Please, Show This To The Coroner
Songs to play at my funeral!
I saw these being posted on Song Stories back at the beginning of December, and thought it was a fun idea. I suppose I missed the trend when it was happening, but better late than never!
I’ve always wished that I could plan my own funeral whenever it may come. I’ve got a flair for drama though, and the people who come to mourn probably wouldn’t feel like square dancing.
Even if it’s 70 years from now; whoever is planning this thing better be reading this, because the playlist is essential to any good event!
“If I Die Young” by The Band Perry
I suppose I should asterisk this one because it doesn’t really apply if I don’t die young. Just in case though I had to include it!
This is easily one of the most intriguing mainstream country songs of the 2010s. I love the whole concept, and The Band Perry is the perfect act for this song. I think they’re the only country group emo enough to pull this off, since Ralph Stanley and The Clinch Mountain Boys (foreshadowing).
It’s such a soft song, and would fit well with a funeral atmosphere.
“Penny for your thoughts
Oh no, I’ll sell ’em for a dollar,
they’re worth so much more, after I’m a goner”
“Oh, Death” by Ralph Stanley and The Clinch Mountain Boys
Okay, this one is a bit dark. I suppose you don’t have to play this one if it’s too much, but it’s so good. I said it before, but I am a bit dramatic and this would be so sick to have playing on repeat during the visitation.
It’s such a gloomy, ominous song. It’s got Ralph Stanley’s iconic voice alongside one of the other all time greats — Keith Whitley.
“What is this, that I can’t see
With ice cold hands, takin’ hold of me”
“Local Flowers” by Tom T. Hall
This is a much lighter song than the last one, and an essential one to play. It carries a major wish that I have. Instead of buying big fancy arrangements, just go out and pick me some “local flowers.”
I love this song, and message so much. I was out one day riding around, and this song came on and I went home, picked a bunch of flowers, and took them to my uncle’s grave.
“Just go walkin’, on the mountain
gather what is, blooming there”
“I’m Moving On” by Hank Snow
This is the first one I’ve included that isn’t actually intended to be about death, but it works. It’s just kind of an upbeat song, about being proud of moving on. Whenever my time comes, I want to be proud of the life I’ve lived, and be excited about moving on to new places.
I’ve also included this video because I think I want to buried in a suit exactly like the one Hank is wearing here. Take note!
“You’re gonna ease my mind, put me there on time
and keep rollin’ on”
“In Dreams” by Sierra Ferrell
The video for this one depicts this song being from the perspective of a dead person, singing to their lover about how it’s not fair they can’t be together. I don’t know if this was the original meaning of the song but I love that idea.
I think this one would be a great song of comfort if people start to forget it’s a celebration of life and not a depression of death.
“But that river will flow on
Even after we’re all long gone”
“Brave” by Ruston Kelly
I know this has been somewhat lighthearted up to this point, but holy shit (if I am dead and you’re reading this don’t show Mama where I said shit) this song cuts deep. “Brave” hits like a ton of bricks.
The first time I heard this song it was randomly recommended to me on my discover page on Spotify, and I literally had to stop what I was doing and just have a small breakdown. It is so beautifully written and just goes through the things we hope to be remembered for when we inevitably die.
“That I tried my best
At selflessness
Never took more than I gave
And I didn’t give up to the darkness”
“Old Time Rock & Roll” by Bob Seger
This is the “roll credits” song. Essentially for the end, of the end of my life; I want people to feel the way you do when you’ve just watched a long movie and the happy end-credit song is playing and the lights come up and you stretch.
Another reason is, there is this local artist I love named Randy Flack, and he closes all his shows with “Old Time Rock & Roll.” HEY — if he’s still around when I kick the bucket he could sing it! Take note of that, Mr. Coroner.
“I reminisce about the days of old
With that old time rock and roll”
Thanks for reading! Hopefully you, along with the funeral planners in the future enjoyed this read.
