Final Playlist

As I approach another revolution around the sun, its obvious most of my revolutions
are behind me. Given that, its time to go public with something very important to me.

Starting at a very early age, I’ve been to many funerals or memorial services over the years. The one consistent factor for me, is rarely have I enjoyed the music at the service. For example, a favorite and very beautiful meaningful song for many is “The Wind Beneath My Wings”. For me that song is the equivalent of someone scratching a chalkboard with their fingernails or having a cavity removed with no novocain. Music is personal, we do not have to like or agree with some else’s choices.

So years ago I started to put together a final playlist at my eventual funeral or memorial service. Dying is a when question not an if. I got to thinking that if I do not publicize my playlist, I might be stuck listening to songs I don’t like during the service. Its pretty hard to leave your own funeral.

So my first song would be “Clocks” by Coldplay. Not sure why, but I have loved this song since the first time I heard it.

I am sure it is an exaggeration but I have often thought bike tours saved my life. For sure they changed my life. My first week long tour was in 1994 in Western ND called the CANDISC. That was before cell phones and iPads, we were lucky if the small towns we often camped in overnight had a pay phone. For years I had done but nothing but work with occasional 3-5 day weekends with the family. So starting with my first tour and everyone after that, for one week all I did was eat sleep and bike. Again, starting with ,my first tour and everyone after that, when I finished and got into my car, opened all the windows cranked up the speakers, put on “Take The Long Way Home” by Supertramp. Not sure the original intent of the song but for me, itwas about leaving a pretend world and going back to the real one with all the responsibilities of work and family.

A second biking song which has nothing to do with biking is “867-5309/Jenny” by Tommy Tutone. I was on the RAGBRAI, the largest bike tour in the world with normally 15,000-20,000 riders. It goes across Iowa in July and every town we biked thru had food trucks, live music and a beer garden. I was going thru some small town three guys were performing that song along the road. They were almost as good as the original and it just energized me. Since then, whenever I need a pick me up, that’s one of my go to songs.

My two political songs would be “Won’t Be Fooled Again” by The Who and “I’d Love to Change the World” by Ten Years After. The first is about politicians who first get elected with great intentions and once in office power and greed corrupt them. The second is the failure of the Baby Boomer generation of which I am a part. We had challenges but we also had a lot of opportunities. Baby boomers are partly responsible for wages minimum wage and wages in general not keeping up with inflation. We are also responsible for the exploding federal deficit, wars in the Middle East, shrinking of middle class and denial of climate change to name a few. I guess in a sense, we changed the world, we made it worse.

A spiritual songs would be “Down by the River to Pray” by Alison Krauss.

My family song would be “Just Breathe” by Pearl Jam. I love this song but I rarely listen to it because its always dusty and my eyes water up. Its about one’s life partner, but also, at least for me, my children and grandchildren.

Another family song would be “Whenever I Call You Friend” sung by Kenny Loggins and Stevie Nicks. It’s really about my wife. We’ve been together for most of our lives, had a lot of ups, a few downs, created kids who created their own kids, and done a lot of cool stuff.

Another spiritual song would be “Love Is The Answer”. The versions from England Dan and John Ford Coley and/or Utopia are my favorite. The foundation of Christianity is “love your neighbor as yourself” and it is clear Jesus meant everyone is your neighbor.

Next would be “And When I Die” by Blood Sweat and Tears. I know some would find this song sacrilegious but I find it a beautiful summary of life, death and those carrying on afterwards.

The last two songs would be “Love the One You’re With” by Stephen Stills. Some ay not think this appropriate for my grandchildren to hear, but what do I care, I’m dead, that’s a parent problem Plus, its really about loving your neighbor which is a good thing.

Final song would be “Listen to the Music” by the Doobie Brothers. Blare it and just dance.

Some funeral services are very sad because the lives they are memorializing were way too short. Like my sister Doreen who was killed a car accident when she was 21. Others of celebrations like my mom who died of old age at 89, only a few days away from reaching 90. Whenever it happens, mine should be a celebration with great music, my great music. And if someone even thinks about humming “The Wind Beneath My Wings”, remember that being haunted for all eternity by a PO’d ghost is not a good thing.