Nature Inspired Memorial Music
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
A sacred part of my job as a hospice music therapist is providing live music at funeral and memorial services. Occasionally, I am able to work on the music set list with the patient themselves. Many of them are eager and ready to share with me what they have chosen and request those songs during multiple visits. Other times, the family is left to choose music they feel might be meaningful. Often these songs are found in the realm of Christian music. Sometimes secular music.
The team I work with also manages music for larger community memorials. We are mindful that those in attendance will have diverse cultural backgrounds. I have spent much time combing through song lists on the web trying to find songs that could resonate with many.
Nature is often a common theme found in the songs I am drawn to when considering memorial music. Below are 30 beautiful songs I have come across that others might find comforting as they celebrate or mourn a loved one. Some of these might be welcome to those of pagan beliefs.
What music would you add to this list?
A Place in the Sun- Stevie Wonder
All Things Must Pass- George Harrison
Annie's Song- John Denver
Beautiful Bird- Adrian Freedman, Holly Honeychurch
Blackbird- The Beatles
Dance in the Graveyards- Delta Rae
Down by the River-The Henry Girls
Elusive Butterfly- Bob Lind
Far Beyond the Stars- The Henry Girls
Flower on the Water- John Williamson
The Gathering of Spirits- Carrie Newcomer, Alison Krauss
How Long Will I Love You- Ellie Goulding
I'll Be Seeing You- Billie Holiday
Into the West- Annie Lennox
Life Is Eternal- Carly Simon
Long Time Traveller- The Wailin' Jennys
Other Shore- The California Honeydrops
Ripple- Grateful Dead
Seasons Come, Seasons Go- Bobbie Gentry
Seven Bridges Road- Eagles
The Soft Goodbye- Celtic Women
The Stars Will Remember- Frank Sinatra
Take This Body Home- Rose Betts
Trees We'll Never See- Amy Grant
Way Over Yonder- Carole King
We Are- India.Arie
We Lay Roses- Ana Egge
When I Go- Judy Collins and Willie Nelson
When I Look to the Sky -Train
When the River Meets the Sea- Paul Williams
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