the dust - queen :lol:

"It's the End of the World as We Know It" - REM

For the snappy beat you know!

highway to hell - ac/dc

in no particular order...

Go Rest High on that Mountain - Vince Gill

No Quarter - Led Zeppelin

Tubular Bells - Mike Oldfield

I don't want no stinkin' funeral! I want a wake!

Have a party for cryin' out loud! There should be whiskey and a keg. No sad reflective stuff.

Give me some party music. Some West Coast Blues (Harman/Ramos maybe) a little Webb, definately some Waylon.

Most of it should come from a shuffle and go from there.

"I feel like going home" - from the Notting Hillbillies

and for the classical finish

" Goodnight " by Janaceck
(used as the closing piece in the film 'The Unbearable Lightness Of Being').

FF.

"Feel Like Going Home" – Charlie Rich

I don't want no stinkin' funeral! I want a wake!

Have a party for cryin' out loud! There should be whiskey and a keg. No sad reflective stuff.

Give me some party music. Some West Coast Blues (Harman/Ramos maybe) a little Webb, definately some Waylon.

Most of it should come from a shuffle and go from there.

Heyy, I share your feelings! Thought I was the only one.

But as far as songs go, wouldn't it be great to start the wake with Floyd's Learning to Fly and Sinatra's (?) Straighten up and fly right. Just to celebrate tha day I finally got my wings...

Cheers
Televiking

Anything without minor chords.

I was thinking about this just recently. I was first thinking about who I would like to play at my funeral. Knowing how difficult it can be to play a funeral and not wanting to burden anyone, and not knowing who may be alive and able to do it, made me decide to record a few tunes myself so I can play my own funeral.

I think I will do all instrumentals. I have a few in mind, but the only one I've decided on for sure is Last Date, Floyd Cramer.

Country Roads by John Denver
Simple Man by Skynyrd
Harvest Moon by Neil Young
Reelin' in the Years by Steely Dan
Fishin' by Elvin Bishop

Geez, this thread got me thinking about some things since I've lost both of my parents within the past 13 months...My preference would be some good blues music that transitions into some good rock n' roll. That would suit me just fine.

:cool:

As yet, havn't made my list but our band has lost that many dear friends over the last 2 years that we always play The Water Is Wide at the funerals.
A beautiful song.

here comes the sun - harrison
Lonely stranger - eric clapton
Life is short - Butterfly boutcher
River of tears - Eric clapton

No-one has mentioned "He stopped loving her today" yet ?

Have to go with getbent on this one and choose "Willin' "for mine.

A recent survey in the UK stated that Celine Dion's 'Titanic' drivel was the number one song requested at funerals here, thats mighty sad isn't it ?

....that I went to, they played "Into The Mystic" by Van Morrison while a slide show of photos and videos of the deceased ran. It was very moving.

over the rainbow, judy garland, at carnegie hall.

But it really wont matter to me at that point.

I too would prefer a wake. My family did it for both my father and uncle so i'ts kinda a tradition. Just a spontaneous list. Bit more upbeat than normal. I saw Highway and Always Look On The Bright Side mentioned above, great ideas. The Highwaymans another one.
Baba O' Reily - The Who
Keep Me In Youre Heart For A While - Warren Zevon
Life By The Drop - Stevie Ray Vaughan
You Can't Always Get What You Want - The Rolling Stones
What A Wonderfull World - Joey Ramone
The Passenger - Iggy Pop
Times Like These (acoustic) - The Foo Fighters

Theme from Shaft--Isaac Hayes

The Shape I'm In--The Band

Why don't we do it in the road... Beatles...

Just A Gigolo/I Ain't Got Nobody - David Lee Roth

Always Look on the Bright Side of Life - Monty Python

:smile:
Only slightly off-topic, here's a short video of Eric Idle with fellow Okie Scott Keeton jamming on Bright Side of Life.

http://www.twobaddogs.com/Videos/Scott&Eric.wmv

"Your Love O Lord" by Third Day.

Wish you were here - Pink Floyd...

Blue Eyes Crying In The Rain....for mine

My Gmaw always says she wants "Wildwood Flower"

I played "Love Without End" at my Gpaw's funeral

Hopefully something that won't have been written until the year 2070 or so. Hee. ;-)

To quote Woody Allen, "I don't want to achieve immortality through my work... I want to achieve it through not dying."

(But if nothing better comes along in the meantime, I'd settle for Bill Kirchen's "Rockabilly Funeral"... ) ;-) CS

So Alive by Love & Rockets I always thought would be funny, but after that a bunch of Buck, Merle, Waylon with some Roy B would be a start.bw

"Closing Time".....Tom Waits

take my hand, precious lord
my way....by sinatra...long one of my favorites
i've always been crazy...Waylon

Call me somewhat traditional... I've always liked Carrickfergus and this version by Bryan Ferry of "Amazing Grace" is the coolest I've ever heard...very upbeat feel...you can hear a clip here http://www.artistdirect.com/nad/store/artist/album/0,,85323,00.html

Attics of My Life, by the Grateful Dead

For a funeral I would pick the following:

1. Amazing Grace
2. In the Garden
3. Jesus Loves Me

For a wake:
Crank it up! Blues and rock (Led Zepplin, Stevie Ray, ZZ Top, Rolling Stones, B.B. King, Albert King, etc...), loud and danceable!

Peace,

Bob

" Be Thou My Vision' or " Wonderous Love"..

Twa Bonnie Maidens - Archie Fisher
Welcome, Royal Charlie - Archie Fisher
Within You, Without You - The Beatles
In The Garden - Van Morrison
Northwest Passage - Stan Rogers
Magdalene (My Regal Zonophone) - Procol Harum
Quite Rightly So - Procol Harum
Broken Barricades - Procol Harum
Too Much Between Us - Procol Harum
Juicy John Pink - Procol Harum
Pilgrims Progress - Procol Harum
Lonesome Valley - The Carter Family
Concerto Grosso in G minor ("Christmas Concerto") - Arcangelo Corelli


Oh yeah, I forgot...Please Don't Bury Me - John Prine

When my bass player passed away a number of years ago, he had requested that "Turn, Turn, Turn" be played at his funeral mass. In all seriousness, it really was beautiful.

I think I'd probably ask for the same...

Johnny Winter's "Still Alive and Well"

Hopefully someone will play "Whiskey in the Jar" during my Irish wake and "Bury Me Beneth the Willows"at the funeral.

When I was in high school I decided I wanted the Beatles' "Within You Without You" played at mine. I guess I still do. It's still one of my favorite Beatles songs.

The Show Must Go On-Queen
Heat of the Moment-Asia
I'm the Hell Out Of Here-Steve VAi

Someone beat me to Another One Bites the Dust

I was having a similar conversation with a friend, who said that at his wedding he would want the song "stawberry fields forever"-Beatles

"Blue In Green" by Miles Davis.

Still the most gorgeous piece of music I've ever heard.

Life Without You

The Long Day Is Over - Norah Jones
Roll Another Number For The Road - Neil Young

when my dad checked out last year, we hired a really good jazz pianist to play at the service, mainly out of the Ellington songbook. moving as hell to think how much he would have enjoyed it if he could have been there.

me, I'm voting for a New Orleans feel: sad as you want on the way to the cemetery, second-line all the way back. Stackolee, Junco Partner, Big Chief, that kind of thing.

This won!! (click) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V13y7n49yfU) (specially the first and third verse)

0le FUZZY

There's a leak in this old building (old blues spiritual)

Oh, I want to see him (old hymn)

And the Five Blind Boys version of Amazing Grace set to the tune of House of the Rising Sun

Radiohead - How To Disappear Completely
Joni Mitchell - Both Sides Now
Elliott Smith - A Distorted Reality Is Now A Necessity To Be Free
Rory Gallagher - A Million Miles Away
Joby Talbot - March seed capsule
Mogwai - Helicon
Or maybe Queen - Don't Stop Me Now :mrgreen:

nZq_jeYsbTs

I don't know, maybe

"Life'll Kill Ya" by Warren Zevon

or
"The Rocket" - Fred Eaglesmith
"Will You Miss Me" - The Carter Family

perhaps
"Can You Dig It" - The Monkees

BTW best epitath I ever heard of
"I knew if I hung around long enough something like this would happen."

Actually I want a traditional Indian funeral.
You know, they place your rotting corpse on top of some logs, then set it ablaze.
Then YOUR family toses your screaming & kicking wife into the funeral pyre, to spend the rest of enernity with her "beloved".
While the Doors sing "Light My Fire" in the background.
Strange, I actually drempt that last night?

When They Ring Them Golden Bells--Snooks Eaglin, just him and his acoustic guitar

BB King's instrumental version of Darling You Know I Love You from the Live in Japan album. Nothing to do with the title or meaning of the lyrics of the song, as this version is instrumental--just some of the sweetest melodic blues playing you'll ever hear.

In my Last Will And Testament, these specific pieces of music are to be played at my funeral without exception:

"Fantaisie Impromptu" -- Frédéric Chopin
"Who Wants To Live Forever?" -- Queen
"Adagietto" (Fourth movement from Fifth Symphony) -- Gustav Mahler
"Real Good Looking Boy" -- The Who
"Innuendo" -- Queen

I originally wanted a recording of random sound effects to be played. Seriously. I'm not kidding. I just wanted to be sent out with a last touch of incongruous humor. The missus, however, wasn't having any of it. Oh well. :wink:

Joel

amarillo by morning.


or The Office theme song

a medley of theme songs from old sitcoms, including but not limited to "The Golden Girls", "Welcome Back, Kotter", "Family Matters", "Charles In Charge".
have some karaoke, and a cotton candy machine. a bit of awkward fun for the whole family.

One hundred thousand angels - Bliss
Who wants to live forever - Queen
Dante's prayer - Loreena McKennitt

...all great!!!...and to those that have lost loved ones recently,I understand the feelings,as both of my parents passed several years ago...I thought that this thread might be a bit dark,but the reponses have been mostly celebratory,and some hilarious!!!...that said,I'm not sure what I'd like to be played at my funeral/wake,and perhaps that's why I created this thread...

Denis Leary's A@#hole!

I sense some queen fans in the crowd!

"Will There Be Any? ( Up In Heaven)" - Jerry Jeff Walker

The Macarena

I gon't give a ******, I'm dead!

In 1982 a girl I know died of AIDS. When she found out she had Aids she told us she wanted Angel by Hendrix played at her funeral. It was very moving.

My first wife made...actually had me make a tape to be played at her funeral...she passed away in 1992. the tape..its been a while since I listened to it, had Robbie Robertsons "Fallen Angel", Ladysmith Black Mumbassa's (sp?)version of "Amazing Grace", "Julaka's "Scatterings", some Pretenders song I cant recall the name of, "Turn Turn Turn",...Etta James "At Last", "Redemtion Song", "Further Along", Jackson Brownes "Further On".

There were about 90 minutes of songs she had selected. She knew she was going to pass on.....and she went thru our record-tape collection and picked the songs she wanted played when the time came..She joked about it...made sure I wouldnt include a particularly schmatlzy version of "Amazing Grace".We played the tape before and after the actual service. It was very touching.....

Hallelujah by Jeff Buckley. That should have them all crying like babies. :cry:

Here's my list.

Lu2FtVSQK-0
"My way" in the version of Herman Brood.
I don't care about all the other versions of this song, this one is the most chilling of them, the closest Brood ever came to Tom Waits.

Speaking of Tom Waits.
M8TPtN8nNSU
"Tom Traubert's blues" is one of those songs that grabbed me in the nuts when I first heard it. Teaching me the importance of raw emotion (Also the reason for me chosing Herman Brood) this man can make the tears drip from his performance and there aren't much who can do so.

And because I love Jazz I would also like to hear my favorite Jazz Pieces, which are:

CCKKwjDc7h0
and
L_vT1Nemeqs

I'm not Lisa (jessi colter)

(this one requires some twisted thinking!)

About 10 years ago, when my Mom was certain her heart condition would greatly shorten her life, she made a list of songs she wanted played at ther funeral. She died last August, and we played those songs at her funeral - it was almost party-like! That got me thinking, and ten years ago, I made my own list. I don't think things have changed much since then - these are three of the ones that I'd like to have played:

Let All Things Now Living - aka the Ash Grove, an old Welsh hymn that refelects my heritage and attitude

Presence of the Lord - one of the best ever by Clapton and Blind Faith.

Follow Your Dreams - Poco reunited for an album in '89, and this one spoke to me.

Lots of the songs that I want played at my funeral/wake will make some people scratch their head and say "What the hell?", but my friends and family will smile and say "That's him!"

Dean

I want my jam, er, I mean wake to be a jam. I want 'Mountain Jam' at both my wake and funeral.

"Find my way home" Blind Faith
"Mystery Train" Elvis Presley

I hope to find a good version of "Amazing Grace" with guitars.

I also like the idea of making my own recording. Hopefully by the time I die, I'll have written a few songs of my own and recorded them, too.

I also like the Judy Garland "Somewhere over the rainbow".

I hope to find a good version of "Amazing Grace" with guitars.


<click> (http://www.freefilehosting.net/file/?id=rdj1ka/b9g==) :oops:

...I need to digitize the content,but I was given several VHS tapes of a mid-60's gospel show called "TV Gospel Time",that was filmed in the Baltimore/DC area...there's a version performed by a vocal trio,with a guitar player (using a Jazzmaster or Jaguar...I'll have to watch it again to be specific) answering the individual lines with some beautiful chords and single note runs,using the whammy effectively;and it's STUNNING!!!...I've got to find someone who can help me digitize it 'cause it needs to be seen,and heard!!!...

This is quite odd. My wife and I were discussing this very subject just the other day.

My choice: Tear-stained Eye by Son Volt

My wife's choice: Run by Snow Patrol

When my bass player passed away a number of years ago, he had requested that "Turn, Turn, Turn" be played at his funeral mass. In all seriousness, it really was beautiful.


That's really appropriate and beautiful. I'd like Turn Turn Turn, the Byrds version of Farther Along, and John Lennon - Imagine. And The Outlaws' Green Grass and High Tides at the wake.

In 1982 a girl I know died of AIDS. When she found out she had Aids she told us she wanted Angel by Hendrix played at her funeral. It was very moving.
Wow, Mr. Davis. Back in '82 a lot of people where I grew up weren't even aware of AIDS - especially in females. Maybe it's just because of geography, but that's just around, or just before, everyone in that neck of the woods was learning about the disease. Unless, of course, I was just blind to what was going on... which wouldn't be unusual. Sorry about your friend.

...dark,yes,but if you had a choice,what would you have played at your Memorial???


Brotha Iz' Over the rainbow/what a wonderful world medley... perfect songs, perfect voice, and perfect uke.

Tom Waits - Cold Cold Ground
AC/DC - Hells Bells
Bob Dylan - In My Time of Dyin'
Blind Boys of Alabama - Atom Bomb
Frank Zappa - Heavenly Bank Account
:twisted: :twisted: :twisted: :twisted:

I'm sorta surprised nobody sez Red Foley's Peace in the Valley.

Autumn Leaves
Sleepwalk
Didn't He Ramble - traditional New Orleans funeral fare

For a Hymn maybe a good old version of "That Old Rugged Cross". Then follow it with "Better Things" by The Kinks.

I'd want them to play all Mickey Gilley songs so that everyone'd think they came to the wrong funeral.

Pete

I want a wake, too. Hire someone I like, have a couple good bottles of Cognac and everyone can talk about what a SOB I was.

Then y'all can burn all my gear. No you don't get any of it.

CSN "Wasted on the Way"
The Byrds "Bugler"
NRPS "Garden of Eden"

Running To Stand Still-U2
Bad-U2
In My Life-The Beatles

"Sweet Dreams" by Roy.

I've already had the discussion with my wife and kids!

How Lovely is Thy Dwelling Place - Brahms
Riveria Paradise - SRV

I can't believe no one has said:

George HArrison - All Things Must Pass

Also:

Radiohead - No Surprises
Monty Python - Sit On My Face :mrgreen:
Pink Floyd - Fearless
Iron Butterfly - In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida (full version) :twisted:

Oh another...

Fleetwood Mac - Big Love (live).

many times, and the list always gets tweaked. There's a few that are constants, though, and they are mostly traditional.

"Precious Memories" - Emmylou Harris version

"It Is Well With My Soul" - if any are familiar with the story behind this old hymn, it is both heartwrenching and filled with hope. I would want this sung by those in attendance, with piano-only accompaniment.

"Peace In The Valley" - the Elvis Presley version

"Just As I Am" - traditional, another congregational singing

This one: http://youtube.com/watch?v=AO9dbmJ_2zU

And When I Die Laura Nyro
Death Don't Have No Mercy (in this Land) Hot Tuna
Only the Good Die Young
I'll Sleep When I'm Dead Warren Zevon seguing into Sleepwalk by Santo and Johnny

Last they's do that song "Rock and Roll heaven" done by the Righteous Bros. but they'd add a verse where I get to play with Jimi, Jim, Janis, etc. and they'd mention me when they sing, "If there's a rock and roll heaven, they sure have a heckuva band."

FREEBIRD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Just kiddin'. :grin:

I actually do have kind of a running list of songs that I'd want at my service. I've had to play and sing at a lot of funerals for friends and family (too frickin' many IMO), so I've given it some thought from time to time.

Some would definitely be tear-jerkers....
-In My Life (Beatles)
-Here Today (McCartney)
-All Things Must Pass (George Harrison)
-See You In My Dreams (The one that Joe Brown sang at the Concert for George H.)
-Keep Me In Your Heart (Warren Zevon)
-Sleepwalk (Santo & Johnny, or maybe Brian Setzer's version)


Then some kooky, inappropriate (for a funeral anyway) songs to reflect my kooky, inappropriate, ******-disturber sense of humour. For example:
-I'm an A--hole (Denis Leary)
-Maybe a medley of Old Rugged Cross/Iron Man/Amazing Grace/Love Potion Number 9/Revolution number 9, number 9, number 9.....
-Close Up The Honky Tonks (Buck Owens)
-What the heck, throw Freebird back in there.
-Girl On The Billboard (Del Reeves)...just because.
-Living Next Door to Alice by Smokey (And hopefully, the congregation joins in on the "Who the f*** is Alice!?" part in the chorus, as they were more than happy to do it when I was alive.

I guess I'm aiming more for smiles than tears....life's too short not to laugh a bit.

Later...

Rockabilly Funeral by Bill K

No-one has mentioned "He stopped loving her today" yet ?


+1

...In-a Gadda-da-Vida"...the loooooooooooooooooooooooooong version...

...lol

Tom

I thought of this once but I have so many I wouldn't know even if my life depended on it!!:lol:
Now dump me in the Ground with my White 68 Lefty Stratocaster and my BF Deluxe Reverb, I don't think it would all fit!!:rolleyes:

Brotha Iz' Over the rainbow/what a wonderful world medley... perfect songs, perfect voice, and perfect uke.


This would be it:

lUGPYuGn9Jw

Enjoy :)

Good question, very good. Set me to thinking.

For back ground music, while people are filing in and before anything "official" happens, some good, old fashioned, New Orleans style Whore House piano jazz. Nice & quiet, not to disturb the conversations, but with some bounce and presence.

For the "official" music:
1) Shape of Things to Come - Jeff Beck Group
2) Knocking on Heavens Door - Bob and the Grateful Dead
3) Slip Kid - The Who

Other tunes to consider:
Ring of Fire - Johnny Cash
Going Down - Jeff Beck version
Superstitious - Stevie Wonder version

And if I really wanted to cause a ruckus:
Country Porn - Chinga Chavin
Anything by Iggy and the Stooges

Probably Rockabilly Funeral for me... And of course "In My Time of Dying." :razz:

"If I Can Dream" by Elvis.

"Sympathy for the Devil"...he'd have his hands full! :twisted:
Or maybe "In Heaven there ain't no beer" :rolleyes:

Hells Bells - while the people marching in, involving the bells at the site....
Ride on (ac/dc's bluesiest) - while they're marching out....
Have a drink on me - during the feast after....

Great choices folks.I hope we don't hear these songs for a good while yet.

Im choosing Free's SAIL ON and Wilson Pickett's version of SUNNY .But if ya want it to be good for the whole service maybe ya better have a CD with at least 45 minutes of tunes.Maybe I'll request all music and NO preachin

In my Time Of Dying (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kuK1RBXAkOU)

It'd be hard to choose, but here are a few that I wouldn't mind playing...

In my time of dying - Zeppelin
Sleepy Time(off their live album) - Cream

You guys inspired me to get thinking. Here's a Top 10 (plus encore) I posted (with explanations and lyrics) on my blog:

"Precious Lord Take My Hand" (Thomas Dorsey)
"Yesu Azali Awa" (African hymn)
"Forever Young" (Bob Dylan)
"Further On Up the Road" (Bruce Springsteen)
"Keep Me In Your Heart For Awhile" (Warren Zevon)
"How Firm A Foundation" (John Rippon)
"Be Thou My Vision" (Dallan Forgaill)
"Better Things" (the Kinks)
"I Love to Tell the Story" (Katherine Hankey)
"Dust" (D. Hardesty)
And for an encore, "Dear Friend" (Eddie DeGarmo and Dana Key)

My wife says I need to put them all on CD before I go, cause she's not going to take the time after I do.... :cry: :lol:

For my Enjoyment? Nothing, I would Be Dead!!
For the rest of the folks at the Gig?
Something long and winded like Allman brothers Mountain Jam!!
People would be going "come on is this song ever going to end"!

Strange how some of us are thinking along the same lines....

There are 3 songs I would like to have played at my funeral, and 2 of them have already cropped up.

The first would be Emerson, Lake & Palmer's version of "Jerusalem" - I've always liked the hymn, as its not sad but 'moving'.

The second, after the eulogy, would (of course) be Queen's "Who wants to live forever?".

And thirdly, just before they all leave the service, would be my own message to my lovely, long suffering wife.... Joe Brown's version of "I'll see you in my dreams".

After that, they can do whatever they want with me!.....:lol:

We could open with "Knockin' On Heaven's Door ala R. Zimmerman and then maybe some "Highway 61" with Johnny on slide... Maybe a bit of Love Reign O'er Me.

After everyone had their say...

"Cheeseburgers In Paradise" ...J. Buffet.

the end - the doors

Definatly The Highwayman

i have actually thought about this a lot!
and i have a bit of a list...

*"in my life" (the johnny cash version)

*"satisfied mind" (the jeff buckley version)

*"i shall be released" (the joe cocker version)

*"keep me in your heart" by warren zevon

*"wish you were here" by pink floyd

*of COURSE "free bird" by skynyrd

*"lay your burden down" by ben harper and gov't mule

*"a song for you" (the carpenters version)

I Am Weary Let Me Rest, Allison Krauss

BBB, a couple of weeks ago this very subject came up while myself, my wife and kids were having supper. My 14 yr old son also said that he felt 'Wish You Were Here' would be a great song to play at a funeral. Man I tell you it struck myself and the missus as being so funny we almost peed our drawers laughing. Mind you neither of us were familiar with the song but the context of it all just struck us as being so funny. Btw, my son is a huge Pink Floyd fan.

"Sympathy For The Devil", the live version from "Get Yer Ya-Ya's Out!".

Grateful Dead's "Brokedown Palace"

Into the Mystic- Van Morrison
When the Roll is Called Up Yonder- Kelly Joe Phelps' version
Dance on My Grave- Seconds Flat

Stairway To Heaven. :razz:


i was debating between that and heartbreaker:lol:

up until now i thought i was the only one that thought of this...for me it would be the Piano Coda of LAYLA...

Dont care what my family plays as long as the last tune of the day is "One for my Baby" by Sinatra. Says it all.

"Make it one for my baby,
And one more for the road"

welp, if i had to choose i'd want some sad songs
"Watermelon in easter hay" by Zappa
"The End" by the Doors
"In my Life" by the Beatles
"Ride on" By AC/DC


Some songs about what i think of the world (and about me)
"Imagine" by Lennon
"Working Class Hero" by Lennon
"They're Coming to Take Me Away" By napoleon XIV
"Disorder in the House" by Warren Zevon

And cuz i dont want everyone to cry all the time
"Whatever Gets Ya Through the Night" by Lennon
"Highway to Hell" By AC/DC
And a WHOLE lot of Monty python that if i mentioned here i'd get kicked out of the TDPRI :D

My Way - Sid Vicious
Ramble on - Led Zep
Sympathy For The Devil - Stones

"Pilgrim" - Steve Earle
"Farther Along" - Trio (Emmy, Dolly, Ronstadt)
Rainbow/Wonderful World - IZ

Opening song....I dont live today...JHE

Let me stand next to your "fire", All along the watchtower, Strange brew, Boom Boom by John Lee Hooker, and Cash's Folsom prison blues!

I want my funeral to be a big show!

Probably:

BOYS OF SUMMER by Don Henley

FOR THE ROCKER by Jackson Browne

THIS TIME by Los Lobos

in that order.

If I was allowed, a whole New Orleans Jazz Band would the way I want to leave this world.

Failing that:
"Land Ho" The Doors
"Can't you hear me knocking" The Stones.
"Knocking on Heavens Door" Dylan & The Dead
"The Seeker" The Who
"I Can see for Miles" The Who
Close with a selection of gospel tunes by Johnny Cash and The Staple Singers.

Guitar Ed

I got a sick sense of humour, and a motorcycle addiction so....
"Crawling From the Wreckage" by Rockpile.or....
"Motorbikin'" by Chris Spedding, or...

Seriously, I'm for a wake as well. And I do want "Always Look on the Bright Side of Life"

Where the Soul of Man Never Dies--Ricky Scaggs

Goin Down Slow--Howlin' Wolf

"I have had my fun/If I never get well no more"

..."salty dog" - procol harum

-dh

"Everybody loves a loser" by Delaney and Bonnie

46&2 by Tool

Mike

Jump Start My Heart

From Grateful Dead -- Live Dead:

St. Stephen>
The Eleven>
We Bid You Goodnight

I got major shivers writing this.

The Weight-The Band
Dead Flowers-NRPS version
The End-Ryan Adams
It Makes No Difference-The Band
Ripple-Grateful Dead
Midnight Rider-The Allman Brothers Band
Little Wing-Jimi Hendrix
Soulshine-Gov't Mule
Comfortably Numb-Pink Floyd
Bluesky-The Allman Brothers Band
His Eye Is On The Sparrow-Gospel

And at the After-Party, there will be funk.
We want the funk by P-Funk specifically:wink:

DEATH LETTER by SON HOUSE

Start with "long black limousine" by Elvis

Then put on Ragged Glory from Neil Young start to finish so the people can have a good 'ole time :)

Go Rest High On The Mountain - Vince Gill

Ironman
Smoke On The Water
Stairway to Heaven
Dream On

might as well go out with the songs I spent the most time trying to cop the riffs from when I was young.

And after those play, put 'Mountain Jam' on repeat and play it in my mausoleum perpetually, to keep my ashes company.

I Put It In The Right Place ,,but it must have been the wrong time.....DR. JOHN

or maybe,

"Are you dead yet?" by Children of Bodom

I have alrready requested that Eric Idle's (Monty Python fame) Always Look On The Bright Side Of Life is played. I want at least a few smiles I can look down at...or maybe look up at !

Nick Drake - Day Is Done
Sigur Ros - Staralfur
Jeff Buckley - Lilac Wine

It may be boring but Pachelbel's Canon - the very orchestral version used for the theme music for Ordinary People.

And maybe Goodbye to Love . . . . just for that outro one last time.

Vaughan Williams - Fantasia On A Theme By Thomas Tallis.

One of the most moving pieces of music I have ever heard. It is timeless, inspiring and powerfully dynamic. If you have never listened to this you should with headphones on and your eyes closed.

Hey this thread's come up again.


I posted a couple the first time around, I'll add one--Ol Mister Wind by Eddie Hinton

I'm happy to report that I haven't had to apply them yet!

Ok, The Hellecasters' rendition of Orange Blossom Special.
Put the F-U-N in Funeral.

The Bodybreaks - Devendra Banhart

The body stays
And then the body moves on
And I'd really rather not dwell on
When yours will be gone

But within the dark
There is a shine
One tiny spark
That's yours and mine

After the minister says, "Oh my God, he's breathing," I want them to play When the Saints go Marching in.

Going Down the Road Feeling Bad.

People Get Ready

Ashokan Farewell - Jay Ungar
Farewell - Sergio Assad
Greensleeves - Francis Cutting version
Whiskey Lullaby - Brad Paisley - Alison Krauss
All These Years - Sawyer Brown

- The thrill is gone - BB -
- Funeral for a friend - Elton John -
- Us and Them - Pink Floyd -

It's Party Time - The Easters
Heaven - Los Lonely Boys
Cold Shot - SRV

....six strings down.

Wot a bloody depressing question:shock:

In my Last Will And Testament, these specific pieces of music are to be played at my funeral without exception:

"Fantaisie Impromptu" -- Frédéric Chopin
"Who Wants To Live Forever?" -- Queen
"Adagietto" (Fourth movement from Fifth Symphony) -- Gustav Mahler
"Real Good Looking Boy" -- The Who
"Innuendo" -- Queen

I originally wanted a recording of random sound effects to be played. Seriously. I'm not kidding. I just wanted to be sent out with a last touch of incongruous humor. The missus, however, wasn't having any of it. Oh well. :wink:

Joel

P.S. I've since amended my LW&T to include Chris Isaak and Silvertone's "Gone Ridin'" to close the funeral service as the funeral directors roll my (empty*) casket away. Seriously. (Ain't that cool?)

*I'm actually going to be cremated ASAP after the doctor calls the time of death; however, I have explicit instructions that my wife and/or family rent a casket for my funeral. Any self-respecting U.S. Southerner knows you can't have a proper Southern funeral without a casket. For better or worse, eulogizing over a pedestaled urn just don't make it here, nor do memorial services, really. (Here, a memorial service isn't even remotely close to the same thing as a funeral.) Hey--call me a traditionalist, or call me a vain hick. Why, you can even call me a traditionalist vain hick or a vain hick traditionalist. Just don't call the roll up yonder without me there. :razz:

Joel

"Don't you forget about me" - Simple Minds

"Tube'n" - Redd Volkaert

Dave

"City Boy" by Keb Mo
"When I Get Where I'm Going" Brad Paisley
"Honky Tonk Heroes" Waylon
"Every Time I Roll the Dice" Delbert
"Mama Screw Your Wig On Tight" Lee Roy Parnell and the Hot Links
"Burn Down the Trailer Park" Paul Thorn
"Mission Temple Fireworks Stand" Paul Thorn
"We All Fall Down" Bekka Bramlett
"Almost Home" Vince Gill
"Use the Blues" T Graham Brown
"No Next Time" Allison Moorer
"I'll Break Before I'll Bend" Allison Moorer
"Who Will the Next Fool Be" Lee Roy Parnell and Shelby Lynne
"Whispering Pines" The Band

Will the circle be unbroken- Neville Brothers

Rocky Racoon

eternal life (live version)- jeff buckley
may you never- john martyn
hot wired- brent mason
they're gonna taste great- the frosties advert kid
wish you were here- pink floyd

Hound Dog Taylor playing the Beer Barrel Polka.

"Not Dark Yet" - Bob Dylan

I heard this driving home the day after my father died last Christmas - I'll never forget it. I played it along with several other of my Dad's favorite recordings at his memorial. R.I.P. Hank!

When I Get Where I'm Going

For the procession past my casket I would like Boots Randolph's Yakety Sax played. I want the mortician to place a smile on my lips.

Fight The Good Fight by Triumph. I played it at my son's funeral ,and the lyrical content summed up his physical struggles during his 54 short days on this planet. The song is upbeat and urges everyone to "Fight The Good Fight."

I always wanted Shine A Light from the Rolling Stones Exile On Main St but I don't think you can have religious songs in non religious ceremonies. My Mum wants Sittin On the Dock of the Bay which is a great choice. I'm hoping I still have a fair few years to decide but it'd be nice for one of my recordings to be played.

I got two:

First, "O God Our help In Ages Past" because it is beautiful and one of my favorite hymns.

Second, "Freebird" because it rocks and I hope that when the heavy duty mourning is over, someone will be inspired to do a keg stand.

Sweet Leaf

1)I wish you love... Frank Sinatra
2)Pennies from heaven Lou Donaldson
3)I'll be seeing you Tony Bennett

I see trees of green........ red roses too
I see em bloom..... for me and for you
And I think to myself.... what a wonderful world.

I see skies of blue..... clouds of white
Bright blessed days....dark sacred nights
And I think to myself .....what a wonderful world.

I never thought about this before.

Actually, I wasn't really planning on being there!

"People Get ready" Jeff Beck/ Rod Stewart
or maybe "I'm goin' Down" Jeff Beck

I want 'em to hear what I'd be capable of playing at that time.

Silence.

-One for sure is the same one I picked for my Mom's funeral when she passed away this past February. Israel Kamakawiwo's "Over The Rainbow."

L8R,
Matt D.

Piano only version of Let It Be. There's something very spiritual there.
After everyone goes home, loosens their tie and has a beer I'd hope they would listen to Pat Green's 'Songs About Texas' and remember me. UUUUUMMM texas soul....

Bless yer heart TelecasterBlooz. Been there, haven't quite gotten back yet.

...or highway to hell

My mother, now 89, always loved Pavarotti’s version of “Ave Maria”. Last year, she told me she’d like to have it played at her funeral. A few days after Pavarotti died last month, I finally got the nerve to buy the CD, for when the time comes. It’s always been an emotional song for me, given its context in my life. So, this thread topic has been on my mind lately.

A few months ago, I was asked to play guitar at the funeral for a member of my church congregation. It was the first time I ever did that. He was a young man, leaving a wife and three young children. Afterwards, the family and friends thanked me and it was very moving, made me realize how important music can be in those situations.

As for me, nothing specific yet, but I’d gladly choose many of the songs that folks suggested on this thread. I’d probably go with some representation of tunes from all the music styles that I’ve loved to play over the years: blues, roots, traditional, country, rockabilly, jazz, etc. Some upbeat, some contemplative. Maybe even throw in that Monty Python tune just for fun, when they least expect it.

This thread sure got me thinking … it helped to distill what’s really important musically, which is a good thing to know when one is still alive and playing !

Where's my dang guitar ???

Rockabilly Funeral, of course.

Then, Always Look On The Bright Side Of Life.

Don't know...
Maybe "Night Train" or Danny Gatton's "Sky King".

Tear Stained Eye by Son Volt. I've known from the first time I heard it that I wanted this played at my funeral.

Walking down Main Street
Getting to know the concrete
Looking for a purpose from a neon sign
I would meet you anywhere the western sun meets the air
We'll hit the road, never looking behind
Can you deny, there's nothing greater
Nothing more than the traveling hands of time?
Sainte Genevieve can hold back the water
But saints don't bother with a tear stained eye
Seeing traces of the scars that came before
Hitting the pavement still asking for more
When the hours don't move along,
Worn-out wood and familiar songs
To hear your voice is not enough
It's more than a shame
Can you deny, there's nothing greater
Nothing more than the traveling hands of time?
Sainte Genevieve can hold back the water
But saints don't bother with a tear stained eye
Like the man said, rode hard and put away wet
Throw away the bad news, and put it to rest
If learning is living, and the truth is a state of mind
You'll find it's better at the end of the line.
Can you deny, there's nothing greater
Nothing more than the traveling hands of time?
Sainte Genevieve can hold back the water
But saints don't bother with a tear stained eye.

No one has grabbed "Can't Put Your Arms Around a Memory" by my boy Johnny Thunders?...dibs!! Acoustic version, please...go to the light, Frank...go to the liiiiiggghhhhttttt....:cry:

my way by the king

and on my tombstone i want it to read "what are you lookin' at?"

"For a rocker" - Jackson Browne

I have a compilation of stuff that I would like played...

It'll be a good party!

Hmm? Surprised no one has suggested Joe Diffie's, "Prop Me Up Beside The Jukebox."

The Manamana Song

KC9FtLQJoGM

...dark,yes,but if you had a choice,what would you have played at your Memorial???

Something loud enough to wake the dead!! :mrgreen:

"The Angels Wanna Wear My Red Shoes" by Elvis Costello. The most lighthearted song about death I know.

Mozarts Clarinet concerto

...because I'll be DEAD!

/ Tony

(But if anyone comes to my funeral, I want some music that will make them feel calm and strong. It's not about me anymore, it's about them.)

I think I would like to have Taylor Swift's three Grandchildren sing at my Funeral.:lol: Lets see, she's 18 now and single... hmmm....?


I plan to have these songs burned to CD's given to folks at my very short funeral to remember me on the way home or to the Continental Club or whereever they are headed.

Several of the songs on my list have already been mentioned.....

Home Grown Tomatoes - Guy Clark
I'm Gonna Live Forever - Billy Joe Shaver (without Big and Rich thanks)
Texas - Chris Rhea
Tubin' Redd Volkaert
Riviera Paradise - Stevie Ray Vaughan
People Get Ready - Jeff Beck/Rod Stewart
Funny How Time Slips Away - Willie Nelson
Angel Flying to Close to the Ground - Willie Nelson
Let the Mystery Be - Iris Dement
For the Good Times - Ray Price
Have I Told You lately That I Love You - Van Morrison
Somebody Loan Me a Dime - Boz Scaggs
Always on my Mind - Wilie Nelson
Who's gonna Drive You Home - The Cars

Lost_N_Austin

" See that my grave is kept clean ", by Blind Lemon Jefferson

Do You Realize? (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6tRXO9Q8LkY)

among others

I would like this type of funeral

w0s3NdfVpOE

Something played by my friends musicians who go to New Orleans every year for the Mardi Gras

And ask a girl I know to sing "Amazing Grace" if you want to keep me happy...

AXV6HJxUebg

"Farewell Party" by one of my favorite country vocalists, Gene Watson (and have dedicated to one little lady)

Then, I would like them to play the song that Waylon did that pretty much sums up my life: "I've Always Been Crazy"

Willin' (original version with ry on slide)

excellent choice.

"Shine a Light" - The Rolling Stones



... Wait! or maybe "We'll meet again" - by Vera Lynn.... Hmm... Wait! the version by Johnny Cash isn't bad either.
Or... What about "Let's go away for awhile", or "I just wasn't made for this time" -Beach Boys... Errrr. Not sure. Think I'll wait before I die

cheers

...as people are entering where the memorial service is to be performed,there has to be a mix-tape of music,as,for the sake of assumption,the specific songs,already mentioned,would be part of the formal presentation...you get to be the Dj!!!...what will they hear as they gather for the event???...participate,or not,but man,in my mind,that's not a whimsical project...every tune has to be intimately,and viciously RIGHT!!!...what say ye o' hale and hearty!?!?!?...

How about Springsteen's "The Rising"?

Or Freddie King's "Going Down"

Depending on where headed :) heheh

...here are the many response's previously posted...

'smells like teen spirit' by Take That or 'sex on fire' by Kings of Leon

'Always Look On The Bright Side of Life': Monty Python

'Always Look On The Bright Side of Life': Monty Python

...twisted DMace...

for the beauty of the earth

"Expecting to Fly" by the Buffalo Springfield.

My sincere condolences to all of Dewey's many friends, family and other fans and admirers.

Rest in Peace.

Always Look On The Bright Side of Life: Monty Python
Cheese Burger in Paradise: Jimmy Buffett
Death of an unpopular poet: Jimmy Buffett
Ordinary average guy: Joe Walsh
Hootchie Cootchie Man: Muddy Waters
Ride On: AC/DC
That old Black Magic: Frank Sinatra


They all mean something to me, and I think would make a great mix.

...twisted DMace...
If you can't laugh at your own funeral, what can you laugh at? :lol:

When I Get Where I'm Going - Brad Paisley/Dolly Parton
Free Bird - Skynyrd

Think of Me... Sarah Brightman
Highwayman...The Highwaymen
Amazing Grace...Rod Stewart

Since I am a Tommy Bolin guy it would have to be "Someday will bring our love home" and I would have tears myself listing to this great song!!! I hope that I would RIP.

Imagine by John Lennon

st james infirmary by louis armstrong...just always loved that and a southern boy wants to hear the night they drove old dixie down one more time

There's a man I love like a brother. We're actually the brothers we chose instead of the siblings we were stuck with through childbirth.

We swore to each other that we would play The Odds' "The Last Drink" at our funeral, whomever went first.

I just hope I go first.

"Viva Viagra" 'cause I'll be stiff.

I'd want them to spin my Top 10 one more time-

Led Zeppelin: "Rock 'N Roll"
Eddie Cochran: "Something Else"
The Who: "You Better You Bet"
Black Sabbath: "Supernaut"
Leadbelly: "Matchbox Blues"
Jimi Hendrix: "If 6 Was 9"
Lee "Scratch" Perry: "Revelation Dub"
Chuck Berry: "Rock And Roll Music"
Link Wray: "Rumble"
Bob Dylan: "Most Likely You Go Your Way And I'll Go Mine"

Terrapin Station & Thunder Road :)

PK

Wasn't it a Party or Heaven's just a Sin Away

As for me, I once told a friend I wanted Ani DiFranco's version of When I'm Gone (Phil Ochs).

On a similar note, there's a Boston artist, Chris Trapper that has a song about his uncle's wish for when he passed. The song is called Keg On My Coffin. Check it out, awesome lyrics, funny and heartwarming, and sad all at once:

NFGfwPEFM7k

I think it was a song by Martin Mull called...
"Lord, I've played some sh&tholes, but this one takes the cake...":lol:

"When I Get To Where I'm Goin" by the one and only Brad Paisley. "Go Rest High (On that mountain)" by Brother Vince Gill. "Fight The Good Fight" by Triumph.

feel like going home by charlie rich, the demo version after that burn me up... tj

Adagio for Strings by Samuel Barber
Moonlight Serenade by Glenn Miller
Smile (the 70's live version) by Clapton - Smile though your heart is aching.... always brings a tear to my eye when I hear it but it seems so appropriate for trying to bring some cheer to mourners
Going Home (theme from Local Hero) by Dire Straits - one of my favourite pieces of music of all time - and a fantastic film as well!!!

And finally, Three Little Birds by Bob Marley - Don't worry 'bout a thing, cos every little thing gonna be alright. To make people stop and think that life goes on regardless.

I actually have this list with my personal instructions.
When I Get Where I’m Going – Brad Paisley/ DollyParton
We’ll Meet Again – Johnny Cash
Lead Me Gently Home – Johnny Cash
One of These Days – FFH (Far From Home)
Photograph – Ringo Starr
Presence of the Lord – Eric Clapton
I Shall Be Released – The Band
I’ll Fly Away – Allison Krauss
How Great Thou Art – Elvis Presley
Keep Me In Your Heart – Warren Zevon
My Ride’s Here – Warren Zevon

Brokenhearts Are For *******s.

Frank Zappa

I want to go out to 'You Gotta Move' by Mississippi Fred McDowell. Musn't forget 'Going Down Slow' by Howlin Wolf.

There goes Ezy
Ezy Ryder
Ridin down the highway of desire
He says the free wind
takes him higher
Tryin to find his heaven above
but he's dyin to be loved

He's tellin me livin
is so magic
Something is forever
so he claims
He's talkin' bout lyin
it's so tragic baby
But don't you worry bout today
we got freedom comin' our way

How long
do you
think he is gonna last
carryin' out on a gas

See all the others say
"do what you please"
Gotta get the brothers together
and the right to be free
In a cloud of angel dust
I think I see me a freak
Hey motorcycle mama
you gonna marry me? ha,ha

I'll be stone crazy
love comin in at you
Stone crazy baby

Muddy Water's version of Goin' Down Slow

I made a list about 25 years ago. I'll have to try and find it. I know its at home somewhere. Music for when I'm in The Box.

" Happy" by the Stones. I would also request that all the attedees make a drinking game of it. Every time Keef sings " Happy " the attendees would have to drink. Why not, I am dead, who am I going to offend?

-Anybody's good version of Key to the Highway
Dave Bromberg's version of Dyin' Crap Shooters Blues
Some recordings of my own playing, accompanied by the quote, "...see I told ya I'd never live long enough to play really well...!"

"I Want A Rockbilly Funeral When I Die" - Bill Kirchen

Journey Thru the Past..........Neil Young....

"Will I still be in your eyes and on your mind?"

End Of The Line Traveling Wilburys
You Gotta Move Rolling Stones

The Shaving Cream song by Tom T. Hall

They can do what they like, but I just don't want any boo hooing. I want the good times remembered, with lots of love and laughter.

This one is my choice

Doesn't get any better than this for a laugh

05beIXeAi2s

I'll side with those who would rather have a party-atmosphere wake... I've been a maudlin SOB most of my life, so I need to cut my family and friends some slack at least once!

That said, the one gotta-play song, is "Dead Man's Party" by Oingo Boingo.

"It's a dead man's party
Who could ask for more
Everybody's coming
Leave your body at the door"

Oh what the hell, throw in "Don't Fear The Reaper" by Blue Oyster Cult for good measure. :twisted:

BTW... the urn containing my ashes should come in at least 15 or 20 minutes after the party starts. I'm often told I'll be late for my own funeral, and so it shall be! :mrgreen:

Amazing Grace
In the Garden

I hope they just put on Bob Wills & the Texas Playboys "Tiffanies Vol. II" and let it play.

Ohh--"The Highwayman" is a great choice.

I was thinking of a couple old Byrds tunes--"Turn Turn Turn" or "We'll Meet Again"

Don't know why, but "Tears Of Rage" or "I Shall Be Released" by the Band would fit me too.



Yes, The Byrds.... For some reason, "The Bells Of Rhymney" is echong in my brain...

The Dyin' Crapshooter's Blues by Willie McTell.

"I want 9 men goin' to the graveyard,
and only 8 men comin' back."

Little Wing... Vaughan style!