Source: (consider it)
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Thread: "Another one bites the dust" and other funeral songs
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balaam
Making an ass of myself
# 4543
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Posted
Lennon's Imagine has been banned from funerals on grounds of taste.
Its the line, "Imagine there's no heaven" that they don't like.
From the list I'd ban "My Way" as it glorifies arrogance.
But worse things have been suggested:
Smoke gets in your eyes at a cremation. If you're happy and you know it clap your hands. Another one bites the dust.
I'd like to have the military march "Blaze Away" played at my cremation, as the coffin goes through the curtain, but I doubt it would be allowed.
What inapropriate songs have you heard at a funeral, or if your a minister, what tunes have you turned down.
Or what tunes would you like which others may not deem appropriate?
-------------------- Last ever sig ...
blog
Posts: 9049 | From: Hen Ogledd | Registered: May 2003
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Welease Woderwick
Sister Incubus Nightmare
# 10424
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Posted
Who remembers the BBC programme about an actor called Terry dying of HIV/AIDS complications in the mid 80s? He was carried into the crem to There's no business like show business and then had a friend hide out of sight who, after the curtains had closed, put a gloved hand through to wave goodbye.
Bad taste or a bit of fun?
Your choice.
-------------------- I give thanks for unknown blessings already on their way. Fancy a break in South India? Accessible Homestay Guesthouse in Central Kerala, contact me for details What part of Matt. 7:1 don't you understand?
Posts: 48139 | From: 1st on the right, straight on 'til morning | Registered: Sep 2005
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Caissa
Shipmate
# 16710
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Posted
I had joked in my bachelor days that I would have "Another Bites the Dust" played as my wedding recessional.
I am hoping to have at least one U2 song played at my funeral.
Posts: 972 | From: Saint John, N.B. | Registered: Oct 2011
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Pigwidgeon
Ship's Owl
# 10192
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Posted
quote: Originally posted by Caissa: I am hoping to have at least one U2 song played at my funeral.
Me too. I have yet to decide which one.
-------------------- "...that is generally a matter for Pigwidgeon, several other consenting adults, a bottle of cheap Gin and the odd giraffe." ~Tortuf
Posts: 9835 | From: Hogwarts | Registered: Aug 2005
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Higgs Bosun
Shipmate
# 16582
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Posted
quote: Originally posted by Welease Woderwick: Who remembers the BBC programme about an actor called Terry dying of HIV/AIDS complications in the mid 80s? He was carried into the crem to There's no business like show business and then had a friend hide out of sight who, after the curtains had closed, put a gloved hand through to wave goodbye.
Bad taste or a bit of fun?
Your choice.
That reminds me of the Dave Allen sketch (70's I guess). At the funeral of an actor, the coffin rolled away, and the curtains closed. Someone started to clap, and others joined in. The coffin reappeared for a curtain call.
Posts: 313 | From: Near the Tidal Thames | Registered: Aug 2011
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Lord Jestocost
Shipmate
# 12909
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Posted
quote: Originally posted by Pigwidgeon: quote: Originally posted by Caissa: I am hoping to have at least one U2 song played at my funeral.
Me too. I have yet to decide which one.
The Unforgettable Fire?
Posts: 761 | From: The Instrumentality of Man | Registered: Aug 2007
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Pigwidgeon
Ship's Owl
# 10192
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Posted
quote: Originally posted by Lord Jestocost: quote: Originally posted by Pigwidgeon: quote: Originally posted by Caissa: I am hoping to have at least one U2 song played at my funeral.
Me too. I have yet to decide which one.
The Unforgettable Fire?
Well, I do plan to be cremated. But cremations aren't public here.
-------------------- "...that is generally a matter for Pigwidgeon, several other consenting adults, a bottle of cheap Gin and the odd giraffe." ~Tortuf
Posts: 9835 | From: Hogwarts | Registered: Aug 2005
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Caissa
Shipmate
# 16710
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Posted
Where the Streets Have No Names would be my first choice.
Posts: 972 | From: Saint John, N.B. | Registered: Oct 2011
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Bene Gesserit
Shipmate
# 14718
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Posted
Oddly enough, we were talking about this very subject over coffee at work today...
Suggestions included (other than those already mentioned in this thread):
Living in a box
Hey you, get off my cloud
Fire
Great balls of fire...
-------------------- Sancta Maria, Mater Dei, ora pro nobis peccatoribus
Posts: 405 | From: Flatlands of the East | Registered: Apr 2009
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Trisagion
Shipmate
# 5235
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Posted
Colours of Day always seems inappropriate at crematoria - the chorus begins: "So light up the fire and let the flame burn...."
My first ever funeral - which I celebrated at short-notice for a colleague who was taken ill - ended with "These boots were made for walking". To this day I have no idea why it was chosen or why anyone thought it appropriate.
-------------------- ceterum autem censeo tabula delenda esse
Posts: 3923 | Registered: Nov 2003
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JoannaP
Shipmate
# 4493
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Posted
quote: Originally posted by balaam: Lennon's Imagine has been banned from funerals on grounds of taste.
Its the line, "Imagine there's no heaven" that they don't like.
Having been at a funeral where it was played, I can sympathise. It was the funeral of a young man who had committed suicide and I was consoling myself with the thought that he was now free from pain and whatever had been troubling him - and then "Imagine" was played; it just seemed so bleak and devoid of hope in the context.
-------------------- "Freedom for the pike is death for the minnow." R. H. Tawney (quoted by Isaiah Berlin)
"Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety." Benjamin Franklin
Posts: 1877 | From: England | Registered: May 2003
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Mama Thomas
Shipmate
# 10170
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Posted
"Knock, knock, knocking on heaven's door" would work.
"And I will always love you" would have the mourners gagging on its snappiness which might be fun.
Want to creep out the congo? How about "I've Got You Undet My Skin?"
-------------------- All hearts are open, all desires known
Posts: 3742 | From: Somewhere far away | Registered: Aug 2005
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Ann
Curious
# 94
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Posted
The suggestion of Colours of Day for cremation is what got me hooked on the ship in the first place!
I also remember a thread some years ago when someone had found an online listing of the music available at a crem - with such gems as Hole in the Ground and Wish me Luck as you Wave me Goodbye.
-------------------- Ann
Posts: 3271 | From: IO 91 PI | Registered: May 2001
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Og, King of Bashan
Ship's giant Amorite
# 9562
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Posted
quote: Originally posted by JoannaP: quote: Originally posted by balaam: Lennon's Imagine has been banned from funerals on grounds of taste.
Its the line, "Imagine there's no heaven" that they don't like.
Having been at a funeral where it was played, I can sympathise. It was the funeral of a young man who had committed suicide and I was consoling myself with the thought that he was now free from pain and whatever had been troubling him - and then "Imagine" was played; it just seemed so bleak and devoid of hope in the context.
I was at a funeral for a young person who was fond of classic rock, and we ended up hearing "Wish You Were Here" over the slideshow. Another one that should have been calculated to be more depressing than anything.
On a lighter note, I always got a chuckle out of the classmate that suggested that he wanted a setting of "Turn Back oh Man" at his wedding.
-------------------- "I like to eat crawfish and drink beer. That's despair?" ― Walker Percy
Posts: 3259 | From: Denver, Colorado, USA | Registered: May 2005
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Pigwidgeon
Ship's Owl
# 10192
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Posted
quote: Originally posted by Og, King of Bashan: On a lighter note, I always got a chuckle out of the classmate that suggested that he wanted a setting of "Turn Back oh Man" at his wedding.
You were a classmate of my ex-husband? (He often suggested that. Too bad he didn't turn back before our wedding.)
-------------------- "...that is generally a matter for Pigwidgeon, several other consenting adults, a bottle of cheap Gin and the odd giraffe." ~Tortuf
Posts: 9835 | From: Hogwarts | Registered: Aug 2005
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Hedgehog
Ship's Shortstop
# 14125
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Posted
quote: Originally posted by Mama Thomas: "Knock, knock, knocking on heaven's door" would work.
Played as the second song, of course. Right after "Stairway to Heaven."
-------------------- "We must regain the conviction that we need one another, that we have a shared responsibility for others and the world, and that being good and decent are worth it."--Pope Francis, Laudato Si'
Posts: 2740 | From: Delaware, USA | Registered: Sep 2008
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balaam
Making an ass of myself
# 4543
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Posted
quote: Originally posted by Hedgehog: quote: Originally posted by Mama Thomas: "Knock, knock, knocking on heaven's door" would work.
Played as the second song, of course. Right after "Stairway to Heaven."
Third song, "Mama told me not to come."
-------------------- Last ever sig ...
blog
Posts: 9049 | From: Hen Ogledd | Registered: May 2003
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BessLane
Shipmate
# 15176
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Posted
I just attended a funeral where they played Kid Rock's Only God Knows Why. The problem was they used the not-radio-safe version so we got treated to the f-bomb being dropped in the local Baptist church. I about wet myself trying not to laugh out loud since it was so perfectly in keeping with the personality of the woman who's life we were celebrating.
-------------------- It's all on me and I won't tell it. formerly BessHiggs
Posts: 1388 | From: Yorkville, TN | Registered: Sep 2009
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Jigsaw
Shipmate
# 11433
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Posted
A friend had The Jam's "Going Underground" at his funeral.
-------------------- You are not alone in this.
Posts: 743 | From: Snorbens, UK | Registered: May 2006
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Pigwidgeon
Ship's Owl
# 10192
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Posted
quote: Originally posted by Hedgehog: quote: Originally posted by Mama Thomas: "Knock, knock, knocking on heaven's door" would work.
Played as the second song, of course. Right after "Stairway to Heaven."
I attended a funeral for a recording engineer who had made a recording of all the music he wanted played at his funeral reception. I loved that he included "Stairway to Heaven."
-------------------- "...that is generally a matter for Pigwidgeon, several other consenting adults, a bottle of cheap Gin and the odd giraffe." ~Tortuf
Posts: 9835 | From: Hogwarts | Registered: Aug 2005
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Piglet
Islander
# 11803
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Posted
D. once had to play for the funeral of someone quite prominent and was specifically asked to play Thank heaven for little girls and I could have danced all night.
He obliged, but said he felt a right berk as the congregation didn't know that they'd been requested and probably wondered what the hell he was playing at.
-------------------- I may not be on an island any more, but I'm still an islander. alto n a soprano who can read music
Posts: 20272 | From: Fredericton, NB, on a rather larger piece of rock | Registered: Sep 2006
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Laud-able
Ship's Ancient
# 9896
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Posted
Noël Coward’s ‘I’ll see you again’, which was the postlude at St Paul’s, Covent Garden, for the funeral of a friend.
-------------------- '. . . "Non Angli, sed Angeli" "not Angels, but Anglicans"', Sellar, W C, and Yeatman, R J, 1066 and All That, London, 1930, p. 6.
Posts: 279 | From: Melbourne, Australia | Registered: Jul 2005
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Dennis the Menace
Shipmate
# 11833
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Posted
This morning I played for a funeral and the hymn requested was Amazing Grace. 120 people in the church and no one but our Rev sang. At least Igot paid!!!
-------------------- "Till we cast our crowns before Him; Lost in wonder, love, and praise."
Posts: 853 | From: Newcastle NSW Australia | Registered: Sep 2006
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comet
Snowball in Hell
# 10353
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Posted
Goodbye, Earl
Or I used to love her, but I had to kill her
and for a cremation, BOC's Burning for You
i'm planning to have I'm Coming Out played from within my casket.
-------------------- Evil Dragon Lady, Breaker of Men's Constitutions
"It's hard to be religious when certain people are never incinerated by bolts of lightning.” -Calvin
Posts: 17024 | From: halfway between Seduction and Peril | Registered: Sep 2005
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Kelly Alves
Bunny with an axe
# 2522
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Posted
Oh, Jeez, the title made me laugh out loud.
OK, another one for my SOF Meet/ Wake-- if I do manage to die of cancer, please play
this.
-------------------- I cannot expect people to believe “ Jesus loves me, this I know” of they don’t believe “Kelly loves me, this I know.” Kelly Alves, somewhere around 2003.
Posts: 35076 | From: Pura Californiana | Registered: Mar 2002
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bib
Shipmate
# 13074
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Posted
When the patriarch of the garbage truck owners died, I was asked to play "My old man's a dustman". At another funeral as the coffin disappeared behind the curtain, the family requested 'The Happy Wanderer' and everyone sang the valderee, valderah etc. I got the giggles. I've requested 'Wish me luck as you wave me goodbye' to be sung as the coffin leaves the church, as I'd like to go with everyone smiling.
-------------------- "My Lord, my Life, my Way, my End, accept the praise I bring"
Posts: 1307 | From: Australia | Registered: Oct 2007
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Kelly Alves
Bunny with an axe
# 2522
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Posted
quote: Originally posted by bib: At another funeral as the coffin disappeared behind the curtain, the family requested 'The Happy Wanderer' and everyone sang the valderee, valderah etc.
OK, I changed my mind...
-------------------- I cannot expect people to believe “ Jesus loves me, this I know” of they don’t believe “Kelly loves me, this I know.” Kelly Alves, somewhere around 2003.
Posts: 35076 | From: Pura Californiana | Registered: Mar 2002
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Albertus
Shipmate
# 13356
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Posted
quote: Originally posted by Laud-able: Noël Coward’s ‘I’ll see you again’, which was the postlude at St Paul’s, Covent Garden, for the funeral of a friend.
That's rather lovely, and of course Harry Williams said, didn't he, that 'nowadays I find God more and more in the songs of Noel Coward'.
-------------------- My beard is a testament to my masculinity and virility, and demonstrates that I am a real man. Trouble is, bits of quiche sometimes get caught in it.
Posts: 6498 | From: Y Sowth | Registered: Jan 2008
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comet
Snowball in Hell
# 10353
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Posted
Kelly- clean out your PM box. And yes, i have all sorts of sick humor planned. If I ever get married again, the ceremony will be even worse!
-------------------- Evil Dragon Lady, Breaker of Men's Constitutions
"It's hard to be religious when certain people are never incinerated by bolts of lightning.” -Calvin
Posts: 17024 | From: halfway between Seduction and Peril | Registered: Sep 2005
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Emendator Liturgia
Shipmate
# 17245
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Posted
quote: Originally posted by balaam:
From the list I'd ban "My Way" as it glorifies arrogance.
In this matter at least you're a soul mate of +Peter, Archbishop of Sydney. He made a similar statement just the other week. The tirade against him in the popular press was enormous, along the lines of "They want to tell us how to live, now they even want to tell us how to be buried!"
-------------------- Don't judge all Anglicans in Sydney by prevailing Diocesan standards!
Posts: 401 | From: Sydney, Australia | Registered: Jul 2012
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Spike
Mostly Harmless
# 36
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Posted
quote: Originally posted by Trisagion: My first ever funeral - which I celebrated at short-notice for a colleague who was taken ill - ended with "These boots were made for walking". To this day I have no idea why it was chosen or why anyone thought it appropriate.
Because the deceased happened to like it? Playing someone's favourite piece of music at their funeral seems a quite common thing to do. It doesn't necessarily have to be "relevant" to the situation.
-------------------- "May you get to heaven before the devil knows you're dead" - Irish blessing
Posts: 12860 | From: The Valley of Crocuses | Registered: May 2001
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Zappa
Ship's Wake
# 8433
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Posted
quote: Originally posted by Emendator Liturgia: quote: Originally posted by balaam:
From the list I'd ban "My Way" as it glorifies arrogance.
In this matter at least you're a soul mate of +Peter, Archbishop of Sydney. He made a similar statement just the other week. The tirade against him in the popular press was enormous, along the lines of "They want to tell us how to live, now they even want to tell us how to be buried!"
I have allowed it at a funeral or two, but regret it, and agree with Jensen. I don't think that happens often.
I vetoed a Casey Chambers song, "we're all gonna die some day" not for its 'ethic' bit for its crescendo final line, kiss your arse goodbye, Lord, cos we're all gonna die some day'. I was nearly run out of town (wankydilla).
"I love to have a beer with Duncan" was a great one at a funeral Kuruman took.
-------------------- shameless self promotion - because I think it's worth it and mayhap this too: http://broken-moments.blogspot.co.nz/
Posts: 18917 | From: "Central" is all they call it | Registered: Sep 2004
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balaam
Making an ass of myself
# 4543
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Posted
quote: Originally posted by Emendator Liturgia: quote: Originally posted by balaam:
From the list I'd ban "My Way" as it glorifies arrogance.
In this matter at least you're a soul mate of +Peter, Archbishop of Sydney.
That's almost enough to make me change my mind about it.
Almost.
-------------------- Last ever sig ...
blog
Posts: 9049 | From: Hen Ogledd | Registered: May 2003
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David Powell
Apprentice
# 5545
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Posted
When asked what music should be played at their funeral, a friend said "Oh I don't know, surprise me!"
Posts: 41 | From: London UK | Registered: Feb 2004
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comet
Snowball in Hell
# 10353
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Posted
Actually, speaking of BOC (well i was!) Don't Fear The Reaper is also a good choice.
-------------------- Evil Dragon Lady, Breaker of Men's Constitutions
"It's hard to be religious when certain people are never incinerated by bolts of lightning.” -Calvin
Posts: 17024 | From: halfway between Seduction and Peril | Registered: Sep 2005
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Marvin the Martian
Interplanetary
# 4360
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Posted
quote: Originally posted by Mama Thomas: "Knock, knock, knocking on heaven's door" would work.
The Guns 'N' Roses version, of course!
quote: Originally posted by comet: and for a cremation, BOC's Burning for You
If we're talking BOC then surely Don't Fear The Reaper has to be the song of choice!
[damn you crossposts!] [ 16. October 2012, 11:04: Message edited by: Marvin the Martian ]
-------------------- Hail Gallaxhar
Posts: 30100 | From: Adrift on a sea of surreality | Registered: Apr 2003
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comet
Snowball in Hell
# 10353
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Posted
Beatcha to it!
-------------------- Evil Dragon Lady, Breaker of Men's Constitutions
"It's hard to be religious when certain people are never incinerated by bolts of lightning.” -Calvin
Posts: 17024 | From: halfway between Seduction and Peril | Registered: Sep 2005
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Caissa
Shipmate
# 16710
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Posted
I suppose there is Chris DeBurgh's Don't Pay the Ferryman.
Posts: 972 | From: Saint John, N.B. | Registered: Oct 2011
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The Intrepid Mrs S
Shipmate
# 17002
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Posted
quote: Originally posted by David Powell: When asked what music should be played at their funeral, a friend said "Oh I don't know, surprise me!"
Mrs. S, leaving VERY explicit instructions for HER funeral
-------------------- Don't get your knickers in a twist over your advancing age. It achieves nothing and makes you walk funny. Prayer should be our first recourse, not our last resort 'Lord, please give us patience. NOW!'
Posts: 1464 | From: Neither here nor there | Registered: Mar 2012
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Mama Thomas
Shipmate
# 10170
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Posted
Seems the fad for Wind Beneath My Wings has gone, thank God.
"My Way"--can't help it, but to me that the most arrogant song ever written. I think of the people who couldn't do it there way.
But if the like Frank, this is sure,y fit for a funeral:
Start spreading the news I am leaving today I want to be a part of it New York, New York These vagabond shoes They are longing to stray Right through the very heart of it
I want to wake up in the city That doesn't sleep New York, New York
Works for me.
-------------------- All hearts are open, all desires known
Posts: 3742 | From: Somewhere far away | Registered: Aug 2005
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Chorister
Completely Frocked
# 473
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Posted
Before my brother died, he requested that 'Don't worry, be happy' and 'Always look on the bright side of life/death' be played.
As for me, I'm taking you lot with me, with Tom Lehrer's 'We'll all go together when we go' playing defiantly.
-------------------- Retired, sitting back and watching others for a change.
Posts: 34626 | From: Cream Tealand | Registered: Jun 2001
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georgiaboy
Shipmate
# 11294
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Posted
Working as organist for a small-town mortuary, I was asked to play 'Home on the Range' for a retired (sort of) cowboy. Seemed appropriate.
Another request was 'Sentimental Journey,' which seemed less the thing, although I provided the indicated train-whistle effects.
-------------------- You can't retire from a calling.
Posts: 1675 | From: saint meinrad, IN | Registered: Apr 2006
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Pigwidgeon
Ship's Owl
# 10192
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Posted
A sweet older woman left instructions for "Put on a Happy Face" to be played on the piano as people were leaving her funeral. For her, it was perfect.
-------------------- "...that is generally a matter for Pigwidgeon, several other consenting adults, a bottle of cheap Gin and the odd giraffe." ~Tortuf
Posts: 9835 | From: Hogwarts | Registered: Aug 2005
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Squirrel
Shipmate
# 3040
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Posted
Once I attended the funeral of a man who had been a volunteer fireman. They gave him the full treatment: dress uniforms and a piper playing "Amazing Grace." All of a sudden a young man brought out a boom box and, while the piper was still doing his thing, The Hollies' "He Ain't Heavy. He's My Brother" played. The family was shocked.
-------------------- "The moral is to the physical as three is to one." - Napoleon
"Five to one." - George S. Patton
Posts: 1014 | From: Gotham City - Brain of the Great Satan | Registered: Jul 2002
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Spiffy
Ship's WonderSheep
# 5267
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Posted
My father made a CD of music for my grandmother's funeral. A guest inquired of me if it was really appropriate to play a song called Bye, Bye, Baby at such a time.
I had to explain to them that it was an advertising jingle for the San Francisco Giants, of whom my grandmother had been a lifetime fan.
Of course, when I eventually go, I hope I'm buried in my Giants hat-- and Timbers Green.
-------------------- Looking for a simple solution to all life's problems? We are proud to present obstinate denial. Accept no substitute. Accept nothing. --Night Vale Radio Twitter Account
Posts: 10281 | From: Beervana | Registered: Dec 2003
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Kelly Alves
Bunny with an axe
# 2522
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Posted
Not a song , but my idiot friends began quoting Monty Python sketches at my father's funeral(well, the luncheon afterward), and of course at one point they all shouted in unison, "BRING OUT YOUR DEAD!"
How cool would that be in a processional?
-------------------- I cannot expect people to believe “ Jesus loves me, this I know” of they don’t believe “Kelly loves me, this I know.” Kelly Alves, somewhere around 2003.
Posts: 35076 | From: Pura Californiana | Registered: Mar 2002
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Barnabas62
Shipmate
# 9110
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Posted
This is the U2 song for a funeral.
Brilliant song. A masterpiece from "Joshua Tree". If you listen to the intro, you'll get the appropriateness.
I might well have it at mine .. [ 17. October 2012, 09:33: Message edited by: Barnabas62 ]
-------------------- Who is it that you seek? How then shall we live? How shall we sing the Lord's song in a strange land?
Posts: 21397 | From: Norfolk UK | Registered: Feb 2005
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Offeiriad
Ship's Arboriculturalist
# 14031
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Posted
quote: Originally posted by Ann: The suggestion of Colours of Day for cremation is what got me hooked on the ship in the first place!
Light up the fire and let the flame burn: open the door and fill up the urn....?
Posts: 1426 | From: La France profonde | Registered: Aug 2008
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