Tag Archives: Loss in Music



Sting Sings About Dying in The Last Ship

The 62-year old former frontman for The Police talks candidly about death and grief

Dying like a rock star often means tragedy. Whether from overdose, sickness or suicide, lurid, high profile deaths sweep across the media like natural disasters. Jimi Hendrix, Freddie Mercury and Kurt Cobain, to name a few, mark the long line … Continue reading

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 “Orpheo” by Andrew Bird

A folk song that channels Greek myth to explore music and loss

Andrew Bird’s “Orpheo” looks at untimely loss and the power of music through a famous Greek myth. Orpheus was the master musician among all men; he could influence trees, stones and streams. No one could resist his lyre and voice, … Continue reading

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“Dreams Old Men Dream” by the Cold War Kids

Cold War Kids on aging, memory, love, loss and dreams

Through what kaleidoscope of memory does an aging mind perceive the world? Does each change of light conjure some long lost scene? In the lyrics to “Dreams Old Men Dream” by Cold War Kids, a day spent digging hands in the … Continue reading

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Our Beautiful Funeral Music: “Fire & Rain,” by James Taylor

A beautiful song on loss and darkness, as lovely as it is sad

Singer/songwriter James Taylor achieved his breakthrough with this at once lovely and apocalyptic tune about love deferred and challenges ahead. Taylor reflects on loneliness and loss of faith, “Sunny days that I thought would never end,” and “Lonely times when … Continue reading

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