On an email group I belong to, a colleague shared some of the more inappropriate music and songs that have been used in funeral services, especially at the crematorium. They’re all genuine, or so he says!
1. instrumental - Vangelis - Chariots of fire
2. Colours of day - chorus - so light up the fire and let the flame burn
3. Another one bites the dust.
What’s the most inappropriate music you’ve heard at a funeral?
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Ian McKenzie 01.30.06 at 9:35 pm
I’ve never heard this sung at a funeral, but I have told Glenda that, as my final quip, I want my funeral service to include the chorus, “It’s no longer I that liveth.”
Matt 01.31.06 at 4:57 pm
John Cage’s 4′33″.
just kidding, really… every once in a while, there’s a good long pause during a service and no one knows what to do.
Richard B. 01.31.06 at 8:59 pm
“Rock of ages.”
You need the context, though… the part of Canada in which I grew up is very hilly Canadian shield. Much of the highway is cut into the hills, rather than going up them. The rockfaces on either side of the highway are known as “rockcuts”.
At the funeral in question, a young driver had lost control of their car at high speed… and had crashed into a rock cut.
Fortunately, I was able to help the family understand the… difficulty… with the hymn before the order of service was completed.
Blessings and peace - Richard B.
malc 02.06.06 at 4:33 pm
I want the two Monty Python songs - Always Look On the Bright Side Of Life, and - All Things Dull And Ugly….. just so people know.