I'm ill with the flu in bed (or a few feet away on the computer) and I got to wondering....
.....being close to being a doctor and currently doing an attachment in palliative care, and being of a frankly morbid disposition, I was thinking what tunes I would want played at my funeral (i'm not that ill, touch wood). Some time ago my brother died following an operation and he left letters to family and friends telling them he wanted an eco funeral in a woodland, everyone to wear colour (no black), some Janis Joplin / Hendrix and for people to rejoice his life.
Would the delectable sessioneers opt for up beat merry tunes akin to my brother or go with the more melancholic, or perhaps reject tunes entirely?
The first tune that came to my head was Tune for Frankie, a gorgeous tune, but I think probably to melancholic and enigmatic. But I can't think of a tune in a major key that wouldn't sound too corny in that setting....
Anyone got any ideas to help this enivitably moribund individual?
My friend Joey and I played at a couple funerals this past year. He Left Us In Sorrow was one we played both times. How about O'Carolan's Farewell to Music?
I think I would probably want a mix of both sad and happy tunesplayed at my own funeral. But mostly happy ones. Of course with much of Irish music being strangely modal we don't always agree on which ones are sad and which are happy.
Come on people, lets not get confused between "O'Carolans Farewell", and "O'Carolans Farewell to Music".
The former is for a funeral on a sunny day. The latter is definitely for a funeral on a rainy day in november - it ranks along with Brahm's Tragic Overture for joylessness, and with Lament for Liam O'Reilly for poignant heart stirring beauty.
For my funeral, you can play The Man Who Died and Rose Again.
(come to think, maybe better get some practice in on that one!)
Funeral followed by a wake, here; and at the wake I think I'd rather a regular session, where people just sort of play whatever they want as the mood takes them. (I'm a believer in funerals being not for the one who's gone on, but for those left behind, so they can do whatever they feel like at mine if it helps 'em.) So, no particular tunes...but if they'd play the ones that were my favorites at the time, it'd suit me, just like it does now. ;)
A mate of mine was cremated recently and he gave instructions for the playing of the theme from Monty Python's Flying Circus - the Liberty Bell. Bloody hilarious - reminded us of a what a class guy he was - making sure his family and friends had a last laugh with him.
On a more serious note; myself and the brothers played at the funeral of my young nephew [19 yo] and big sis asked us to play 'My Darling Asleep' as his coffin was carried out of the chapel. Every time I play that tune now I think of Seamus and remember a big fun loving, cider drinking, hurley playing, bike riding, lovely galoot.
The air/hornpipe The Blackbird made its way to the East coast of the USA sometime during the past century. It is played under several names (one is "Queen of the Earth, Child of the Skies"); according to Samuel Bayard it was often used as a funeral march in Pennsylvania. Such a poignant, touching tune. I can imagine playing it at a funeral.
You know the way they do it in New Orleans - a marching jazz band plays a doleful slow tune (to mourn the passing of a loved one) until, at a certain point, they launch into a lively tune and do the Charleston or some such thing, to celebrate the deceased's moving into a better place. (I've only actually seen it in that old James Bond movie...)
Anyway, couldn't there be an equivalent ITM approach - a slow air, followed by a lively selection of reels?
Actually, I suppose this is already covered by the Irish wake business. (Only seen that in movies too...)
When I saw the title of this discussion thread, I thought it was about tunes you would like them to play while you're on your deathbed. If I had only three minutes left to live it would have to be something like Kesh Jig/Rakes of Mallow/Rattlin' Bog. It would only be about a three-minute set, but those last three minutes would seem like an eternity.
But to answer the real question, how about about Neill Gow's Lament on the Death of His Third Wife...sure it's about a fiddle, but it's a nice little air with a bitter sweet quality to it. Here's hoping you have many more years to ponder the question!
Now I know why I have heard "My Darling Asleep" referred to as "My Darling Dead".
Yeah, I once made up a tape of tunes I would like to have played at my funeral, took it really seriously at the time too. There is some really beautiful funerial Irish music about. After much deliberation, my tape contains tunes like "Port na bPucai", "The Bright Lady", "Boulavogue", "Farewell to Ireland" (an absolute must), "The Lakes of Maol", some heavenly music from The Andes and, heaven forbid, an emotive country song "The Snowbird" that sums up those persistent contradictions in life - you know, "the things you want most in life are the things that you can't win" notion.
Now I think the people who are likely to mourn me have no understanding of what they see as my silly addiction with ITM.
Seeing I will be dead, they will scrap whatever I would like (for some very valid reason), and will replace my selection with their own. I won't mind, I'll be where the contradictions in life are forgotten. Gee I love those tunes, if it wasn't past midnight I'd be tempted to go and play them.
Mist Covered Mountains played by Scots Guards, THEN Paddy's rambles in the Park, THEN Easter Snow played by Flynny...the flood of tears from the congregation would float the coffin out of the church and into the hole, thus saving any nasty back injuries to my potential 'bearers'.
Death Bed Tunes
Death Bed Tunes
I'm ill with the flu in bed (or a few feet away on the computer) and I got to wondering....
.....being close to being a doctor and currently doing an attachment in palliative care, and being of a frankly morbid disposition, I was thinking what tunes I would want played at my funeral (i'm not that ill, touch wood). Some time ago my brother died following an operation and he left letters to family and friends telling them he wanted an eco funeral in a woodland, everyone to wear colour (no black), some Janis Joplin / Hendrix and for people to rejoice his life.
Would the delectable sessioneers opt for up beat merry tunes akin to my brother or go with the more melancholic, or perhaps reject tunes entirely?
The first tune that came to my head was Tune for Frankie, a gorgeous tune, but I think probably to melancholic and enigmatic. But I can't think of a tune in a major key that wouldn't sound too corny in that setting....
Anyone got any ideas to help this enivitably moribund individual?
# Posted on February 5th 2004 by Jamie
Re: Death Bed Tunes
My friend Joey and I played at a couple funerals this past year. He Left Us In Sorrow was one we played both times. How about O'Carolan's Farewell to Music?
I think I would probably want a mix of both sad and happy tunesplayed at my own funeral. But mostly happy ones. Of course with much of Irish music being strangely modal we don't always agree on which ones are sad and which are happy.
# Posted on February 5th 2004 by Andee
Re: Death Bed Tunes
For my ceremony:
Slokket Lights by dr.Tom Anderson
Paddy's Rambles through the Park
A couple of Norwegian trad numbers (lively, uptempo stuff)
For the party after:
A substantial, prepayed amount of money in the local boozer, and the Session to end all sessions.
# Posted on February 5th 2004 by snorre
Re: Death Bed Tunes
"I buried me wife and danced on her grave" is a lovely tune
# Posted on February 5th 2004 by Joe Quinn
Re: Death Bed Tunes
Well, maybe not for your wife's funeral!
# Posted on February 5th 2004 by golly
Re: Death Bed Tunes
Then again, maybe!
# Posted on February 5th 2004 by golly
Re: Death Bed Tunes
"Patrick", said Sean "When I go, will ye pour a bottle o' Jameson over me grave?"
"I will o' course" sez he "but d'ye mind if I drink it first?"
# Posted on February 5th 2004 by Joe Quinn
Re: Death Bed Tunes
Joe, you just beat me to that one. :>))
# Posted on February 5th 2004 by John J.
Re: Death Bed Tunes
How'ye Golly. The sister lives in Ontario and her daughter, my niece, is living with us here in Dublin. I believe 'tis cold out there.
# Posted on February 5th 2004 by Joe Quinn
Re: Death Bed Tunes
Sorry, John.
# Posted on February 5th 2004 by Joe Quinn
Re: Death Bed Tunes
Come on people, lets not get confused between "O'Carolans Farewell", and "O'Carolans Farewell to Music".
The former is for a funeral on a sunny day. The latter is definitely for a funeral on a rainy day in november - it ranks along with Brahm's Tragic Overture for joylessness, and with Lament for Liam O'Reilly for poignant heart stirring beauty.
For my funeral, you can play The Man Who Died and Rose Again.
(come to think, maybe better get some practice in on that one!)
Dave
# Posted on February 5th 2004 by showaddydadito
Re: Death Bed Tunes
BTW, Jamie - hope you get well soon. Melancholia is much more enjoyable when you're in good health.
Dave
# Posted on February 5th 2004 by showaddydadito
Re: Death Bed Tunes
Funeral followed by a wake, here; and at the wake I think I'd rather a regular session, where people just sort of play whatever they want as the mood takes them. (I'm a believer in funerals being not for the one who's gone on, but for those left behind, so they can do whatever they feel like at mine if it helps 'em.) So, no particular tunes...but if they'd play the ones that were my favorites at the time, it'd suit me, just like it does now. ;)
# Posted on February 5th 2004 by Zina Lee
Re: Death Bed Tunes
A suggestion for the widowers:
Pull the Knife and Stick it Again/Drowsy Maggie/Drag Her Round the Road/I Buried Me Wife and Danced on Top of Her.
It's Friday what can I say??
# Posted on February 5th 2004 by Agnes Nutter
Re: Death Bed Tunes
One question, Jamie... when sick, is it tea you want?
# Posted on February 5th 2004 by darinkelly
Re: Death Bed Tunes
Nope, 18 year old glen livet if I can afford it, but the 12 year old bottle is doing just fine!!
There's a tune title for you Gian!
# Posted on February 5th 2004 by Jamie
Re: Death Bed Tunes
Gotta go and practice The dead march on the bodhran
# Posted on February 5th 2004 by Joe Quinn
Re: Death Bed Tunes
Joe - can you perhaps get some of the living to march on the bodhran?
;o)
Dave
# Posted on February 6th 2004 by showaddydadito
Re: Death Bed Tunes
To all you frantic sessioneers, remember the old saying
"Death is only nature's way of telling you that it's time you slowed down a little."
:>))
# Posted on February 6th 2004 by John J.
Re: Death Bed Tunes
Right, you lot! By the left! Quick March! left, right, left.......
# Posted on February 6th 2004 by Joe Quinn
Re: Death Bed Tunes
aaarrrgh... flashback. Please halt! (check, one, two)
# Posted on February 6th 2004 by Q
Re: Death Bed Tunes
A mate of mine was cremated recently and he gave instructions for the playing of the theme from Monty Python's Flying Circus - the Liberty Bell. Bloody hilarious - reminded us of a what a class guy he was - making sure his family and friends had a last laugh with him.
On a more serious note; myself and the brothers played at the funeral of my young nephew [19 yo] and big sis asked us to play 'My Darling Asleep' as his coffin was carried out of the chapel. Every time I play that tune now I think of Seamus and remember a big fun loving, cider drinking, hurley playing, bike riding, lovely galoot.
# Posted on February 6th 2004 by breandan
Re: Death Bed Tunes
The air/hornpipe The Blackbird made its way to the East coast of the USA sometime during the past century. It is played under several names (one is "Queen of the Earth, Child of the Skies"); according to Samuel Bayard it was often used as a funeral march in Pennsylvania. Such a poignant, touching tune. I can imagine playing it at a funeral.
Larry
# Posted on February 6th 2004 by Layers
Re: Death Bed Tunes
You know the way they do it in New Orleans - a marching jazz band plays a doleful slow tune (to mourn the passing of a loved one) until, at a certain point, they launch into a lively tune and do the Charleston or some such thing, to celebrate the deceased's moving into a better place. (I've only actually seen it in that old James Bond movie...)
Anyway, couldn't there be an equivalent ITM approach - a slow air, followed by a lively selection of reels?
Actually, I suppose this is already covered by the Irish wake business. (Only seen that in movies too...)
- Greg
# Posted on February 6th 2004 by grego
Re: Death Bed Tunes
One of Paddy Fahey's tunes, perhaps. They seem to comment very eloquently on that which cannot be said with words.
# Posted on February 6th 2004 by CreadurMawnOrganig
Re: Death Bed Tunes
...this one:
http://www.thesession.org/tunes/display.php/1402
Many of Fahey's tunes, including this one, convey a sense of resignation to the whims of nature.
# Posted on February 6th 2004 by CreadurMawnOrganig
Re: Death Bed Tunes
took along time tae respond tae this wan. Whut aboot Mick Moloney's version of The Man With The Cap?
# Posted on February 6th 2004 by Rudall the time
Re: Death Bed Tunes
I'm Asleep, an Don't Waken Me (Taimse.. Choladh).
My Wife would recognize that one as one of my favorites,
Before I left on the long walk.
# Posted on February 6th 2004 by wvwhistler
Re: Death Bed Tunes
When I saw the title of this discussion thread, I thought it was about tunes you would like them to play while you're on your deathbed. If I had only three minutes left to live it would have to be something like Kesh Jig/Rakes of Mallow/Rattlin' Bog. It would only be about a three-minute set, but those last three minutes would seem like an eternity.
But to answer the real question, how about about Neill Gow's Lament on the Death of His Third Wife...sure it's about a fiddle, but it's a nice little air with a bitter sweet quality to it. Here's hoping you have many more years to ponder the question!
# Posted on February 6th 2004 by whistlemanhimself
Re: Death Bed Tunes
"An raibh tú ag an gCarraig?" (Were you at the [mass] rock?) is a beautiful slow air often played at funerals.
# Posted on February 6th 2004 by BowHand
Re: Death Bed Tunes
Now I know why I have heard "My Darling Asleep" referred to as "My Darling Dead".
Yeah, I once made up a tape of tunes I would like to have played at my funeral, took it really seriously at the time too. There is some really beautiful funerial Irish music about. After much deliberation, my tape contains tunes like "Port na bPucai", "The Bright Lady", "Boulavogue", "Farewell to Ireland" (an absolute must), "The Lakes of Maol", some heavenly music from The Andes and, heaven forbid, an emotive country song "The Snowbird" that sums up those persistent contradictions in life - you know, "the things you want most in life are the things that you can't win" notion.
Now I think the people who are likely to mourn me have no understanding of what they see as my silly addiction with ITM.
Seeing I will be dead, they will scrap whatever I would like (for some very valid reason), and will replace my selection with their own. I won't mind, I'll be where the contradictions in life are forgotten. Gee I love those tunes, if it wasn't past midnight I'd be tempted to go and play them.
# Posted on February 7th 2004 by Clear Drops
Re: Death Bed Tunes
Mac Pherson's rant
# Posted on February 7th 2004 by Joe Quinn
Re: Death Bed Tunes
"Heaven Knows I'm Miserable Know" by the incredible Irish band that was The Smiths. That or "Blind Mary"!
# Posted on February 7th 2004 by BowHand
Re: Death Bed Tunes
"Know" = Now
# Posted on February 7th 2004 by BowHand
Re: Death Bed Tunes
"Who knows where the time goes" by Sandy Denny.
# Posted on February 8th 2004 by kuec
Re: Death Bed Tunes
Well, no-one 's said it yet. "Knocking on heaven's door." by Bob Dylan :>(
# Posted on February 8th 2004 by John J.
Re: Death Bed Tunes
"farewell to whiskey"
# Posted on February 8th 2004 by Ran
Re: Death Bed Tunes
Touché Steve. Morrissey, Maher, O'Rourke and Joyce are of Asian ancestry!
# Posted on February 8th 2004 by BowHand
Re: Death Bed Tunes
Mist Covered Mountains played by Scots Guards, THEN Paddy's rambles in the Park, THEN Easter Snow played by Flynny...the flood of tears from the congregation would float the coffin out of the church and into the hole, thus saving any nasty back injuries to my potential 'bearers'.
# Posted on October 26th 2008 by eddie