I want to sing and play guitar at my funeral. It’s important to me and a pretty cool goal, in my opinion. A lofty one, too, because A) I am tone deaf and B) I don’t know how to play guitar (yet). This idea originated and is inspired by Keenan Ivory Wayans’ film I’m Gonna Git You Sucka (Seriously). I feel everyone should have a life soundtrack that truly represents them – the good, the bad, and the not-so-pretty.
“It’s my theme music. Every good hero should have some.”
Imagine watching Star Wars, The Lord of the Rings, or Gladiator without their soundtracks. It’s impossible. They are inseparable. Soundtracks help accentuate a moment. Whether a first kiss or a last goodbye, music is in our hearts.
While unlikely that someone would immediately identify us with something as magnificent as the Imperial March, there are essential songs that anyone who matters would connect to us with either a smile or tears. Those songs are the bones of our unique soundtracks. They tell our life stories.
“Man, I hear you, but there are so many songs.”
I get it. It’s not easy. Choosing between Britney Spears and Nickelback can be tough.
A personal soundtrack needs to be carefully cultivated and adjust over time. There have to be guardrails. There have to be rules.
My Rules
- The song deeply connects to a moment, person, or emotion important to me.
- The song is one of my most played (throughout life).
- My “people” will raise a glass whenever it plays.
- The list cannot exceed 25 songs.
My Soundtrack (in no specific order)
- The Parting Glass (any version)
- Oblivion by Bastille
- Reach for the Sky by Social Distortion
- Africa by Toto
- Romeo and Juliet by Dire Straits
- The Fields of Athenry by Dropkick Murphy’s
- Angel’s Wings by Social Distortion
- If I Ever Leave This World Alive by Flogging Molly
- Un Velero Llamado Libertad by Jose Luis Perales
- Shine by Cyndi Lauper
- Don’t Stop Me Now by Queen
- Fragile by Sting (performed by Annie Lennox)
- Chevaliers de Sangrael by Hans Zimmer (from the Davinci Code film)
- Pull You Through by John Taylor
- Go West by The Petshop Boys
- Yellow by Coldplay
- Song for Zula by Phosphorescent
- Chiquita by ABBA
- Be Still by The Killers
- Sultans of Swing by Dire Straits
- Don’t Give Up by Peter Gabriel
- Sweet Baby James by James Taylor
- Dream On by Aerosmith
- Have You Ever Seen the Rain by Creedence Clearwater Revival
Don’t judge. These songs have been with me for a long time – several from childhood. They are my friends. Some represent moments of happiness or sadness. Others represent freedom and love. They tell my story.
Funerals are somber events. Their soundtracks are filled with whispers and tears. Seldom does one hear a laugh. Loved ones are more focused on loss than celebrating life. It’s a load of bullshit. I drink and dance in celebration, not because of some religious belief, but out of respect.
I want my wife to remember a bloody-mouthed me walking out of a mosh pit at a Flogging Molly show. I want my youngest to remember my off-key bath-time singing. I want my oldest to remember me playing Beat Sabre on his VR system to the songs he installed for me. I want them to stomp around while throwing down whiskey shots because, damn it, thats what Dad would do – especially if I get eaten by a shark while trying to scratch #20 off my Life Adventure List.
Back to my goal. I’m strumming away at my guitar (a gift from my wife), and I hear there are Auto-Tune apps that can help my singing.
I’m working on it.
What’s your life’s soundtrack?
Join the conversation. Your comments are always welcomed.
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