brianr2
C.O.G. 
Posts: 3,191 
My main instrument is: Fylde Goodfellow
|
Post by brianr2 on Dec 24, 2023 12:52:37 GMT
I have been inspired by the suggestion from andrewjw to get the ball rolling (see acousticsoundboard.co.uk/post/232137/thread). I have found this an uplifting process on a day when the wind howls. It has been a reminder of happy events in a world of opportunity and optimism. My generation, born in the 1950s, truly had the best of times. My choices are all inspired by turning points in my life and by music which has truly moved me, both then and now. This is the first folk song I heard live, during Freshers’ Week at University in 1971. Since then I have listened to little else and Nic Jones has remained an idol of mine. The next tune was discovered during an early foray into Irish music and still brings a lump to my throat. Another, very moving pipe tune with a moving story behind it. I enjoy playing Tony MacManus’s guitar arrangement but it cannot quite match the emotive sound of the pipes. This next song played repeatedly in my mind at my mother’s funeral for reasons I still don’t understand but it gave me some comfort. A gloriously moving hymn and legacy from the wonderful Watersons. And finally, for the resonance of the lyrics and joyous talent that was Sandy Denny. |
|
|
|
Post by frankieabbott on Jan 21, 2024 14:43:51 GMT
The theme tune from the film "Escape to Victory" to be played for my passing into the other life.
|
|
delb0y
C.O.G.
Posts: 1,683
Member is Online
|
Post by delb0y on Jan 21, 2024 14:58:24 GMT
Was at a funeral for an old band mate on Thursday, and the entrance song was Howling Wolf doing Smokestack Lightning. Good song, and Robbie would have appreciated it.
|
|
juliant
C.O.G.
Posts: 430
My main instrument is: Lowden L23
|
Post by juliant on Jan 21, 2024 17:46:04 GMT
What a great thread. I'll post a few things I've been thinking of, but the one for the coming in and going out will definitely be this:
It's one of the most beautiful tunes I know, and the final few bars never fail to lift my spirits.
|
|
|
|
Post by scorpiodog on Jan 24, 2024 10:58:44 GMT
I know this is supposed to be a "show and tell" thread, but I've given a lot of thought to what happens after my demise, and, in particular, how my friends and family will say goodbye.
First, I don't think it remotely important for my remains to be in attendance. For all I care, they can take my body and chuck it on the council tip in a bin bag, but I understand that's not allowed (hygiene, I'm told, at which I am affronted - I shower every day).
As many of you know, I run a little musical evening once a month in a tiny pub. It's called "I Can't Believe It's Not A Folk Club", and so I thought, rather than a funeral, I'd prefer to have "I Can't Believe It's Not A Funeral".
I'm planning to have it run in much the same way as I Can't Believe It's Not A Folk Club - a singaround, preferably without mics and amps, but I'm prepared to compromise on this. I haven't yet spoken to the person I'd like to have compere it, but I guess I will soon. I'm planning to video myself singing a selection of the usual crap so I can join in for the last and final time. I rather hope that the vids will reveal a much younger me than the attendees are used to seeing. From time to time, I may record updates in the interim - depends whether I get sick and tired of the whole shebang before I actually shuffle off this mortal coil (look at me getting all Shakespearian, innit).
I'll give instructions for conduct - no weeping and wailing, lots of laughter and bonhomie and no black clothes. Drinking to be encouraged, but not compulsory. I'll sequester enough funds from my estate for the drinks to be paid for (there may be nothing left for my legatees afterwards - I know how my friends can drink!).
The only thing I can't figure out is where to hold it. It can't be in the normal venue for ICBINAFC - it really is tiny. Maybe I'll leave that for others to organise.
If you've kept reading til the end, and you have any suggestions about the proceedings, I'll be grateful.
|
|
ocarolan
Global Moderator
CURMUDGEONLY OLD GIT (leader - to join, just ask!)
Posts: 35,816
Mini-Profile Background: {"image":"","color":"c0cfe1"}
Mini-Profile Name Color: 182a3f
Mini-Profile Text Color: 733a1c
|
Post by ocarolan on Jan 24, 2024 11:20:00 GMT
I find this a difficult one. So many friends near and far have died during the past few years. I seem to have played at local funerals more frequently. Several friends are now quite old/infirm/unwell (in fact we're just off to visit one in his current care home in a minute) and may soon be adding to the numbers in a previous sentence.
One friend who died very recently left very firm instructions on how his funeral was to be conducted - instructions which his wife found difficult and contrary to how she would have wished to send him off. She complied with his wishes, though with some distress over some aspects). This confirmed my long held thoughts that I don't want to be too dogmatic about my own funeral/wake etc but would rather that Mrs O'C and my lovely daughters make the arrangements that would bring them the most comfort and least extra distress. After all, it'll make sod toot difference to me at that stage.
That's not to say I haven't got some preferences which have been/ will be discussed beforehand (hopefully). I'd rather like my funeral (with whatever hymns/songs Mrs O'C would like) to kick off with Sandy Denny singing Who knows where the time goes (not sure which recording yet), and close with Meet on the Ledge, probably a FC recording - unless any of you lot fancy coming along and singing them... And you'd be more than welcome to instigate a CoD (haha) at the wake - I'll still provide a bottle or two of decent whisky to send round the circle. I fully endorse Paul's thoughts on conduct too!
Keith
|
|
leoroberts
C.O.G.
Posts: 26,270
My main instrument is: probably needing new strings
|
Post by leoroberts on Jan 24, 2024 15:09:12 GMT
For them's as might be interested, Phil Hare's 'Funeral Set List' was: Do You Remember? (Leon Rosselson - sung by Liz Mansfield) When I'm Gone (Phil Ochs - sung by Dick Gaughan) Amazing Grace (Sung by congregation) and a final medley of tunes composed/arranged/played by Phil: Planxty Byrne Music For A Found Harmonium Friends I Left Behind Steffi's Waltz and She Moved Through The Fair (trad) Phil's family suggested this set list for the singaround at the pub afterwards...  |
|
leoroberts
C.O.G.
Posts: 26,270
My main instrument is: probably needing new strings
|
Post by leoroberts on Jan 24, 2024 15:23:33 GMT
For myself, I don't really care. As @ ocarolan said, it's whatever feels right to whoever is left behind. I have made known a few options to my family, though. For the church (assuming they can find one willing to host a service for me!) (though I'll have to edit the video to allow for the full 7 verses...) and, for the after party/wake: Or, perhaps, I'll have the last two for the church and the first two for the wake... |
|
|
|
Post by andy3sheds on Feb 14, 2024 14:31:57 GMT
It’s almost obligatory to have Who knows where the time goes by Sandy Denny
I’d also go for Let the Mystery Be by Iris De Ment
I Think It Will Work Out Fine by Ry Cooder
Then to round off A Kind of Polska by Gjermund Larsen
|
|
doc
C.O.G.
Posts: 2,272
My main instrument is: A Francis Milsom parlour guitar
Member is Online
|
Post by doc on Feb 15, 2024 8:52:38 GMT
|
|
|
|
Post by fatfingerjohn on Feb 16, 2024 13:00:01 GMT
I think this sums it up for me, a song I heard for the first time at a Merry Hell gig a few months ago (seeing them ahain in a few weeks). I know it's written from a female perspective but you'll get the drift. Not having any strong religious or afterlife thoughts at all (although perhaps 15 minutes before I croak that may change ...) I don't see that my funeral is of any benefit to me, more perhaps for those who wish to remember/celebrate my passing. So, as simple as possible please; cardboard box is fine with me and keep it jolly.
|
|
|
|
Post by vinman on Mar 10, 2024 9:31:01 GMT
A bit late with this I guess. But I started giving this some thought after I went to the funeral of one of my old college buddies in February. He was only 64.
I like the gravity and depth of the second movement of Beethoven's 7th and the drama of Mussorky's Great Gate of Kiev, the Stowkovski arrangement of course.
Wayfaring Stranger would say something about me, Quite what I don't know, maybe the version by Suzy Bogguss.
A good solid suite of Auvergne Bourree's. Back in Vinyl days (1987) "Rosbif" recorded "Les Enfants du Pauvre Homme/La Tricotadda". Dancing an Auvergne Bourree to a cabrette and hurdy-gurdy is one of life's greater pleasures. Dancing will be compulsory!!
Sous Les Ciel de Paris. Piaf. Because it's so $%^&*$ joyous and hopeful.
and something by the The Corries. Come by the Hills, Rose of Allendale, Tramps and Hawkers, Fear a Bhata ( Paddy Bell sang like angel) something like that. Cheesy, maybe . Don't care. I've listened to The Corries for decades, the just hit the spot for some reason.
Not big on hymns, but everybody can pick up Bright Morning Stars really quickly. The only other hymn I'd like would be "Star in the East" aka "Brightest and Best" both have good sing along melodies and easy words.
Of course as far as I'm concerned it won't matter a jot, and there wouldn't be time for all of the above, but thinking about this has been...interesting.
|
|
|
|
Post by Mike Fowler on Apr 6, 2024 14:46:36 GMT
This is a very interesting thread. I've always been a music person rather than a lyrics person, and so I'm drawn to instrumental music rather than to poetic singers, and increasingly classical music in my middle years, although having said all that, in light of this thread, a song that really springs to mind is 'Highwayman' by Jimmy Webb with it's pantheistic take on an after life. I love that. That I could come back as an outlaw or equally as a drop of rain. I think if people really listened to that at my funeral it would be quite something. I'm also tempted to have them play 'We have all the time in the world' (maybe even the Iggy Pop version?) ...before leaving them weeping with the slow movement from Beethoven's Emperor piano concerto. There's music, and then there's Beethoven for me. Something else. Higher. Extraordinary. Finally, if that's not maudlin enough, I wrote a piece of music myself in the last century that I have yet to re-record, which I simply titled 'Nothing Left To Give'. It reminds me of an astronaut floating out on his own to the depths of space. I'll do a video for it one of these days. m.soundcloud.com/mikefowlerguitar/nothing-left-to-give |
|
|
|
Post by NikGnashers on Apr 6, 2024 15:10:31 GMT
I have had to actually choose songs for my late stepfathers funeral, recently (his funeral is on 29th of this month).
He loved Eva Cassidy, so I know it's a bit rinsed, but had to have songbird, as he did love the song.
He also loved Kate Rusby, so I chose 'all god's angels' to be played.
As a final song, to accompany his coffin going behind the curtain and us leaving, he loved the Hollies, so I have chosen an upbeat song 'Carrie Anne' so that it's not such a sad exit.
Personally speaking, for my own, it would be impossible as I love a very wide range of music, from Prog Rock, to Folk, through Reggae (more dub, dancehall, and soca, than traditional roots), and having been a DJ since 1980, I love electronic music too.
I honestly could fill a week with funeral songs.
Edit : This is why I haven't been around on the forum for a few months, as he was steadily on the decline, and eventually I found him sadly passed away when I visited.
He was only 75, but a long time alcoholic, which I fear did not help his longevity.
|
|
|
|
Post by newdave on Apr 7, 2024 15:19:02 GMT
I don't know what songs I want - probably leave it to the mourners, if there are any. Funerals are for the living, not for the dead. But if someone came and said something like this, I'd be happy with that.
|
|
