Music and Rites
I have been to a few funerals in my lifetime, whether I have gone to pay respects, participate in musical selection, or I am a part of the grieving process. While getting to know the typical factors of a funeral. I realize that there are alot of practices that make a funeral, welk a funeral. Especially in the musical aspect. So in this blog,og i, going to go and tell just s few of my experiences and how the music impacted the funeral greatly.
The first funeral I ever attended was my great grandma's funeral when I was 7. Although I was very young and truly couldn't understand the true aspects of death, I can truly say one of the only things I got from this service was the music that was sung. Having a family of pure Jamaican heritage and being a first generation American born. I have a very familiar relationship with lots of reggae music of all styles, whether it's dance hall music or gospel music. Well a few of my uncles sang an acapella rendition of this song named “ washed the tears' '. Which is a song that is telling us that although there are many emotions right now, our tears will get washed away if we keep fighting through this life. Although i couldn't understand the significance of this song at the time, i realize now that this song had a strong part in the grievance of my family.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3IPw9eUImig&list=PLof4VPS3rb8UfcvOk3rkM-B8kJ7Xjp89v&index=4
Next, when I sang in a youth choir at my church, me and a few friends were asking to sing at a funeral for a young man who died from a heart attack at age 22. Well me and my friends decided to sing a cover of the hit song “ it's too hard to say goodbye” by boyz II men. Which was released in the 90s and was written for the death of their own friends. Well this song is the one that set it over the top and forced people to show emotion through crying and screaming because the words and the harmonies to it are just so powerful. It suits this situation so perfectly. Although it is not as uplifting as the previous song, i believe it definitely got the point across and was a suitable choice.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oK9gLkXe0xw
The next song was sung at my most recent funeral. Where in 2020 one of my closest friends was fatally shot. At this time was my first true experience going face to face with death. And I truly believe that I could have never overcome the fact, unless I was able to listen to the music that was sung on the day of the service . the words of this song was perfect because it tells us that as long as the as we praise the lord everyday we will get guided by him through tough times, and i think that was used well, mainly because it was a hard time for his family and this music provided them a sense if faith when burying their son.
Early - the straight gate mass choir
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yFxxgkUQsRY
Hope you guys enjoy the music and try to listen to all of them because they really are some good songs :).
Thanks for sharing this, Jordan. I'm sorry to hear about all your loss. But yes, music does provide a sense of hope and faith when a life is lost. I think a lot of people fail to notice how big a difference it makes. It's a way all people from different backgrounds can find comfort in times of loss. Thank you for sharing this!
ReplyDeleteHey Jordan! I really love all three of these songs. I really loved that first song "washed the tears" validated all the feelings that come with grief while also reminding us that everything is going to be okay. Boyz II Men is one of my family and I's favorite groups to listen to and "It's too hard to say goodbye" really is a beautiful song. The harmonies and lyrics are gorgeous, and the song is super cathartic to listen to especially when you've recently lost someone. I actually remember the last song from church when I was a kid. Three really awesome pieces of music. Thank you so much for sharing this music and how it has helped you an others move through grief
ReplyDeleteJordan, I'm so sorry to hear you went through all of that pain you endured, but I'm impressed by the strength I hear in your words and see in you. As a music therapy student, I am constantly amazed by what music can do to the mind, body, and soul. Thank you for sharing these songs with me, they're so powerful and meaningful. Even though they're meant for the worst of times, they're full of hope.
ReplyDeleteJordan those songs were beautiful. It's interesting to me how, like you described in the second scenario, music can bring out emotions that would otherwise be kept in. It can be the one thing that brings that emotion out. Once you realize that, you can use it to your advantage, which it looks like you did in the 3rd scenario when you used music to process the loss of your friend.
ReplyDelete