Funerals Don’t Need to Be Grim
Have you considered the music you want at your funeral or memorial service? My friends and family might be surprised to hear “Danke Schoen” by Wayne Newton at the end of my service.
The words of this tune from the early 1960s thank a former girlfriend for a man’s good times and memories. For me, they would express my appreciation to family and friends for all we shared and what they gave me. I hope the song kindles good memories of me and our times together. The words “danke schoen” mean “thank you very much” in German.
Danke schoen, darling, danke schoen
Thank you for seeing me again
Though we go on our separate ways
Still the memory stays for always
My heart says danke schoen
Danke schoen, oh darling, danke schoen
I said thank you for, hmm, seeing me again
Though we go on our separate ways
Still the memory stays for always
I want my family and friends to leave the service with a smile listening to an upbeat tempo. As for the rest of the service, I suppose something more solemn or spiritual is in order even though I’m not particularly religious. Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” sung by k.d. lang has always moved me. The song has been…
