The Last Play List: Songs to Listen to on Your Deathbed
Imagine you are on your deathbed, the end of this incredible journey of life near, and you only have the chance to listen to one song. What would it be?
Beloved Songs for the Final Moments
For many, the choice is clear. The bittersweet melodies of Breathe by Pearl Jam resonate with a sense of longing and peace that is perfect for the inevitably bittersweet end of life. However, the options are vast and varied. If given an hour, one might put together a playlist that spans genres and introduces listeners to classics and newer favorites:
Pete Seeger – Old Time Religion: A spiritual reminder of the enduring cycle of life and faith. Jason Isbell – If We Were Vampires: A contemplative tale that reflects on our mortality. Roseanne Cash – Black Cadillac: A nostalgic look at the passage of time and the legacy left behind. John Hiatt – Nobody Knew His Name: A musing on the anonymity of death. Cyndi Lauper – Time After Time: A touching ode to time and its fleeting nature. Gordon Lightfoot – The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald: A nostalgic, powerful ballad of a legendary shipwreck. Bonnie Raitt and John Prine – Angel From Montgomery: A heartwarming story of love and inspiration. Warren Zevon – Things To Do In Denver When Your Dead: A playful, darkly humorous take on the afterlife. Kris Kristofferson – The Last Thing To Go: A heartbreaking song about the inevitability of death. John Prine – When I Get To Heaven: A reflective journey through the final moments. Willie Nelson – Last Man Standing: An embodiment of resilience in the face of mortality. Rodney Crowell – Life Without Susanna: A poignant reminder of lost love and the passage of time. Eva Cassidy – Fields of Gold: An ethereal, calming melody that evokes a sense of peace. Arlo Guthrie – Amazing Grace: A timeless hymn that brings comfort and solace.Captivating the Moment with Sid Vicious's Version of “My Way”
But, if given just one song, there is a stark, almost rebellious version that stands out. Sid Vicious – My Way, with its snarled vocals and intense energy, delivers a final statement of defiance and non-conformity that can be oddly comforting in the face of death. The version by Frank Sinatra is undoubtedly a classic, but Sid Vicious's rendition has a raw power that can resonate deeply with those on their deathbed.
Inner Peace and Reflection in Hindi Songs
In Indian culture, songs of reflection and inner peace often find a special place. One such song is:
Hamare saath shree raghunath to kis baat ki chinta
Sharan me rakh dia jo maath to kis baat ki chinta.
This soothing Hindi song brings solace, reflecting the belief that in the face of mortality, faith and trust in divine protection bring profound inner peace.
Side Note: The song by Ip June ka baagchha, titled Nadaan parindey, adds another layer of comfort with its catchy tune and meaningful lyrics. It's a popular choice for those seeking to bid a final farewell with grace and dignity.
Expressing Gratitude and Farewell
When the time comes, these words from some of the most profound lines in Indian cinema echo a message of gratitude and farewell:
Zindagi ek safar hai suhana
2 Aane wala pal jaane wala hai
The flicker of life, the brevity of existence, a reminder to cherish every moment. It's a fitting sentiment for the soul's final journey.
~KVB.
Music as a Comfort and Reminder
Music has the extraordinary ability to comfort and remind us of the beauty and impermanence of life. Whether it's the tender melodies of Pearl Jam or the hauntingly beautiful Hindi songs, choosing the right music can provide an invaluable form of comfort in the face of the inevitable. It serves as a reminder to live fully and appreciate every moment, even as we confront the end of our time here.
Final Thoughts
As we reflect on the songs that bring solace in life's final moments, it becomes clear that music is not just entertainment—it is a profound tool for connection, healing, and even transcendence. The melody of these songs can serve as a guide, a comfort, and a reminder of the beauty that we carry within us, even in the face of mortality.
Until the next time, keep listening to the music that touches your soul.