If you were terminally ill and about to die, which song would you choose to listen to? This is an interesting question that fortunately most of us don’t need to think about.
But hospice charity Marie Curie has compiled a list of the most popular songs people play in their final moments. The top 10 songs include Whitney Houston’s version of Dolly Parton’s I Will Always Love You, Frank Sinatra’s My Way and Christina Aguilera’s Beautiful. The list was compiled following Marie Curie’s survey of 1,000 UK adults whose loved ones were experiencing end-of-life care. Other tracks include The Best by Tina Turner, Hey Jude by The Beatles and Angels by Robbie Williams.
There are very moving songs on the list. Who can disagree with Louis Armstrong’s sentiments in What a Wonderful World or the Queen’s These Are the Days of Our Lives? But for those who think these songs are obnoxious, obvious, or sentimental, here’s our alternative list of end-of-life songs.
Tax collector – Beatles
This 1966 Beatles song will appeal to anyone concerned about changes to the inheritance tax regime in Rachel Reeves’ Budget for 30 October. As George Harrison sang, “Now my advice to those dying/ Let your eyes know the money.” Go ahead. We know the Chancellor has difficult choices to make, but we hope his difficult decisions will fall short.
Always Look on the Bright Side of Life – Monty Python
We all know Eric Idle’s song from the movie Life of Brian, and I’m sure most of us think it’s overrated. But this is the greatest anthem of fortitude you will ever hear. “Because life is pretty ridiculous/And death is the last word/You should always return to the curtain with a bow,” Idle sings during the mass crucifixion, while — let’s not forget — being crucified. He continues: “Always look on the bright side of death/Just before you take your last breath.” A manifesto.
Going Underground – Jam
A true interpretation of events for people who choose to be buried when they die. Also check out Björk’s Living in a Box or Living in a Box from It’s Oh So Quiet. For those about to be cremated, there will be dark and spooky options like I’m On Fire by Bruce Springsteen, Ashes to Ashes by David Bowie, or Light My Fire by The Doors.
Anti-Hero – Taylor Swift
Definitely the only number one pop song about inheritance. Swift’s 2022 song depicts the reading of a will following her death. Things don’t go as planned for everyone. “I have a dream that my bride is killing me for money/She thinks I left them in my will,” Swift sings. “The family gathers and reads/And then someone shouts/’He’s laughing at us from hell!’” Hearing a loved one play this as their last song, family members should perhaps brace themselves for bad news.
Green Green Grass – George Ezra
I’m surprised this isn’t on the list, although I expected it to happen in a few years. Ezra’s cheerful song, also dated 2022, hits the Caribbean island of St. He was inspired by his trip to St. Lucia. There he witnessed a lively street party that turned into a funeral for three people. Next to green, green grass and under a clear blue sky, Ezra sings “you better throw a party the day I die” in an earworm chorus. Can death be life-affirming? This song suggests that. Pass the rum.
I Know It’s Over – The Smiths
One for the wretched. In fact, The Smiths’ 1986 song about loneliness can be so depressing that it makes you feel less bad about death. Morrissey begins by telling his mother he can “feel the ground falling” [his] as his empty bed becomes a metaphorical tomb. He is lonely and unloved. But the problem is that the song is also extremely beautiful; Johnny Marr’s guitar creeps around Morrissey’s deliciously plaintive lyrics like a graveyard vine.
We Will Meet Again – Vera Lynn
Whether you believe in reincarnation or not, I’ve always thought that Vera Lynn’s wartime song could be repurposed on her deathbed to bring relief to everyone there. It is an absolutely wonderful feeling to tell your loved ones as you take your last breath that “you know we will meet again on a sunny day.” This is the song I want at my funeral, but I’d choose the Johnny Cash version; his bone-shaking bass-baritone adds a touch of fire and brimstone to the overall message of reassurance.
We Go Together – Grease
Why not leave a musical with an incongruously upbeat song? The final installment of Grease is as saccharine, positive, silly, and joyful as it gets. It has a section for different family members singing different parts—”Uncle Mungo, you sing ‘A-boogity-boogity,’ Mother, you sing ‘Ramma-lamma-lammas'”—and it ends like this: It might not be exactly right, but the repeated refrains of “We will always be together”, which is still a pleasant thought. See also You’re Giving Some Love From Bugsy Malone. Added optional extravagance weapons.
Hey, This Is No Way to Say Goodbye – Leonard Cohen
Leonard Cohen’s 1967 song is about breaking up with someone (Leonard Cohen, of course). But the sweet pain of separation was given a positive aspect by the late Canadian lothario, thus making it a glass-half-full farewell song. The main chorus, “Your eyes are soft with sadness/Hey, there’s no way to say goodbye like this,” would be perfect for lifting the mood of an otherwise extremely sad situation. Cohen also expresses his deep love for the person he is about to break up with. “As long as your love stays with me, you know my love goes with you,” she sings. It’s a nice feeling.
Rasputin – Boney M.
Boney M’s 1978 disco song is guaranteed – guaranteed – getting everyone dancing, from the tom-toms and hand clapping at the beginning to the chorus of “Hey-Hey-Hey” two minutes later. If you’re going to escape this deadly spiral, then you’d better get out. He jumps around like a Cossack soaked in vodka. And, not to be too rude, Rasputin also dies at the end of the song, so you’ll be in good company on your journey to the pearly gates.