Tag Archives: songs about death

“Tears in Heaven” by Eric Clapton

A touching ballad asks unanswerable questions

The death of a child is the most devastating loss a person can experience. Many people never recover completely from the overwhelming sense of loss and grief. Marriages crumble; relationships fall apart; despair becomes a part of the fabric of … Continue reading

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“If” by Bread

A memorial song with a romantic view of the end of life

It’s often difficult to put into words how much you care for someone important in your life. Many of us squander the small opportunities we get every day to express our gratitude and love for the people around us. And … Continue reading

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“Memphis Skyline” by Rufus Wainwright

A beautiful memorial song dedicated to Jeff Buckley

Envy and deep respect are in perfect harmony in Rufus Wainwright‘s touching tribute song, “Memphis Skyline.” As a longtime fan of the late singer Jeff Buckley, Wainwright penned the tune to honor Buckley’s unexpected death at a young age. Today, it … Continue reading

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Paul K. Joyce’s musical adaptation of Mary Elizabeth Frye’s “Do Not Stand At My Grave And Weep.”

A composer sets the popular bereavement poem to music with hauntingly beautiful results

Since 1932, when florist and Baltimore-based homemaker Mary Elizabeth Frye wrote “Do Not Stand at My Grave and Weep,” quite a few musicians have felt compelled to set the poem to music. Frye’s wise, comforting lines have been transformed into … Continue reading

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“Der Tod und das Mädchen” by Franz Schubert

Death comforts a young maiden

“Der Tod und das Mädchen” (Death and the Maiden) is a gorgeous “lied” composed by Franz Schubert in 1817. The word “lied” is a German term originally used to describe the fusion of poetry and music, or more specifically the practice of … Continue reading

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“Lay Me Down” by Sam Smith

Heartfelt song gives a voice to grief beyond reason

We have all been there: standing before a stark reality and wishing against all reason that what we know to be true isn’t so. A common trait encouraged in children is to be moderate, thoughtful and temperate with their emotions … Continue reading

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