”Rue’s Farewell” in “The Hunger Games”

Credit: Screenshot of Katniss in “The Hunger Games”

For those of you who have not seen the film The Hunger Games, it’s a nonstop action cliffhanger mixed with the unexpected innocent sweetness of children. I will not spoil the storyline, but death is around every corner and we witness children fighting for their lives. The youngest, a sweet girl Rue, is accidentally killed — her sad death slowing the film down to honor her. The older Katniss Everdeen, Rue’s guardian angel, offers Rue a proper woodland funeral — it’s a beautiful scene.

Deep in the meadow, under the willow
a bed of grass, a soft green pillow
Lay down your head, and close your sleepy eyes
and when they open the sun will rise

(Chorus)
here it’s safe
Here it’s warm
Here the daisies guard you from every harm
here your dreams are sweet and tomorrow brings them true
Here is the place where I love you
Deep in the meadow, hidden far away
a cloak of leaves, a moonbeam ray
forget your woes, and let your troubles lie
And when again it’s morning they’ll all wash away

Katniss picks Queen Anne’s Lace, lying it on Rue’s chest embraced within her hands. We hear the distant lullaby of a song, “Rue’s Farewell,” composed by James Newton Howard. A wonderful melodic song with Celtic overtones, this song is perfect for a green or natural burial. Do not let the film’s concept steer you away from this beautiful song.

Below is the scene of Rue’s death in The Hunger Games. I also offer the lovely lyrics not spoken in the film.

I’d recommend the film. It’s a good one.

Read the full lyrics here.

Listen to more funeral songs and read funeral quotes here.