quote:

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Originally posted by Caissa:
I am hoping to have at least one U2 song played at my funeral.

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quote:

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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.

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quote:

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Originally posted by Pigwidgeon:

quote:

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Originally posted by Caissa:
I am hoping to have at least one U2 song played at my funeral.

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Me too. I have yet to decide which one.

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quote:

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Originally posted by Lord Jestocost:

quote:

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Originally posted by Pigwidgeon:

quote:

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Originally posted by Caissa:
I am hoping to have at least one U2 song played at my funeral.

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Me too. I have yet to decide which one.

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The Unforgettable Fire?

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Well, I do plan to be cremated. But cremations aren't public here.
 

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Posted by Caissa (# 16710) on :
 
Where the Streets Have No Names would be my first choice.
 

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Posted by Bene Gesserit (# 14718) on :
 
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...
 

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Posted by Trisagion (# 5235) on :
 
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.
 

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Posted by JoannaP (# 4493) on :
 

quote:

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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.

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quote:

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Originally posted by JoannaP:

quote:

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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.

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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.

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quote:

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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.

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You were a classmate of my ex-husband?
(He often suggested that. Too bad he didn't turn back before our wedding.)
 

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Posted by Hedgehog (# 14125) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by Mama Thomas:
"Knock, knock, knocking on heaven's door" would work.

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quote:

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Originally posted by Hedgehog:

quote:

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Originally posted by Mama Thomas:
"Knock, knock, knocking on heaven's door" would work.

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Played as the second song, of course. Right after "Stairway to Heaven."

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Third song, "Mama told me not to come."
 

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Posted by BessHiggs (# 15176) on :
 
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.
 

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Posted by Jigsaw (# 11433) on :
 
A friend had The Jam's "Going Underground" at his funeral.
 

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Posted by Pigwidgeon (# 10192) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by Hedgehog:

quote:

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Originally posted by Mama Thomas:
"Knock, knock, knocking on heaven's door" would work.

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Played as the second song, of course. Right after "Stairway to Heaven."

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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."
 

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Posted by piglet (# 11803) on :
 
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.


 

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Posted by Laud-able (# 9896) on :
 
Noël Coward’s ‘I’ll see you again’, which was the postlude at St Paul’s, Covent Garden, for the funeral of a friend.
 

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Posted by Dennis the Menace (# 11833) on :
 
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!!!
 

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Posted by comet (# 10353) on :
 
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.
 

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Posted by Kelly Alves (# 2522) on :
 
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.
 

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Posted by bib (# 13074) on :
 
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.
 

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Posted by Kelly Alves (# 2522) on :
 

quote:

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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.

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OK, I changed my mind...
 

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Posted by Albertus (# 13356) on :
 

quote:

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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.

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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'.
 

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Posted by comet (# 10353) on :
 
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!
 

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Posted by Emendator Liturgia (# 17245) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by balaam:


From the list I'd ban "My Way" as it glorifies arrogance.

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quote:

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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.

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quote:

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Originally posted by Emendator Liturgia:

quote:

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Originally posted by balaam:


From the list I'd ban "My Way" as it glorifies arrogance.

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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!"

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quote:

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Originally posted by Emendator Liturgia:

quote:

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Originally posted by balaam:


From the list I'd ban "My Way" as it glorifies arrogance.

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In this matter at least you're a soul mate of +Peter, Archbishop of Sydney.

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That's almost enough to make me change my mind about it.

Almost.
 

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Posted by David Powell (# 5545) on :
 
When asked what music should be played at their funeral, a friend said "Oh I don't know, surprise me!"
 

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Posted by Firenze (# 619) on :
 
Isn't it Grand boys to be bloody well dead.
 

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Posted by comet (# 10353) on :
 
Actually, speaking of BOC (well i was!) Don't Fear The Reaper is also a good choice.
 

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Posted by Marvin the Martian (# 4360) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by Mama Thomas:
"Knock, knock, knocking on heaven's door" would work.

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The Guns 'N' Roses version, of course!

quote:

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Originally posted by comet:
and for a cremation, BOC's Burning for You

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quote:

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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!"

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Mrs. S, leaving VERY explicit instructions for HER funeral
 

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Posted by Mama Thomas (# 10170) on :
 
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.
 

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Posted by Chorister (# 473) on :
 
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.
 

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Posted by georgiaboy (# 11294) on :
 
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.
 

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Posted by Pigwidgeon (# 10192) on :
 
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.
 

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Posted by Squirrel (# 3040) on :
 
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.
 

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Posted by Spiffy (# 5267) on :
 
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.
 

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Posted by Kelly Alves (# 2522) on :
 
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?
 

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Posted by Barnabas62 (# 9110) on :
 
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 ]
 

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Posted by Oferyas (# 14031) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by Ann:
The suggestion of Colours of Day for cremation is what got me hooked on the ship in the first place!

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Light up the fire and let the flame burn:
open the door and fill up the urn....?
 

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Posted by Emendator Liturgia (# 17245) on :
 
"Wish me good luck as you wave me goodbye"??
 

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Posted by Starbug (# 15917) on :
 
At the funeral of Mother-in-law's partner on Monday, he had requested 'Forever Autumn' from 'War of the Worlds'. There wasn't a dry eye in the crematorium. 'My life will be forever Autumn/ cos you're not here'....

I want Amy Grant's version of 'Abide With Me' for my funeral. Mr S wants 'All Things Must Pass' for his, which is a relief as I was afraid he'd want 'Imagine' and I can't stand that song! ::

[ 17. October 2012, 17:45: Message edited by: Starbug ]
 

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Posted by Horseman Bree (# 5290) on :
 
OUr previous priest told of having a funeral for a little old lady who'd been in a nursing home for years.

One of her nephews is an Elvis impersonator. He said, at the graveside: "I probably shouldn't, but she wanted this" and proceeded to do a full Elvis "How Great Thou Art", including the final flourishes and "thankyouverymuch"es, while teetering on the soft earth at the edge of the grave.
 

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Posted by balaam (# 4543) on :
 
That sounds wonderful.
 

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Posted by Emendator Liturgia (# 17245) on :
 
One funeral that I took during my younger days was for the town school bus driver, who also did a lot of entertaining at childrens and oher parties etc. when I asked his widow if there was any particular piece with which he was most closely associated, it took a lot of persuasion for her to come up with the good (along the lines of, "But it isn't suitable for a funeral, is it?)

As the gentleman's coffin was being caried out of the church the organ struck up what had been his final piece of music whenever he played: 'Paddy McGinty's Goat'. The reaction was smiles and laughter all round!
 

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Posted by The Intrepid Mrs S (# 17002) on :
 
Not a musical post, but I had to share this with you!

A lady of my acquaintance (okay,my SiL's mother) was discussing with HER eldelrly mother, then approaching 100, what sort of arrangements would be appropriate for the old lady's funeral. Church or crem? Tea at the home she lived in, or at a pub? Anyway, when they'd agreed on all that, the old lady in all seriousness said 'but by then I'll be a bit tired and will need a little rest'.

'Mother, you won't just be a little bit tired, you'll be DEAD!'

Mrs. S, still tickled by that
 

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Posted by Heavenly Anarchist (# 13313) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by Emendator Liturgia:
One funeral that I took during my younger days was for the town school bus driver, who also did a lot of entertaining at childrens and oher parties etc. when I asked his widow if there was any particular piece with which he was most closely associated, it took a lot of persuasion for her to come up with the good (along the lines of, "But it isn't suitable for a funeral, is it?)

As the gentleman's coffin was being caried out of the church the organ struck up what had been his final piece of music whenever he played: 'Paddy McGinty's Goat'. The reaction was smiles and laughter all round!

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How lovely
 

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Posted by georgiaboy (# 11294) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by Spiffy:
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.

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quote:

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Originally posted by Starbug:
At the funeral of Mother-in-law's partner on Monday, he had requested 'Forever Autumn' from 'War of the Worlds'. There wasn't a dry eye in the crematorium. 'My life will be forever Autumn/ cos you're not here'....

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quote:

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Originally posted by Fr Weber:

quote:

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Originally posted by Starbug:
At the funeral of Mother-in-law's partner on Monday, he had requested 'Forever Autumn' from 'War of the Worlds'. There wasn't a dry eye in the crematorium. 'My life will be forever Autumn/ cos you're not here'....

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I hope they cut the track short before "The chances of anything coming from Mars/Are a million to one, they said..."

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Yes, fortunately. Although it might have been interesting to see people's reactions!
 

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Posted by Chelley (# 11322) on :
 
I want Runrig's 'Maymorning' at mine!
Runrig are a fantastic Scottish band and the words are great...

I'm alive again on a May morning
Gonna wipe the slate clean, follow my dreams
All the yearning buds are here again
With the promise of a new life to come
Spring is here again

...all around there's new life rising
from the winter fields

And at the end there's the refrain
I'm alive again repeated!
Hits my sense of humour and faith to have at my funeral 'I'm alive again' sung on repeat
 

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Posted by Flossymole (# 17339) on :
 
I went to a theatrical lady's funeral where the coffin went out to 'Is it true what they say about Dixie?' (Dixie was her nickname) and a standing ovation from the congregation. Great.
For myself, I'm coming to like this ship so much I think I'm going to request Fiddler's Green;
'Dress me up in me oilskins and gansey
No more on the decks I'll be seen
Farewell me old shipmates
I'm taking a trip mates
And I'll see you all someday in Fiddler's Green'
(There are lots of versions)
 

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