Song for a baby
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W-xmLD85M8o Evelyn found this – played in memory of a baby The morning cold and raining, dark before the dawn could come How long in twilight waiting longing for the rising sun ohoh ohoh Oh ooh You came like crashing thunder breaking through these walls of stone You came with wide eyed wonder into all […]
Dancing the Macabray
Posted by Vale In Neil Gaiman’s great children’s book ‘The Graveyard Book,’ Bod, a little boy growing up amongst the dead, dances the ‘Macabray’. It is Gaiman’s own version of the Danse Macabre where, in this instance, the dead and the living dance together. In the audiobook version every chapter is introduced by this lovely […]
Sign of the times
“A survey last week listed the 50 indicators that you have become a fully fledged adult, which include being able to bleed a radiator, washing up immediately after eating, and carrying spare shopping bags “just in case”. “I’ve already failed on quite a few – such as owning “best towels” and “filing post” – but […]
To Know Him Is To Love Him
A bit of funerary scholarship from the sagacious Vale Of borderline relevance only to funeralists, perhaps – but the title of the song was taken by Phil Spector, who produced it, from the inscription on his father’s headstone. It’s unlikely that the same words will adorn Phil’s. Older readers will enjoy the nostalgia jolt produced […]
Saying goodbye to Dad
A lot of people would reckon this song mawkish and sentimental and, of course, in their own terms, they’d be right. But for a great many other people, this would make an excellent funeral song. Luther Vandross wrote it from his own experience of his father’s death when he (Luther) was seven. Even if you […]
All things bright and beautiful?
Posted by Belinda Forbes The sun is shining again here in leafy Berkshire. The mourners no longer need to huddle for warmth in the crematorium waiting room. The cruel winter wind that has been whipping across the chapel entrance is now a gentle breeze. Unfortunately, I’m allergic to tree pollen so it’s not all good news. Although I […]
Goodbye My Friend
Oh we never know where life will take us I know it’s just a ride on the wheel And we never know when death will shake us And we wonder how it will feel So goodbye my friend I know I’ll never see you again But the time together through all the years Will take […]
A bird’s-eye view: Jack’s funeral
Posted by Juno Gatsby Jack’s granddaughter called me and asked if I could recommend a venue for his funeral service. His family knew he didn’t want his last journey to be in a church or crematorium. He would be laid to rest in their local cemetery after his farewell ceremony. We talked about hotels and […]
Ane Brun – Your tears are much heavier these days
Your tears are much heavier these days I’ve seen them coming in like waves From the ocean, I’ve seen them coming From the ocean, I’ve seen them growing And moving with the water The rocking is getting more severe They’ll sail with you anywhere We will make it A little further Don’t you worry We’re […]
Goin’ Down Slow — Howlin’ Wolf
(spoken:) Man… You know I’ve been enjoyin’ things that kings and queens will never have! In fact kings and queens can never get ‘m. And they don’t even know about it! And good times? Mmmmmmmmm-mmh!! (sung:) I have had my fun, if I never get well no more (x 2) Oh my health is fadin’ […]
