Beert’s Funeral Songs

From time to time, we present questions to our fellow taint ticklers. Recently, we asked: “What are five to ten songs that you would like to have played at your funeral?” There are numerous ways to approach this question. For music addicts, it is hard to limit the number of songs. Furthermore, the list is likely to change many times, as we remember additional songs and hear new music. Nevertheless, it is worth going through this process, as it is helpful to plan, and fun to share various musical connections. Below is Beert’s list. 

By Beert:

Normally, when we Tainters are tasked with a list, my initial reaction is full of excitement and wonder at the songs I would choose. The excitement quickly turns to being overwhelmed. I don’t do well with unlimited choices. I love going to record stores, but I usually leave empty-handed due to being overwhelmed with all of the choices. See where I’m coming from? Then I usually sit in regret for not picking up this or that (like not grabbing a compilation of African Metal bands I saw at Graywhale Records when I was recently in Salt Lake City).

But this list has intrigued me. I reflect back to the celebration of life of a great man, Dave Curington. At his memorial, the songs that were played were selected by him. All pertinent, all great, and all Dave. The kicker, to me, was when “Revenge” by NoMeansNo (https://youtu.be/vc9cXJzfHSg) came on. And I thought, “this is the perfect song for a memorial.” Likewise, I reflected how I will play Billy Bragg’s “Tank Park Salute” (https://youtu.be/qx-dtJ4Oovc) on Father’s Day or my Father’s birthday, as a memorial and reflection on how I looked up to him.

Once you attend a memorial for someone who had a different taste in music, and you weren’t hearing the sappy pop/pop-country songs that you hear at most funerals/memorials, it does push one to curate a list for their own memorial, if a memorial is something a person wants.

Thus, here is my list of funeral/death/memorial songs, at this particular hour, on this day:

Mr. Right & Mr. Wrong, “This Wound Will Never Heal.”

Jesus (band from North Dakota), “Closer to Fine” (cover of Indigo Girls).

Colin Hay, “Overkill.”

Cringer, “Blasphemous.”

Dead Moon, “It’s OK.”

J Church, “The Satanists Convene.”

Husker Du, “Monday Will Never Be the Same.”

John K. Samson, “Select All Delete.”

NoMeansNo, “Revenge.”

John Cage, “4’ 33.”