The World's Largest Coalition of Nontheists and Nontheist Communities!

Songs for a funeral, or how to enjoy death with a smile.

Since most of us abhor the thought of religious songs/ceremony when we die, I have chosen some music for my funeral (subject to change, of course). I have written it down and made sure my son knows what to do. The only two constant songs are Carl Orff, O Fortuna, and my favorite, which I want the lyrics passed out and sung at the end of the funeral, by everyone present, from the incomparable Monty Python epic Life of Brian, Look on the Bright Side of Life. I've told you mine, now tell me yours.

1 member likes this

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Richard ∑wald on March 4, 2012 at 8:40pm

I've had a list for years, a few revisions once in a while, but these are the core tunes:

"A Walk in the Black Forest" Horst Janowski
"Coconut Song" Harry Nilsson
"Salt Peanuts" Dizzy Gillespie
…anything by "Dread Zeppelin"
"Yep Roc Heresay" Slim Galliard & Slam Stewart

Permalink Reply by Tony Carroll on March 4, 2012 at 8:53pm

Hadn't heard "Salt Peanuts" in years. Thanks Richard. Great list.

Permalink Reply by Richard ∑wald on March 4, 2012 at 9:00pm

OH! I forgot one…

"Out of My House, Roach" Shuffle Demons

But really, I could get away with just the first tune, …the irreverence is epic.

Permalink Reply by Chris Johnson on March 5, 2012 at 9:35am

I heard someone use "I Did It My Way" which sounds interesting. But since you mention Monty Python, how about the totally nonsequeter (sp?), "Isn't It Awfully Nice to Have a Penis?"

Permalink Reply by Tony Carroll on March 5, 2012 at 8:13pm

LOL fantastic! I will come to your funeral if you come to mine. At least we'll both have someone else with a warped sense of humor.

Permalink Reply by RevRyn on March 5, 2012 at 9:41am

Definitely:

Parasites by Ugly Casanova

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4FcIkMIAe2Q

Something about a song about parasites eating you up to a happy beat with a horn section! Love it!

and all your thoughts, yeah, they rot.

Permalink Reply by Tony Carroll on March 5, 2012 at 8:26pm

Never heard of this one. You're right. Something about parasites eating you up with a happy beat is just....eerie. Makes me disassociate, tap my fingers, laugh even with the song as gruesome as it is. Yep. A1 on the wierd meter.

Permalink Reply by Loren Miller on March 5, 2012 at 9:48am

I have two in mind, both by Eric Whitacre:

Water Night

Sleep

Permalink Reply by Tony Carroll on March 5, 2012 at 8:17pm

Dude, these rock. Always said Mormons could sing. Very serene, calm, tranquil. Very fitting for a restful sendoff with a smile.

Permalink Reply by Sentient Biped on March 5, 2012 at 9:31pm

I've spent too much of my life worrying. This is much better.

Permalink Reply by Tony Carroll on March 5, 2012 at 9:42pm

Totally forgot about this song. With your kind permission, I think I will add it to my list. Bravo,sir!

Permalink Reply by Sentient Biped on March 5, 2012 at 10:33pm

Glad you approve! Great topic. A funeral should be a celebration of life, whenever possible. Sometimes that's hard to remember. I knew a charming, delightful 87 year old man who died last week. Dropped dead in the parking lot. I will miss him very much. But I am very grateful for knowing this gentleman, and thankful I got to make his life a bit better too by helping him. He helped me become more positive and cheerful, just by being himself. I think he would like "Dont worry, be happy".