When I Die.

Death. For some people it strikes fear into their heart. It is the ultimate unknown. No one is sure when, how, or why they are going to pass away and where and if their soul is going to travel.

Myself, I do not fear death. At least my own. Every time a loved one passes away it hurts and I fear losing my family and friends. I’d gladly give my own life to save a loved one. My own life however, I am not afraid of dying. If I were to die tommorow I would be okay with that. This is not to say I want to die. On the contrary, I want to get married, have children, grandchildren, see more of the world, and have a successful career.

When I pass away, in my will, I would have a stipulation that at my wake and funeral I would want certain songs played. Also, when I die I’d want to be cremated and have my ashes thrown into the Atlantic and hopefully I’d float over to Rome.

The songs I’d want play’d at my funeral are as follows.

1.) The Pogues “If I Should Fall From Grace With God”

This song is a rowdy Irish Punk mix with lyrics that, I feel, are brilliant. Shane MacGowan, to me is a modern day Dylan Thomas.

2.) Monty Python “Always Look On The Bright Side Of Life”

This song would make people smile. And also, I get a perverse kick out of the idea the line “Life’s a piece of shit/when you look at it” being heard in a church.

3.) Radiohead “Motion Picture Soundtrack”

This song sounds like a funeral dirge. And to me, it’s just very relaxing. The organ is very soothing.

4.) The Smiths “There Is A Light That Never Goes Out”

One of the best songs ever recorded. Period.

5.) Sigur Ros “Hoppipolla”

Sigur Ros is a band that utterly defines definition. And while, the lyrics, in Icelandic/Hopelandic would not be understood. The vocals would none-the-less speak volumes. This song in it’s music and atmosphere brings joy.

6.) Sigur Ros “Svefn-g-englar”

This song has an other worldly quality to it. It seems to transcend time and space. It has a broad majesty and it’s movements seem to sum up the life experience. It has joy, sadness, hope, and despair all in one track. Amen.

7.) Stevie Wonder “Sir Duke”

This song may seem like an odd choice. But, no. Instead of being sad for the loss you should be happy you had the times. And, why not, it’d be funny as hell to see people smirk and have the urge to dance at a funeral. And this song is from “Songs In The Key Of Life” so what would be more fitting?

8.) Atmosphere “Lovelife”

Just read the lyrics. And yeah, L-O-V-E-L-I-F-E

So those are a couple tracks. Now as far as an epitaph or a reading. Of course one could go with Dylan Thomas’ classic “Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night”. While, that is a brilliant poem, it’s not my style per se. I have always been a fan of Oscar Wilde ever since my mother gave me a book of his short stories when I was 16. So, if I am going to go out, I am going to go out with a little Oscar.

“Life is too important to be taken seriously,”~Oscar Wilde.