Song When Scattering Ashes.

[10ClarionSt]

I'm going with family next week whilst they scatter a relatives ashes. One person said they were going to sing Now Is The Hour, rather than sing a hymn or say a prayer. Is this a good idea folks? What do you think? I just have my doubts if it's appropriate, but if they want to do it, then I'll go along with it.

[JimF]

By Vera Lynn? Doesn't seem to inappropriate to me. What don't you like about it?

[Mamyalynne]

For my own part I prefer a poem, example here (which may of course not be appropriate in this case).

//Miss Me But Let Me Go
When I come to the end of the road,
and the sun has set for me
I want no rites in a gloom-filled room,
why cry for a soul set free?

Miss me a little but not too long
and not with your head bowed low.
Remember the love that we once shared
miss me but let me go.

For this is a journey that we all must take
and each must go alone
It’s all a part of the Master’s plan
a step on the road to home.

When you are lonely and sick at heart,
Go to the friends we know,
And bury your sorrow in doing good deeds,
Miss me, but let me go.//

[Maydup]

It sounds perfect to me.

Sunset glow fades in the west,
Night o'er the valley is creeping!
Birds cuddle down in their nest,
Soon all the world will be sleeping
And now is the hour when we must say goodbye,
Soon you'll be sailing far across the sea,
While you're away, o, then remember me,
When you return, you'll find me waiting here
True lovers often must part,
Kiss me, then leave me to sorrow!
Here love, I give you my heart,
You will return some glad morrow
But now is the hour when we must say goodbye,
Soon you'll be sailing far across the sea,
While you're away, o, then remember me,
When you return, you'll find me waiting here.

[Buenchico]

Although the lyrics refer to the future return of the person who's departing, I don't see the song as being particularly inappropriate. After all, my uncle's coffin was carted off to the crematorium to the tune of 'Smoke Gets In Your Eyes' ;-)

[237SJ]

I think it's perfect

[bunkmoreland]

How close is this person to your relative? Is it ultimately their choice?

[10ClarionSt]

Perhaps inappropriate was the wrong word. I don't dislike it, Jim. I just want it to be right, but the choice isn't mine, so I'll go with whatever is chosen. The ashes are my uncle; and my cousin (his son) wants the song. Thanks for the suggestions and the replies. I might even suggest we add one of them.

[Rockrose]

Its up to his son - not you

[woofgang]

whatever they sing - and I mean whatever - the important thing is that if its intended to be a singalong then most people there are very sure of the words and the tune. If its a solo then the singer must be confident that they can do it. Personally I think whatever the closest people (person) wants is appropriate.

[10ClarionSt]

Thanks for the advice RR. I just love this website! :o)
Thanks also to WG.

[retrocop]

Wait for Easter for the BBQ and give a hearty rendering of ‘We plough the fields and Scatter the good ash in the ground’. :-)

[hereIam]

I agree with RR (oh and I just love this website) !!!

[10ClarionSt]

Thanks for the endorsement HIA but I forgot to add that he wants me to sing it. No problemo. I just love this web site and the Frinton Style Faction!

[vetuste_ennemi]

//....whatever the closest people (person) wants is appropriate//

...because they feel the loss the most, and know better what the person they're mourning would have wanted.

[david small]

Love that poem mamyalynne, thanks.

[Mamyalynne]

It is lovely.

[vetuste_ennemi]

I like the poem too. But you can't always let go the manner of their departing.

[vetuste_ennemi]

I envy (kind of) those who've found a "balm in Gilead".

[chrissa1]

https://www.theanswerbank.co.uk/Family/Family-Life/Question986917.html

I read this poem at my husband’s funeral 8 years ago and then at my sister’s scattering of ashes two years ago. We scattered her ashes at Budle Bay between Bamburgh and Holy Island and so the words were very apposite.

Everyone who was there thought is was, so what she would have wanted. Hope this helps. XX

[Mamyalynne]

Words heartfelt can be a comfort,even if only in the short term.