STH as funeral music

[Jenzi C Silverman <coop0001@xxxxxxxxxx>]

Hi everyone! In last Saturday's StarTribune (our local paper), there was
this article (reprinted from some paper in Ohio, I believe) about how
people have been abandoning traditional funeral music in favor of rock &
roll songs, since they strike most people as less depressing and
stuffy...and one of the most popular, according to the funeral director
interviewed, is Stairway!

I had mixed feelings about that. At first, I thought that since it
really isn't about death (yes, I know an argument could probably be
made, but that's a whole other can o' worms!), it wouldn't be totally
appropriate. But on the other hand, if it was a favorite of the person
who died and/or their family, it seems like a nice tribute to have it
played. Plus, since it IS a "song of hope," a lot of people might find
it very comforting as part of a funeral. I know if I heard it in that
context, it would probably feel like Earl Grey tea and honey on a sore
throat. And it is good to know it's still a very popular song!

The other thought I had was that unlike what the article was suggesting,
STH at funerals is not a new thing as far as I know. Our state's own
Governor, Jesse Ventura (himself a Zep fan) apparently has a clause in
his will mandating that it be played at his funeral, and I'm pretty sure
I've heard of it being played at people's funerals since the '70s.

Just thought you'd be interested...any thoughts?

Oh, one quick "Robert's Birthday Moment"...yesterday, I was walking the
dogs at about 5, and we took a route we don't usually take. Well, it was
the right one: after we'd gone about a block I heard what was
unmistakably our band, coming from this one yard. A guy working there
had his radio on, and it was "Ramble On." Perfect!

Take care,
Jenzi