Top Ten Funeral Songs 2018: 3. Over the Rainbow (Eva Cassidy)

2018:  The Co-operative Funeral Services list of Top Ten Funeral Songs (now containing no Christian songs or hymns).  I'm looking at the merits and demerits of the top ten, and this time number 3 - 'Over the Rainbow' (Eva Cassidy) . . .

Why it's good for a funeral:

It has wistful longing, reflecting feelings associated with Eva Cassidy's own early death from cancer and, more recently, Ariana Grande's response tribute to the Manchester Arena bombing of 2017.  Though originally it hails from Judy Garland and The Wizard of Oz.

Why it's bad for a funeral:

It rather misses the point of a rainbow which is SomeONE over it rather than someWHERE.

Line that's most like a Christian song:

What a wonderful world.

Line that's least like a Christian song:

Someday I wish upon a star.

A Quote from (singer) Ariana Grande's grandpa:

"You know what you should end with? 'Over the Rainbow'" [so, after the Manchester bombing, she did]

Why I don't want this song at my funeral:

It may be a wonderful world but by my funeral I'll have seen the last of it.  And it's not that wonderful compared to where I trust by the grace of God I might be going.

A better Christian alternative:

All the wonderful world - but with soul and a hope.

Top Ten Funeral Songs 2018: 4. Wind beneath my wings (Bette Midler)

2018:  The Co-operative Funeral Services list of Top Ten Funeral Songs (now containing no Christian songs or hymns).  I'm looking at the merits and demerits of the top ten, and this time number 4 - 'Wind beneath my wings' performed by Bette Midler  . . .

Why it's good for a funeral:

It thanks God (just about).

Why it's bad for a funeral:

It's all about the other person - presumably the dead one - so a bit late to sing it to them.

Line that's most like a Christian song:

Thank God for you.

Line that's least like a Christian song:

So I was the one with all the glory.

A Quote from (singer) Bette Midler:

'I celebrate everyone's religious holidays.  If it's good enough for the righteous, it's good enough for the self-righteous I always say.'

Why I don't want this song at my funeral:

It seems doggerel to me, and I'm nobody's hero.

A better Christian alternative:

Top Ten Funeral Songs 2018: 5. Angels (Robbie Williams)

2018:  The Co-operative Funeral Services list of Top Ten Funeral Songs (now containing no Christian songs or hymns).  I'm looking at the merits and demerits of the top ten, and this time number 5 - 'Angels' - (Robbie Williams)  . . .

Why it's good for a funeral:

Great melody and sort of other-worldly.

Why it's bad for a funeral:

Angels have their uses but they're a poor substitute for their Boss.  Death is a big deal and needs the Boss.

Line that's most like a Christian Song

And I know I'll always be blessed with love

Line that's least like a Christian song:

I'm loving angels instead

A Quote from (singer) Robbie Williams:

Sometimes I feel like I'm sailing on a sunken dream.

Why I don't want this song at my funeral:

Nothing against angels, but this song is like requesting the funeral director's window cleaner instead of the director themselves - how about loving God instead?

A better Christian alternative:

[Hail the day that sees him rise]

Highest heaven its Lord recieves

Yet he loves the earth he leaves

Though returning to his throne

Still he calls us all his own.