Goodbye My Friend...

If you've been reading my main blog, you know that my father died two days ago.  I've already done posts about funeral songs on this blog, so I won't rehash that now.  Instead, I'll just write about a song I recorded in May.  I guess I knew my dad was going to be dying soon, but really I just liked the sentiment of the song, "Goodbye My Friend".  It was written by Karla Bonoff, who recorded it for one of her albums.  Linda Ronstadt later recorded it for her Cry Like A Rainstorm, Howl Like The Wind album.    

Karla Bonoff's version...

Linda Ronstadt's version…

Oh we never know where life will take us
We know it's just a ride on the wheel
And we never know when death will shake us
And we wonder how it will feel

So goodbye my friend
I know I'll never see you again
But the time together through all the years
Will take away these tears
It's O.K. now
Goodbye my friend

I'd see a lot of things that made me crazy
And I guess I held on to you
You could've run away and left, well maybe
But it wasn't time and we both knew

So goodbye my friend
I know I'll never see you again
But the love you gave me through all the years
Will take away my tears
I'm O.K. now
Goodbye my friend

A life so fragile, a love so pure
We can't hold on but we try
We watch how quickly it disappears
And we'll never know why

But I'm O.K. now
Goodbye my friend
You can go now
Goodbye my friend

Read more: Karla Bonoff - Goodbye My Friend Lyrics | MetroLyrics 

My version…

I wish I could accompany myself…

This song really sums up how I feel about losing my dad.  It's bittersweet…   

Good funeral songs.

Today is the 25th anniversary of Andy Gibb's untimely death at age 30.  I'm also listening to music and a couple of good funeral songs just came on.  I suspect when I die, I won't know what music plays at my funeral or if anyone will even bother having one for me.  But I got to thinking about songs I like... and would want played at my funeral.  I know I've done this before... sorta.  When we lost our dog, MacGregor, back in December, I posted about songs that bring me comfort.  But just now, I was listening to a beautiful Beth Nielsen Chapman song that I would want played at my funeral.  If I outlive my husband and can stand it, maybe I'll sing it.  I even have the sheet music.

Okay, so this video is a tribute to Princess Diana, but I think it's fitting for anyone who has died...

"Sand and Water", also by Beth Nielsen Chapman, is a good song for a funeral.

I also love "Psalm 23", specifically by Eden's Bridge... (an Irish Christian band)

But what if the dearly departed had a sense of humor?  In that case, how about these songs?

I would like this one at my service...

What if you'd like to remember your loved one in a happy way?

I never really gave this song much thought as a good funeral song until we adopted our new dog, Arran, and this song randomly popped up on my iPod.  It seemed like our old dog MacGregor was sending us a message and by the time it was over, I was crying...

Seriously, though... for me, the top three songs would be good ones at my service.  I hope someone's still cares enough to attend by then.

And again, I do love "On Heaven's Bright Shore", too... would love to have the sheet music for this...