I asked this question ages and ages ago online, but it’s been long enough (and there’s been enough of a rotation of people since then) that it’s worth asking again. Got lots of very interesting answers last time around.
If you could choose in advance one song to have played at your funeral (or memorial service or what have you), what would it be?
Knowing many of my friends, the answer will be non-serious but truthful, and that is a-ok.
I’m sure some will find it corny, but I’ve always wanted Lorenna McKennitt’s “Prospero’s Speech,” which takes most of the final lines from The Tempest and sets them to music. It’s a statement about letting go, moving on, and release. I think it would be most apt under the circumstances.
—
And now my charms are all o’erthrown
And what strength I have’s mine own
Which is most faint; now t’is true
I must here be released by you
But release me from my bands
With the help of your good hands
Gentle breath of yours my sails
Must fill, or else my project fails,
Which was to please. Now I want
Spirits to enforce, art to enchant
And my ending is despair,
Unless I be relieved by prayer
Which pierces so that it assaults
Mercy itself and frees all faults
As you from your crimes would pardon’d be
Let your indulgence set me free.
Prop me up beside the jukebox if I die
Lord, I wanna go to heaven, but I don’t want to go tonight.
Fill my boots up with sand.
Put a stiff drink in my hand.
Prop me up beside the jukebox if I die
country singer, Joe Diffie
Serena and I do not like this question.