Sunday, May 18, 2008

Music for when I'm gone...

I'm not sure if this is morbid or egotistical or just plain dumb but here goes. I have noticed that music plays a central role in how a person's memory is preserved at the public and private rituals that mark someone's passing. Essentially any 'closing ceremony' is for the benefit of those who remain. So perhaps there is no point in constructing this list - since it will obviously not be for my benefit nor will I have any actual control over how these ceremonies transpire. However, I rationalize this project in the following ways:

1. I assume in the midst of loss having a 'set list' to choose from might be a nice resource to have.

2. I would like to think that through the use of music that is meaningful to me - I could have some referential influence on the tone of the ceremonies.

3. This list in a small way helps me face the eventuality of death (a prospect that still makes me pretty nervous - I won't lie)

Here it is:

One Day I Walk -- Bruce Cockburn

I Don't Care -- Mary Margaret O'Hara

When People Go -- Craig Cardiff

Ojala Que Llueva Cafe -- Juan Luis Guerra

Whole Wide World -- Wreckless Eric

Intervention -- Arcade Fire

Luscious Life -- Patrick Watson

Glósóli -- Sigur Ros

All I Can Do -- Chantal Kreviazuk

Hamburg Song -- Keane

Into the Mystic - Van Morrison

Leah -- Toto

It's The Final Countdown -- Europe

and it would seem to feel good if I could be laid to rest while someone played "Gabriel's Oboe" -- Ennio Morricone

so there it is kind reader. Feel free to post your songs in the comments section. Or make this into a meme. If you have a blog why not post your own list there...

2 comments:

jc said...

Staralfur - Sigur Ros

Medication - Damien Jurado

Curse Your Branches - David Bazan

Where The Streets Have No Name - U2

Wildflowers - Tom Petty

Let Down - Radiohead

Slow Car Crash - Headphones

Your Heart Is An Empty Room - Death Cab for Cutie

Where Is My Mind - The Pixies


I like that you put "It's The Final Countdown" on your list. That song always reminds of Job in Arrested Development. Come to think of it... doesn't he use that song for his magic trick that he performs for his Dad's funeral?

Increasing... said...

some excellent choices