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...
