Please use the ideas in OPEN QUESTION posts as journal prompts, daydream starter kits, conversation topics with friends, and/or opportunities to weigh in in the comments section and help coax a true ass community here within the dancehall/wailing wall that is GRIEVER’s BALL.
this is what we played at my mom’s service. the first song we listened to a lot as she actually died; the second and last she prescribed in a journal/long letter she left for me; the rest are little snippets that she gave to me over our years together https://open.spotify.com/playlist/57shTu2KnSB5UfGwTZ0ht4?si=16iEZb-PQJGFK5Ni-uL-Xw
I have been trying to find a way to remember ryuichi and delve deeper into his work. i've listened to his music on and off for the past couple decades but did not know about that funeral playlist and haven't seen all of those films. officially on my watch/listen list, thank u <3
A quick, pre-coffee response: a had heard of this artist’s passing. I’ve been obsessed by both The Revenant and The Last Emperor. And several years ago decided the only way to truly honor my dear Mark would be with a funeral song like this one and in such a setting: https://youtu.be/cg0TQyjdHJ0
(Though this clip is so poorly filmed I cringe. But, still)
I’ve worked in the funeral industry and the answer to this, as to most questions around grief, seems to be “it depends”. Your funeral is for other people, they may find it incredibly comforting to know what music you want. Or your atheist loved ones may hate your hymns. They may sit, bewildered and aurally assaulted, as you force your unique musical tastes on them either one last time, or for the very first time. A congregation of mourners wants to feel connected with each other as well as with you. Help them to cry and give them something life-affirming, some hope or joy to carry away with them. I want David Hobson’s version of Poor Wayfaring Stranger played at my funeral, and maybe The Tallis Scholars’ Arvo Pärt’s Summa. My nieces and nephews will likely prefer something else.
this is what we played at my mom’s service. the first song we listened to a lot as she actually died; the second and last she prescribed in a journal/long letter she left for me; the rest are little snippets that she gave to me over our years together https://open.spotify.com/playlist/57shTu2KnSB5UfGwTZ0ht4?si=16iEZb-PQJGFK5Ni-uL-Xw
I have been trying to find a way to remember ryuichi and delve deeper into his work. i've listened to his music on and off for the past couple decades but did not know about that funeral playlist and haven't seen all of those films. officially on my watch/listen list, thank u <3
A quick, pre-coffee response: a had heard of this artist’s passing. I’ve been obsessed by both The Revenant and The Last Emperor. And several years ago decided the only way to truly honor my dear Mark would be with a funeral song like this one and in such a setting: https://youtu.be/cg0TQyjdHJ0
(Though this clip is so poorly filmed I cringe. But, still)
I’ve worked in the funeral industry and the answer to this, as to most questions around grief, seems to be “it depends”. Your funeral is for other people, they may find it incredibly comforting to know what music you want. Or your atheist loved ones may hate your hymns. They may sit, bewildered and aurally assaulted, as you force your unique musical tastes on them either one last time, or for the very first time. A congregation of mourners wants to feel connected with each other as well as with you. Help them to cry and give them something life-affirming, some hope or joy to carry away with them. I want David Hobson’s version of Poor Wayfaring Stranger played at my funeral, and maybe The Tallis Scholars’ Arvo Pärt’s Summa. My nieces and nephews will likely prefer something else.