One of the most wonderful things about being a celebrant is being introduced to music and artists we’ve never heard before.
Tea and Sympathy by Janis Ian
I don’t want to ride the milk train anymore
I’ll go to bed at nine and waken with the dawn
And lunch at half past noon and dinner prompt at five
The comfort of a few old friends long past their prime
Pass the tea and sympathy for the good old days long gone
We’ll drink a toast to those who most believe in what they’ve won
It’s a long, long time ’til morning plays wasted on the dawn
And I’ll not write another line, for my true love is gone
When the guests have gone, I’ll tidy up the rooms
And turn the covers down, and gazing at the moon
Will pray to go quite mad and live in long ago
When you and I were one, so very long ago
Pass the tea and sympathy for the good old days long gone
We’ll drink a toast to those who most believe in what they’ve won
It’s a long, long time ’til morning plays wasted on the dawn
And I’ll not write another line, for my true love is gone
When I have no dreams to give you anymore
I’ll light a blazing fire and wait within the door
And throw my life away, “I wonder why?” they all will say
And now I lay me down to sleep, forever and a day
Pass the tea and sympathy, for the good old days are dead
Let’s drink a toast to those who best survived the life they’ve led
It’s a long, long time ’til morning, so build your fires high
Now I lay me down to sleep, forever by your side
Hat tip to Kitty
Even with the emphasis on celebrating someone’s life, there is a place for sad songs at funerals. Laugh and smile at your memories. Cry for your loss.
How right you are; Washington Irving wrote:
‘There is a sacredness in tears. They are not the mark of weakness, but of power. They speak more eloquently than ten thousand tongues. They are messengers of overwhelming grief…and unspeakable love.’
And Janis Ian is magic.