Tag Archives: Memorial Music

“Canon in D Major,” by Johann Pachelbel

A Baroque composition that soothes the soul and lifts the spirit

The first time I heard Pachelbel’s “Canon in D Major” I was at a retreat for the pediatric oncology staff at Stanford Children’s Hospital, where I worked. It was January, and we had just gone through an emotionally devastating holiday … Continue reading

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Adele’s “Make You Feel My Love”

Bob Dylan's tender love song reminds us of the source of our grief

A little over two years ago, a fire destroyed the building where I was renting an apartment. Fortunately, no one was injured, and the landlord soon placed everyone who lived in the building in a new home. All we lost, … Continue reading

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“Lullabye (Goodnight My Angel)” by Billy Joel

Billy Joel’s touching melody offers us reassurance that death is not the end

If you are one of the many people who have tried to explain death to a child, you can understand the difficulty one faces in finding just the right words. I remember sitting on my bed as a toddler after … Continue reading

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“The Promise” by Tracy Chapman

Heartfelt memorial song gives voice to loss, longing and remembrance

Tracy Chapman’s song “The Promise” is as much as song of separation as it is of togetherness. As listeners, we can place ourselves in the role of speaker/singer addressing a loved one, but it is just as easy to imagine … Continue reading

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Make the Most of Today: “Like I’m Gonna Lose You”

Meghan Trainor and John Legend sing about the pain of loss

Meghan Trainor is a rarity in the world of pop music. An accomplished singer, songwriter and music publisher by the time she was barely out of her teens, the 22 year-old star records punchy, throwback-style tracks that sound like they … Continue reading

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 “Satisfied Mind” by Jeff Buckley

A classic song that celebrates a life well-lived as opposed to material goods

Jeff Buckley’s song ‘Satisfied Mind’ offers a beautiful take on the end of life. In this classic song, Buckley comments that money can’t buy back time, and when the end of your life approaches, the most wonderful thing to have is … Continue reading

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