Hi mamas. One of my brothers passed away over the weekend and we are planning his wake and funeral. Both will be traditional Catholic affairs. At the wake, we will have a lap top set up on a table in the anteroom that will scroll a slide show of photos with music playing quietly in the background.
My brother was in his early 30s and died from an overdose. He was an addict who lived a hard life and liked hard music. He played guitar and his favorite bands/artists were those like Tool, Metallica, Korn, Godsmack, Staind, Eminim, etc. Can anyone think of any songs from those bands or those like them that would be appropriate at a memorial? I was thinking of something like "It's Been a While" from Staind but the lyrics hit way too close to home. I think we'll include "Tears in Heaven" from Eric Clapton and "I Will Remember You" from Sarah Mclachlan but anything softer/sappier than those just wouldn't be true to his memory. We're considering "Home Sweet Home" from Motley Crue but that gets a little loud and screechy and rock-anthem-y in the end and we want things that are a little more subdued and reflective.
It's been a long time since I've listened to many of these bands or similar ones. If anyone has any suggestions for songs that would fit, please let me know.
Thanks!
Thank you everyone! These are great suggestions. Although some of them are too "hard" for the setting, I am definitely checking them all out and many are songs that will make me forever think of my brother, so I'll probably make a mix of many of these to share with my siblings. I'll later add what the final list ends up being. I absolutely love Sober and of course that and It's Been a While has made me think of my brother but both have lyrics that we can't send him off with in a respectful setting.
Thanks again everyone. Your kind words have touched my heart and have given much comfort. My other brother and I spent the evening listening to all of your suggestions. What great songs! We've decided tentatively to go with the Apocalyptica cover of either Nothing Else Matters or Fade to Black (Metallica), Good Riddance (a/k/a Time of Your Life) and When September Ends from Green Day, Shadow of the Day from Linkin Park, Immortality from Pearl Jam, Mad World from Gary Jules and oddly...Someone Like You from Adele. I guess my brother actually liked that song a lot...go figure ;-)
Thank you again.
Motley Crue .. If I Die Tomorrow is beautiful and Sixx Am's Life is Beautiful would both be approrpiate ... you could even go with Tool's Sober if you would like as well. If he was a Tool fan the Sober would have been a favorite.
Whatever you do DON"T play "stairway to heaven" by Led zeppelin. i mean it seems nice but if you really listen to the words its really about hypocrisy in modern religion and has NO place at a funeral.
"Dust in the wind" by Kansas is a nice one- thoughtful and optimistic
"shine on you crazy diamond" pink floyd, not many lyrics but very powerful
"fade to black" by Metallica is very somber but if you want to point out the loneliness of addiction it will fit right in,,,,,,,,,so would "sober" by tool which is a very powerful song that stirs even my emotions.
i dont know those other bands you mentioned well enough to recommend anything
So Sorry ((hugs))..I think "I remember you" from Skid Row could be a good one, also "nothing else matters" by linking park. Others may be "On the streets of Philadelphia" (for the sweet somber music) by Springsteen, and you can't forget "Knocking on Heaven's door" by Guns'nRoses.
First I'm so sorry about your families loss. There's a band called hell ya and they did a song for the guitarist from pantera called "thank you" here's the lyrics, but it might be fitting
"Thank You"
So many things,
I didn't say,
Is it too late now that you've gone away?
So many words,
So many ways,
If you can hear me now, there's something I gotta say.
Just one more talk,
Just one more turn,
If one's too much then..
I just want to say,
Thank you,
For everything,
You ever done for me,
(done for me)
I just want to say,
Thank you,
For all the things,
For saving me,
(Saving me)
So many times,
So many days,
You helped me through,
Walked me through the rain,
So many tears,
Have washed away,
If you can hear my voice,
There's something I have to say..
Just one more talk,
Just one more turn,
If one's too much then..
I just want to say,
Thank you,
For everything,
You ever done for me,
(done for me)
I just want to say,
Thank you,
For all the things,
For saving me,
(Saving me)
It's been so long,
They say time will heal everything,
Could you send me a sign,
To fill the soul in my life,
Turn on a light,
To help me see through it all,
No one left to rescue me,
Save me...
Just one more talk,
Just one more turn,
If one's too much then..
I just want to say,
Thank you,
For everything,
You ever done for me,
(done for me)
I just want to say,
Thank you,
For all the things,
For saving me,
(Saving me)
I just want to say..
Thank you,
Mother,
Thank you,
Father,
Thank you,
Sister,
For Saving me..
I just want to say,
Thank you,
Brother,
Thank you,
Daughter,
Thank you,
To all best friends..
First, let me saw how sorry I am for you and your family. It's terrible to lose someone so young and to a terrible disease. I have a brother who has a similar life.
My first thought was Home Sweet Home, too. It's such a beautiful song. I googled "Rock Ballads for Funerals" and got the following list:
Top Ten European Funeral Songs
1. Queen - The Show Must Go On
2. Led Zeppelin - Stairway to Heaven
3. AC/DC - Highway to Hell
4. Frank Sinatra - My Way
5. Mozart - Requiem
6. Robbie Williams - Angels
7. Queen - Who Wants To Live Forever
8.The Beatles - Let it Be
9. Metallica - Nothing Else Matters
10. U2 - With Or Without You
Top Ten British Funeral Songs
1. Robbie Williams - Angels
2. Frank Sinatra - My Way
3. Monty Python - Always Look on the Bright Side of Life
4. Led Zeppelin - Stairway to Heaven
5. Queen - Who Wants To Live Forever
6. Green Day - Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)
7. REM - Everybody Hurts
8. Oasis - Live Forever
9. Bette Midler - Wind Beneath My Wings
10. Royal Scots Dragoon Guards - Amazing Grace
I'm very, very sorry for the loss of your brother. I was going to suggest Tool's "Eulogy" but that has some bad language in it and possibly offensive references to the cross.
But ...
Crash Test Dummies "At My Funeral"
Mad Season "Wake Up" (about an overdose)
Metallica "Nothing Else Matters"
Added: Chili Peppers "My Lovely Man" (about the death of a brother)
"Wish You Were Here" Pink Floyd
"Knockin' on Heaven's Door" Guns n Roses
"Aerials" System of a Down
"Bittersweet Symphony" Verve
"Don't Cry" Guns n Roses
"Shine on You Crazy Diamond" Pink Floyd
I'm very sorry for your loss...I think this is a beautiful way to remember your brother.
I've always loved "Time of Your Life" by Green Day.
Six am - Life is beautiful
Listen to "Sober" by Tool.
(Warning: language is harsh and bleak, maybe not as "tasteful" as you like, but it's sort of a desperate prayer from the point of view of someone who's screwed up, and hurt those close to him. It could be taken as an apology from your brother if anyone actually listens to the lyrics. I like the honesty of it. I also find it to be a moving and masteful performance that I like in it's own right.)
I feel sad for your loss.
oh, I'm sooo sorry to hear of your loss. My heart goes out to you.....
Avenged Sevenfold.....their song, "Dear God". Love this song...
also their song "Afterlife"...which is pretty hardcore. My son was pallbearer at the funeral of one of his friend's mom....& they played the cd nonstop for her funeral music.
?maybe 3 Doors Down..."It's Not My Time"
Molly Hatchet...."Fall of the Peacemakers"
Shinedown...."Save Me" - which may hit too close to home....it begins with "I've got a needle....& spoon). Also their "Breaking Inside" song.
Bad Company....their song "Bad Company"
Hope some of this helps.....& I want to thank you for asking for our help. Your question today opened the door on a very important subject btwn myself & my 24 yo son. He had very strong opinions on this whole subject - good for me to know! I wish you Strength....
Shadow of the Day by Linkin Park would be a good one. Its not too hard and itvery reflective. I'm so sorry for your loss.
I just listened to a few of these songs on youtube. I loved Crash Test Dummies "At My Funeral". I am so sorry for your loss.
I lost my brother a couple of years ago from a heart attack, he was 42. He loved AC DC so we had my sister read the lyrics to one of the songs (high way to hell, go figure). I would try to pick some that will not offend anyone. My family knew that my brother loved this band and they were told beforehand why my sis was reading it. They also had some pictures going with different music that my other sister had picked out before the service started.
I don't really know the songs that these bands play, but I would listen first before playing.
I am very sorry for your loss. Hugs
Take a line from the Big Chill and play the Stones "Can't Always Get what you want?" Or "As Tears Go By"? Or for some reason November Rain by Guns and Roses comes to mind. More of a love song but touches me. May be too loud though too at parts. Another one might be Wish You were here by Pink Floyd.
And I'm very sorry for your loss.
Maybe an acoustic version of one of the songs would be less screechy.
First of all, I want to tell you that Im so sorry for your loss. My family and I almost lost my lil sister to Heroine, At times it felt like an endless battle with her.But its been a year now since she been clean and everyday is a blessing to have my sister back.
once again Im so sorry for your loss and my prayers go out to you and your family.
Led Zepplin--Stairway to Heaven
Red Hot Chilie Peppers--Gong Lee
I'm sorry to hear about your brother. My prayers for you and your family. Maybe Led Zepplin--Stairway to Heaven? Also, Queen has some awesome songs to choose. Check out their selection.
Ozzy - Mama I'm comin home
def hard... man those bands I dont think have many that wouldnt be filled with something, inappropriate. Did he listen to any more recent ones like Linkin Park or maybe Muse? There are 2 of those that might be usable.. might have to edit one or two songs. Not to hard with software available on the internet now.
We played "Mad, mad world" (or it's a mad, mad world?) at my stepbrother's memorial. It was poignant, appropriate, and hauntingly beautiful. There are several versions, and a few songs with similar titles, if I can look up the one I'm thinking of I will! Mine was recent too, at age 27, and from the same causes. You're in my thoughts!
Apocolyptica - Fade to Black
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQrVrUbFKsc
I'm so very sorry for your loss.
Blessings.....
Also just thought of Silent Lucidity by Queensryche.
My Immortal - Evanescence
I'll Be Seeing You
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i2AgdxJYP74&feature=re...
(not hard rock at all, but a wonderful song).
February Song - Josh Groban
You have lots of great suggestions.
I'm sorry for your family's loss.
November Rain by Guns And Roses...
To live is to Die - Metallica
fade to Black - Metallica
Tearjerker - Korn
I need to think some more...my ex-husband would be a good source for this. Not sure how fast he would get back with me though....
I am so sorry for your loss, please accept my condolences, J B.
I came to the Lord in a church in SoCal, and this is a staple at funerals there for young persons who've passed on. It was also played at a memorial service I went to at another church a few months ago, he was just 25. It may be too "rough" for what you need, but I thought I'd go ahead and put it out there. Free bird by Lynyrd Skynyrd:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=np0solnL1XY
Have you listened to the words of been awhile! I love staind but I wouldn't use that one. Check out tangled up in you by staind. Its beautiful. How about nirvana? I only listen to alternative/rock music and nirvana is very deep. Come as you are is a good one
My favorite is stone temple pilots big empty and listen to my chemical romances "helena". This came out after my mom passed and I will always think of her when I hear it. Let me know if you like any of them and im so deeply sorry for your loss. Bless your heart.
I am so sorry for your loss.
Not familiar with those bands, so I am not much help.
I would second You Can't Always Get What You Want by the Stones. Or Streets of Philadelphia by Bruce Springstein.
I am so sorry for your loss - you've gotten some great ideas so far but a couple of other songs I like myself are:
"Just Breathe" by Pearl Jam - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YzkZPI-HKsk
"I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For" by U2 (you can probably find some excellent different versions but I especially like their singing it with a gospel choir in Harlem as part of their Rattle and Hum album - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M8Wt3dhF4fU&feature=re...)
"Blackbird" by the Beatles - Sarah McLachlin sings a nice cover of it.
My sincerest condolences for your loss.
Here are a couple of songs I want on my funeral soundtrack: Can't Take It In by Imogen Heap and Have Love, Will Travel by Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers.
Also perhaps Freebird by Lynard Skynrd
I'm sorry for your loss. May your brother have a beautiful wake.
I think your brother may like these other songs:
1) If I ever leave this world alive by Flogging Molly
part of the lyrics:
If I ever leave this world alive
I'll thank you for all the things you did in my life
If I ever leave this world alive
I'll come back down and sit beside your
feet tonight Wherever I am you'll always be
More than just a memory If I ever leave this world alive
If I ever leave this world alive
I'll take on all the sadness
That I left behind
If I ever leave this world alive
The madness that you feel will soon subside
So in a word don't shed a tear
I'll be here when it all gets weird
If I ever leave this world alive ...
2) Love you till the end - The Pogues
3) Fairytale of New York - The Pogues (a little irreverant)
4) In my life - The Beatles
Pink Floyd - Time
Soundgarden - Black Hole Sun
Ozzy - Crazy Train
I am so sorry for your loss...
Angel by Jimi Hendrix
Rain by Jon Heintz
Use Somebody by Kings of Leon
Oceans by Pearl Jam
November Rain by Guns N Roses
Free Bird By Lynyrd Skynyrd
Try Apocalyptica. They're a group of cellists who cover metal and hard rock songs. They do a lot of Metallica among other things. Also, check out Scott Davis, a pianist who covers metal and hard rock.
"I am the Highway" by Audioslave. Beautiful song, with the lead singer from Soundgarden. Listen to the words, even if you've already made your decision, because it's a beautiful song. I am so sorry for your loss.
so sorry for your loss. A few songs I can think of:
Presence of the Lord by Eric Clapton/Blind Faith
Maybe some instrumental numbers, like Ronnie Montrose's version of "Town Without Pity" and "Lenny" by Stevie Ray Vaughan
Maybe Led Zeppelin's "Thank You" might work - for some reason the line "If the sun refused to shine/I would still be loving you" seems like a fitting sentiment for a close family member whose memory you want to honor even though he made unwise decisions that led to his death.
I like November Rain, and I'll remember you. Both beautiful by rock bands.
So sorry for your loss, I know it can't be easy. Hope your brother has found some peace. You're in my thoughts :)
It's Not My Time by Three Doors Down. That was played at the wake for a friend of mine. I am so sorry for your loss.
Sorry for your loss. My husband has requested me to play "The End" by The Doors at his funeral.
Ozzys "Goodbye to Romance" is one of my favorites to mourn to when I lose someone.
