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Music Choice for my Funeral

(46 Posts)
FarawayGran Wed 29-Sept-21 18:26:02

Sometimes when I can't sleep I try to arrange the music for my funeral.
I am not being morbid, we all have to die and perhaps it might help our loved ones when they have to arrange our send-off.
I think it might be a good idea to let them know what music I would like. (even though I won't be there to appreciate it)
It's a bit like Desert Island Discs, but with only 4 or 5 pieces, depending on the venue, I imagine.

So far I only have 3:

1. Arvo Part "Spiegel im Spiegel" (Mirror in the Mirror) a lovely piece of piano playing with a violin,

2, Sibelius "Andante Festivo"

and 3. "Somewhere Over the Rainbow"

I like Pacelbel's "Canon in D", but that seems to be used for weddings and I don't want to cast a shadow over the piece.

I also like Tchaikovsky's "Andante Contabile"

This choice could be a bit too Classical for some guests, as I want them to enjoy themselves as much as possible.

Is it just me? Or do other grans like to make arrangements for their music? Or readings and prayers?

Jackiest Wed 29-Sept-21 18:27:56

Phil Ochs - When I'm Gone

youtu.be/yB-BBVQLnxI

Shinamae Wed 29-Sept-21 18:28:35

I am having a pure cremation so no service at all but if I was to choose a song for my funeral it would be “Wish me luck as you wave me goodbye”

Neen Wed 29-Sept-21 18:30:05

Before I changed my mind to a pure cremation it was Seasons in the son ..oh what a sing. And shine Jesus shine

GreyKnitter Wed 29-Sept-21 18:30:44

Oh I love Spiegel im Spiegel. One of my favourite pieces of music. What a great choice.

Neen Wed 29-Sept-21 18:31:38

youtu.be/YG9otasNmxI

Hetty58 Wed 29-Sept-21 18:36:39

FarawayGran - it seems a bit weird to me. As you said, you won't even be there - so maybe let the person who arranges it choose?

Shinamae - same here, Pure Cremation and they'll have a party (suits me as I really didn't want my dead body there). 'Like a bat out of hell' would be fitting!

Floradora9 Wed 29-Sept-21 19:02:49

Shinamae

I am having a pure cremation so no service at all but if I was to choose a song for my funeral it would be “Wish me luck as you wave me goodbye”

I was at a funeral in church where they played this . It seemed inappropriate as the grandchildren of the deceased , young teenagers , were pretty upset anyway but it was what she wanted.

GagaJo Wed 29-Sept-21 19:18:34

A friend had Sweet Child of Mine, by Guns and Roses at her funeral. The hall was packed and as the song was a tribute to her tiny son, there wasn't a dry eye in the house. It still reminds me of her when I hear it and it also reminds me of her love for that little boy who isn't little anymore.

Jaxjacky Wed 29-Sept-21 19:25:14

Who wants to live forever-Queen

Blondiescot Wed 29-Sept-21 19:27:04

Oh, I've had mine picked for years - songs by my favourite bands, absolutely nothing religious whatsoever.

Yearsold Wed 29-Sept-21 19:30:08

I think it’s a helpful idea to at least make suggestions for your own funeral music. It’s one less thing for those making arrangements to worry about. They can always choose something else if they prefer - after all, you’re not going to know!

BlueBalou Wed 29-Sept-21 19:31:55

No funeral or ceremony for me, I’m leaving my body to medical science and have stipulated the simplest cremation possible eventually. I would prefer everyone to have a great meal in a lovely pub.

MissAdventure Wed 29-Sept-21 19:34:34

I'd leave my body, but I'm not sure anyone will want it.
I'll have a simple cremation.
It would be nice if the person shovelling me in would hum something fitting as I go.

Sago Wed 29-Sept-21 19:40:16

I’m more concerned about the wake.
It needs to be classy, outdoors if the weather is good, no sandwiches, plenty of delicious canapés and lots of wine and champagne.

No tears, lots of laughter.

My daughter will know what I would like.

MerylStreep Wed 29-Sept-21 19:44:10

MissAdventure
I thought I would be too old at the time I decided to donate ( 70)
Oh no, she said. Our oldest is 106.
Give it a go. What have you got to loose ? but have a backup plan just in case your rejected. No offence meant ?

MissAdventure Wed 29-Sept-21 19:45:44

It's the back up plan that spoils it for me, though.
2 lots of arranging instead of just the one.

allium Wed 29-Sept-21 19:46:28

No funeral for me either, direct cremation.

Shinamae Wed 29-Sept-21 19:50:28

Floradora9

Shinamae

I am having a pure cremation so no service at all but if I was to choose a song for my funeral it would be “Wish me luck as you wave me goodbye”

I was at a funeral in church where they played this . It seemed inappropriate as the grandchildren of the deceased , young teenagers , were pretty upset anyway but it was what she wanted.

I think with my family knowing me the way they do that that song would raise a smile..

MissAdventure Wed 29-Sept-21 19:53:20

I've been to a funeral where it was played, and it was lovely.
Very much in keeping with the lady's take on death.

Blondiescot Wed 29-Sept-21 20:11:59

BlueBalou

No funeral or ceremony for me, I’m leaving my body to medical science and have stipulated the simplest cremation possible eventually. I would prefer everyone to have a great meal in a lovely pub.

You do need a plan B though, just in case your body isn't accepted, and this does happen. It happened to me when my mum died, as the medical school had its full quota of bodies at that time and wasn't taking any more. Bodies can been rejected for any number of reasons, so it makes sense to have a back-up in place in that event.

timetogo2016 Wed 29-Sept-21 20:15:00

Another bites the dust by Queen for me.

Chestnut Wed 29-Sept-21 23:42:32

I have a few from 'my era' which have lovely words, very important to have words.
'Going Back' Dusty Springfield
'In My Life' the Beatles
'I Can See Clearly Now' Johnny Nash
Look all around, there's nothing but blue skies
Look straight ahead, there's nothing but blue skies
I can see clearly now the rain is gone
I can see all obstacles in my way
Here is that rainbow I've been praying for
It's gonna be a bright (bright)
Bright (bright) sunshiny day

EilaRose Thu 30-Sept-21 00:21:05

I made my music choices some years ago, the main song was to be 'The only disappointment in the family was me' www.youtube.com/watch?v=I6CgoDgKxRE I know some will say not a good choice but it was my one last chance to tell my adoptive parents how I felt after a lifetime of abuse. However, they have both died so it won't be relevant, but if there's time for 3 songs it is still on the list.

I am also having a direct cremation, with a twist... a large bottle of champagne for the crem staff as they go about their business and with the sound system at full volume, I want 'I am Woman' www.youtube.com/watch?v=rptW7zOPX2E followed by 'I will Survive' www.youtube.com/watch?v=eEof53s5lmo the latter not because I think I'm immortal but it's been my mantra for many years of abuse by the above adoptive parents.

Sarnia Thu 30-Sept-21 08:14:38

As a Prodigy fan I am hoping for 'Firestarter' as people leave. It seems apt. One of my favourite groups and I am being cremated.