Tag Archives: Memorial Song

“For Once in My Life” by Stevie Wonder

Let Stevie Wonder's song bring strength and joy to your memorial ceremony

Gone are the days of somber memorials defined by a dreary black dress-code and a slew of sad songs. It’s important to create an atmosphere sensitive to the grieving process, and a memorial ceremony will always embrace that. But, in … Continue reading

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 “You’ve Got a Friend” by Carole King

A message of love, through space and time, that continues to heal wounds in Carole King

While death is never explicitly addressed in this classic song by Carole King, one can imagine it as a fitting piece of music for a beautiful memorial. There is something eternal and soul-like in King’s depiction of a friendship where … Continue reading

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“Ol’ Man River” by The Beach Boys

The vocal version of the Beach Boys song is a calming, stripped-down version of a classic that makes a beautiful memorial song

No group harmonizes as well as the Beach Boys, whose songs have become American treasures thanks to their delicate and complex vocal arrangements. While the ‘Boys’ may be best known for hits like “God Only Knows” and “Good Vibrations,” their take … Continue reading

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“Mama Liked the Roses” by Elvis Presley

A loving song mourning the loss of a beloved mother and appreciating all that she did in life for her son

When it comes to memorial music, it seems that The King is still one of the best around at crooning out heart-wrenching ballads that reach out and grab the soul. In his 1969 song, “Mama Liked the Roses,” Elvis’ gospel … Continue reading

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“Changes” Cover by Seu Jorge

The Brazilian artist brings new life to Bowie's classic, bringing it all the tenderness of a perfect memorial song

’s 1972 song “Changes” is a rock classic. It’s merited many covers since its debut, but none have proved as moving or intimate as that of Brazilian artist Seu Jorge – none have ever stricken us as a potential memorial … Continue reading

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 “In the Aeroplane Over the Sea” by Neutral Milk Hotel

A song on how death inspires beauty and a life well lived

In my post on Wallace Stevens’s poem “Sunday Morning”, I explored how death fuels the imagination and drives us to live for the world. Mortality underpins the phrase Carpe Diem. Liz Matsushita touches on this briefly in her review of … Continue reading

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