Tag Archives: Death in Music

“Grace” by Jeff Buckley

A stunning funeral song that celebrates both life and death

Like many of Jeff Buckley’s songs, “Grace” has taken on new meaning almost 20 years after the singer’s death. Buckley dives into an interesting paradox in the song: Life feels short and fragile, yet it also moves at a molasses-like pace. … Continue reading

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”There Is a Light That Never Goes Out” by The Smiths

Morrissey croons about love conquering death in this classic memorial song from The Smiths

The Smiths’ frontman Morrissey isn’t squeamish about death. He’s mused on the subject dozens of times throughout his expansive career in The Smiths and as a solo artist. His fascination with death is showcased best in the 1992 hit “There … Continue reading

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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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”Gaudeamus Igitur”

A tongue-in-cheek graduation song that tells us to make the most of life before we die

Summer’s here. The school year’s over and many of our siblings, friends, children and grandchildren are graduating from university. Just imagine the opportunities before them. What will they do next? Where will they go? Whom will they meet? As their … 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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Our Beautiful Funeral Music: a 60s-era Rock & Roll Classic

Surf rock duo Jan and Dean combine the time periods car culture, and a transformative death experience

This classic ’60s rock & roll single by surf music pioneers Jan and Dean recalls not only the Beach Boys, but the bygone era of American Graffiti muscle cars, and even the tragic, so-called “disaster songs” from this time period, … Continue reading

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