and the decidedly more traditional "Farther Along" as performed by Hank Williams:
Naturally, I asked the other contributors and editors if they ever think about their "funeral song." Some of them took the question more seriously than others.
Marci:
Just yesterday, I told Alle to make sure "Yakety Sax" was played at my funeral. I hope she knows I was kidding. I wouldn't mind “I Will Follow You Into The Dark” being played at my funeral. Or my next wedding -- whichever comes first.
In related news: I miss chubby Ben Gibbard.
Marianne:
If my funeral doesn't involve the immortal classic "Bela Lugosi's Dead" then my friends and family don't love me at all.
Also possibly "Marian" by the Sisters of Mercy.s.e.:
I'm tempted to go for "Don't Fear the Reaper" but that's just such an easy shot.
I mean, someone had to say it.
Olivia:
I'd like "them" to play The Ride of the Valkyries at my funeral.
Kate:
ALWAYS, and it varies a lot. For years it was "Black Balloon" by the Goo Goo Dolls, which is embarrassing. Now I sort of like the idea of "World Spins Madly On," because I'm a CHEESEBALL even from the grave. Or maybe, like, "Each Coming Night" by Iron and Wine or "I Found a Reason" by Cat Power.
Ultimately, though, I want that s**t to turn into a twee-pop dance party, so we'd ultimately transition to "You and Me and the Moon" or the entire 1975 album. Well, I say "we."
Tynan:
Kelly Clarkson's "Since U Been Gone."
Lesley:
I've always been partial to Queen's "Don't Stop Me Now."
Louise:
I guess I'd like to close things with "Holiday Road" from National Lampoon's Vacation. We played it at my wedding as we made our first entrance as married duo. Okay fine, and "Saying Goodbye" by the Muppets, since Ghost Louise will need a good cry.
Natalie:
OH I HAVE ALWAYS KNOWN MY FUNERAL SONG.
Wish You Were Here by Pink Floyd.
Somer:
Instant Karma, duh.
Rebecca:
"Is That All There Is?" Peggy Lee.
Mandy:
Mandy hadn't really thought about it but did say: "My mom talks about this. I could find out hers if you want."
To which I replied: "Yes, please."
Mandy's Mom: "The Rose" because of the lyrics. That will be the main song. And then I'm going to end with "Love, Love, Love" by The Beatles because I believe that will get everybody in a loving mood.
She later added:
I've been listening to songs on my new CD player for the hospice work I'm doing, and I've decided to change the second song at my funeral. So I'm choosing this over the Beatles which is pretty big. It's Judy Garland, "You'll Never Walk Alone."
Well played, Pat, aka Mandy's mom. Well played indeed.
What would you want played at your funeral? Is this something you've ever thought of? Would you be comfortable with some else picking it? Is it too morbid?