Songs to Say Goodbye

My grandmother died last week. She was a tough broad that lived a full life. For her funeral this weekend, I wanted to have some nice music to greet her family and friends. It's a celebration of her life, but also a chance to say goodbye... and I'd love to hear your suggestions on songs that you think convey the sentiment well. I'm especially interested in Hawaiian songs, be they specifically written to say farewell or simply sweet, gentle melodies to set the stage for the service.

Even if sad songs are not your style, I'd still be curious to know... what would be on your "Goodbye Mix" CD?

Comments

Ryan - I'm sorry to hear that. Losing a grandparent is like losing a part of your childhood. You sort of retire something deeply special back into the closet knowing you'll never be able to bring it out again.

Here are some ideas. I may not have some titles exactly right and maybe not all appropriate for funerals:

- In this Life I Was Loved by You (Iz and Bette Midler sang)
- By Heart (Brickman, sung by Anne Cochran) - I heard this once at a funeral and was surprised by how meaningful it was for the moment.
- Standard gospels (Sweet By and By, Amazing Grace, Till We Meet Again, Precious Lord Take My Hand) - If not a Christian crowd, the melodies alone resonate something special.
- All the Diamonds in the World (Bruce Cockburn)
- Only Good Times
- Come Sail Away

I'll try to think of some others, but those are just off the top of my head ...

Another song is "Mama A Rainbow." Quaint and childlike. It's not a goodbye song per se, but definitely a nice tribute.

Oh. My. Goodness.

Ruth, I can't believe you know that Bruce Cockburn song. Bruce is my favorite musician in the world, and it's nice to know someone else out there appreciates him. That's my favorite BC song.

Ry-Man: some good local songs:
"Only Good Times," by the Keola and Kapono Beamer.
"Kuu Home o Kahaluu," by Olomana.
"Waialua Sky," by the Fabulous Krush.

"It's So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday"- Boyz2Men

My condolences go out to you and your family, Ryan. I wish you much strength.

Songs I would choose would be:
"Rainbow Connection"
There's something so moving about Kermit the Frog's earnest delivery, backed up by that emotional string-section.

"White Sandy Beach" by Israel Kamakawiwaole
Brings back grand memories to carefree times. Even more valuable when away from the islands.

"I miss you my Hawaii" by Na Leo Pilimehana
Another song that makes me long for the loveliness of Hawaii.

Condolences, Ryan.

Instead of Kermit, I suggest "Rainbow Connection" as sung by the Brothers Cazimero.

And a final song, "Aloha 'Oe," of course. I like the version by the Peter Moon band off "Harbor Lights" album.

Oh my gosh, no. Don't use the Caz version. Where the Kermit version is earnest and sweet, the Caz version is cheesy and melodramatic.

Which is my complaint about just about every one of their remakes of pop hits. Remember what they did to David Lee Roth's "Just Like Living in Paradise?"

Pretty much anything they record in Hawaiian is gold, though.

Aloha Ryan,

My sincerest condolences to you and your ohana. I'd like to share a few songs that would've been on my "goodbye mix" if I were able to attend my grandmother's funeral.

1. Grandma's Voice by Moki Boy
2. Mama by Boyz2Men
3. Ke Akua Mana E (How Great Thou Art)
4. Hanohano Hanalei (Her birthplace)
5. Beautiful Kauai
6. Nanakuli (Where she lived)
7. Queen's Jubilee (One of her favorites)
8. Softly and Tenderly Jesus is Calling

There are a few more but these would definitely be at the top of the list.

you know, when my grandfather died a couple of years ago we sang a bunch of songs which were his favorites in church... did your grandmother have any favorites? not necessarily from church...that would be a good way to choose if you knew...

K'den, here's mines ones... just a start though... get plenny more.

1: Ku`u Home o Kahalu`u
2: White Sandy Beach by IZ
3: Queen's Jubilee sung by Bill Keale
4: Kalamaula sung by Bill Keale (numbah one!)
5: Hawaiian Lullaby
6: He Pô Lani Makamae, Robi Kahakalau
7: Pule, sung by Kâwika (David Kahiapo)

Eva Cassidy doing:
time after time
Somewhere over the rainbow
Fields of Gold

Mark Chestnutts
She was

Patty Loveless'
How can I help you to say goodbye.

My sympathies and Good Luck

there's this one song that I was actually looking for for a funeral too...if anyone knows who it's by and who sings it. I just remember the chorus was "your love will stayyy....your love will stay forever in me" and it was acoustic im pretty sure. Any info would help.

Deepest condolences. I know I'd feel like dying if my grandparents/parents passed away. Some suggestions -
1) Tears in Heaven by Eric Clapton, he sung it for his son, my Mum suggested it. It's really beautiful, but terribly sad.
2) You were the wind beneath my wings
3) If Tomorrow Never Comes by Ronan Keating
4) Titanis theme by Celine Dion

I need good songs becuase pretty soon my sister will be leaving for a new life in California. I just got to know her as she doesn't live with me she is my stepsister and now she is going away. I want to sing a song at my school talent show dedicated to her, but I need fresh, new song ideas on what to sing. Please help me. -thankyou.

I need good songs becuase pretty soon my sister will be leaving for a new life in California. I just got to know her as she doesn't live with me she is my stepsister and now she is going away. I want to sing a song at my school talent show dedicated to her, but I need fresh, new song ideas on what to sing. Please help me. -thankyou.

Post a Comment