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Thread: Song suggestions for a sad occasion

  1. #1
    Registered User Ellen T's Avatar
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    Default Song suggestions for a sad occasion

    My beloved puppydog Hilts passed away on Monday, March 23. I am trying to think of tunes to play to celebrate his life and to mark his passing. I haven't slept much in the last few days, so my brain is a little fuzzy.

    Any suggestions would be appreciated; please bear in mind that I am just a hobbyist and only play melody. I would be most familiar with tunes from the 1950s-1970s, folk/folky/folkish, pop, light rock, also older folk and standard songs.

    Here is a picture of my Hilts in happier times.

    Click image for larger version. 

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    "The Truth Shall Make Ye Fret" -- (Terry Pratchett, The Truth) R.I.P. and say "ook" to the Librarian for me.

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  3. #2
    Registered User Freddyfingers's Avatar
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    Default Re: Song suggestions for a sad occasion

    Sorry to hear about Hilts. It's never easy. If a song does not come to mind, maybe its not time to play yet. When it is, a song will come to mind.

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    Registered User GreenMTBoy's Avatar
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    Default Re: Song suggestions for a sad occasion

    Also sorry to hear about Hilts, may I suggest Ashokan Farewell

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2kZASM8OX7s

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    Barn Cat Mandolins Bob Clark's Avatar
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    Default Re: Song suggestions for a sad occasion

    Hello Ellen,

    I am very sorry to learn of your loss. I know how difficult it can be to lose a four-legged family member. While I don't have a particular song to recommend, I do recommend playing when you can because I know it helps with the healing. This healing can take a very long time, but music will help. I wish you all the best.

    Bob

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    Moderator JEStanek's Avatar
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    Default Re: Song suggestions for a sad occasion

    I'm sorry for your loss. I would suggest not focusing only on sad songs. Maybe a memorial with songs that evoke how he lived in the good times, too. Maybe try one of the intermediate level Dawg tunes from Mandozine (you'll need the free TablEdit software).

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    Registered Muser dang's Avatar
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    Default Re: Song suggestions for a sad occasion

    Ellen T,
    As an owner of an elderly dog I couldn't help but be moved by your post. My most sincere condolences.

    It isn't exactly always done in this manner, but when I heard Tim Obrien and Darrell Scott do a version of Will the Circle be Unbroken (second song, starts about 3:20) I was very moved by their version.

    Dan
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  11. #7
    Registered User Zissou Intern's Avatar
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    Default Re: Song suggestions for a sad occasion

    You have my condolences in this sad time.

    As mentioned by GreenMTBoy, "Ashoken Farewell" was my first thought as well as "Shenandoah". Then there's Neil Young's "Old King", which is kind of a bittersweet banjo romp with a bit of dry humor.

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  13. #8
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    Default Re: Song suggestions for a sad occasion

    How about Old Blue.
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jbuQDqnMebk

    Had a dog named Merle who died early. Still not over that one. Fortunately, I now have a sweet lab mix named Lily.

    RIP, Hilts.

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    Innocent Bystander JeffD's Avatar
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    Default Re: Song suggestions for a sad occasion

    Limerick's Lamentation is very sad, and very respectful. I have played it myself on the passing of beloved pets. I can't get through the second half of the B part without choking up - it is very cathartic in that way. But reaching for a tissue while playing is kind of awkward.

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    Registered User haggardphunk's Avatar
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    Default Re: Song suggestions for a sad occasion

    search out some songs in minor keys. They typically have a darker and sometimes sadder feel
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  19. #11
    Registered User Carl Robin's Avatar
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    Default Re: Song suggestions for a sad occasion

    My dog died several months ago. So I know how it hurts. This is a sad tune that is also beautiful, and works in this situation, at least for me. It's called "Clergy's Lamentation".

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g24_Bbe6H94

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  21. #12
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    Default Re: Song suggestions for a sad occasion

    I have to say that I don't quite get the sad song thing. Play the songs you love the most. Like you loved your pooch.

    Sorry for your loss.
    Bobby Bill

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    Default Re: Song suggestions for a sad occasion

    And that is just a comment on my inability to get something rather than other's heart-felt suggestions.
    Bobby Bill

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    Default Re: Song suggestions for a sad occasion

    Ellen,
    It is always tough to lose a family member (yes dogs are part of the family). Like you I have an older dog who is on the last leg of his journey. Remember all of the good times you and Hilt had and keep him in your heart. My song suggestion would be John Reischman's 'A Prairie Jewel'. A lovely tune. If you need the TAB just PM me and I will send it.

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    Default Re: Song suggestions for a sad occasion

    I, too, express my condolences.

    At times, I play Niel Gow's Lament:
    http://www.mandolincafe.com/forum/gr...cussionid=1176

    I play it rarely, so I have to play off sheet music that Randy Price provided, although that link no longer works. Not so bad to listen to, but playing it makes me choke up, and it sounds better the slower you play.

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    Default Re: Song suggestions for a sad occasion

    It is always very hard to loose a fine friend. If you are interested in Irish music, I would suggest "The Parting Glass".

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  29. #17
    Mando accumulator allenhopkins's Avatar
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    Default Re: Song suggestions for a sad occasion

    Most appropriate song I know, though you'd have to work out the mandolin melody:

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    Victoria b-back Merrill alumnm b-back
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    Sobell'dola Washburn b-back'dola
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    Registered User almeriastrings's Avatar
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    Default Re: Song suggestions for a sad occasion

    Very, very sorry, Ellen.

    It hurts a lot to lose such a friend. I would play whatever you feel he'd like.
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  33. #19

    Default Re: Song suggestions for a sad occasion

    Sorry to hear about your loss. We had to put down our two seniors a couple of years ago so can relate.

    From one of my favorite bands -

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gljc-7E7YaM

    And if I my suggest to think/play some happy songs and remember the good times and be thankful for the time you had together.

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  35. #20

    Default Re: Song suggestions for a sad occasion

    Doc Watson's wife wrote a song called "Long Journey" that's been recorded by a bunch of different folks-- Hartford, Emmylou Harris, Doc, Grisman, and most recently, Plant and Krauss-- might be appropriate.


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  37. #21

    Default Re: Song suggestions for a sad occasion

    I'm so sorry for your loss. I tend to start with sad stuff and move on to happier stuff when playing in memory of a loved one. A Long, Long Trail a Winding is a sad favorite of mine. June Tabor did a wonderful version of it years ago.

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  39. #22
    coprolite mandroid's Avatar
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    Default Re: Song suggestions for a sad occasion

    I had Homer and Jethro's 'How Come There's No Dog Days' In Mind.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EvktjZC-Cqk

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  41. #23
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    Default Re: Song suggestions for a sad occasion

    Quote Originally Posted by twilson View Post
    That is by far my favorite version of Old Blue. Picks nicely on the mandolin too, in the key of D
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    Some tunes: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCa1...SV2qtug/videos

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  43. #24
    Registered User G7MOF's Avatar
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    Default Re: Song suggestions for a sad occasion

    The band I worked with used to do a song called (I wish I had Someone To love Me) a beautiful song. Just Google it.
    I never fail at anything, I just succeed at doing things that never work....


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  45. #25
    Registered User Mike Arakelian's Avatar
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    Default Re: Song suggestions for a sad occasion

    I'm so sorry for your loss. The love of a faithful dog is a very special thing, and their loss a very sad one. My choice of a song when I lost my beautiful Samoyed, "Tami", was John Denver's "My Sweet Lady". It made me feel good to play that song and think of her...I still do on on occasion. Time will heal your hurt, but won't dull your good memories.

    Mike

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