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 here is number 1 (no surprise to those of us who frequent crematoria) - 'My Way' (Frank Sinatra)
It celebrates individuality.
The sentiment in the song is the direct opposite of Christian discipleship. Without (presumably) intending to be, it is about as deeply offensive to Christian faith as it is possible to be.
And now, the end is near
For what is a man, what he has got, if not himself then he has naught.
Because if I did it my way it was a waste of a whole life.
Why it's good for a funeral:
It celebrates individuality.
Why it's bad for a funeral:
The sentiment in the song is the direct opposite of Christian discipleship. Without (presumably) intending to be, it is about as deeply offensive to Christian faith as it is possible to be.
Line that's most like a Christian song:
And now, the end is near
Line that's least like a Christian song:
For what is a man, what he has got, if not himself then he has naught.
A Quote from (singer) Frank Sinatra:
'Alcohol may be a man's worst enemy but the Bible says, "Love your enemy"'.
Why I don't want this song at my funeral:
Because if I did it my way it was a waste of a whole life.
A better Christian alternative:
This is a hymn we sang (yes, I was there) at the memorial Service for Martin Lloyd-Jones in 1981. If you can spare the time, absorb it and reflect on how opposite it is to the sentiments of Sinatra's mistakenly much-loved croon.
Here is a recording of that singing:
Here is a recording of that singing:
