It's What Alison Would Have Wanted
As I've blogged before, I am not a fan of flying. I'll do it if I have to, but only short little flights to nearby hot spots like Nashville. But now I'm about to board a flight for California. A four-hour flight. If you know anything about aerophobia, you know there's a strong correlation between the length of the flight and the increased risk of death. In my mind, anyway. Since I may not make it back, I wanted to put in writing how I'd like to be remembered. Basically, I just want country music to sing me home.
I know funeral services are usually steeped in religious tradition but I'd like mine to be steeped in a more twangy, banjo-rich tradition. With lots of fiddle and steel, too. Lyrically, I'd like for my services to tell the stories of my well-lived life, cut tragically short while on a family vacation. Which is why I think the mass should open with Kenny Chesney's "Who You'd Be Today."
Then Tim McGraw's "My Old Friend" could bring my loved ones back around, telling them that "The love and the laughter/Will live on long after/All of the sadness and the tears." While I'm sure the priest will say a few words about the final destination of my soul, I'd prefer a religious requiem from the lips of Brad Paisley and Dolly Parton, singing about what's in store for me up there with "When I Get Where I'm Going." Gary Allan's "Best I Ever Had," Andy Griggs' "If Heaven" and Vince Gill's "Go Rest High on That Mountain" are must-haves, too. I'd probably want the day to end with "Prodigal Son's Prayer" by Dierks Bentley. Even though I'm nobody's son and have not led a particularly rebellious life, this gospel-bluegrass number sends a beautifully simple message that if you ask for God's forgiveness, you can ask him to keep a spot open for you in heaven. Because my God is a devout country fan, He will have no problem welcoming me with open arms after a funeral like that.
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Ronnie Harris says:
my commentment goes out to those who has try to make it as a country music singer or writer good luck if your not rich
or have someone behind you with lots of money
Heather says:
Allison,
I loved your post. I have a country music blog and just posted a list of songs related to mourning. I cried a lot while researching the songs for the list. It was kinda funny after awhile. My husband would walk in and I would be all teary eyed listening to the saddest stuff I could find. It got me thinking that at my funeral I want If Heaven - Andy Griggs, I Miss My Friend-Daryl Worley, and God Only Cries for the living -Diamond Rio played. One of my favorite songs dealing with loss is The Baby - Blake Shelton and He Gets That From Me - Reba. They get me every time!
Heather
http://www.countrymusicmood.com
TJ Harris says:
We should add Heaven Heartache and the Power of Love to this, and even Devil Drives a Coupe Deville which I think was by Joe Nichols. Most importantly tho what about Good Ride Cowboy–best funeral song evah!
MiaT says:
OMG Alison…
You crack me up. There are to many song lyrics to add to this blog. Although I think “The Dance” by Garth would be my pick for you.
Have a great time on vacation! Safe travels to you!
“Stage Dive” Stacy says:
This blog is too funny! Good song choice to end your funeral by the way. ;) I’m sure your plane ride will be nothing but smooth and you’ll have a great vacation! Have a blast and see ya next Dierks show! :)
10 Days Without Country Music : country-yall.com says:
[…] me how hard the withdrawal symptoms would be. When we arrived in California (alive and well despite my fears), I realized I’d forgotten my iPod. Surely there would be some good country stations out there, I […]
shelby says:
we all love u kenny i am 22 i live in nasvillie tn