As everyone knows, death is a part of life. It’s certainly a difficult part and one we don’t often like to think about. But to ignore it is folly. To that end, when considering the end of life of a relative or even a pet, which songs are the best to play to feel that necessary catharsis? Indeed, after a funeral, which classic rock songs can help you deal with the recent tragedy?
For all its big, bombastic sounds, classic rock can be very emotional, too. Songs from the genre can be poignant and profound. Its instruments can get to the core of your soul. So, classic rock music can often be the perfect music to put on when you’re in the throes of a major and difficult moment in life, like the aftermath of a funeral. Here below, let’s explore just that. These are three classic rock songs to put on after going to a funeral.
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“Stairway To Heaven” by Led Zeppelin from ‘Led Zeppelin IV’ (1971)
While the subject matter of this song is obviously about a person heading up to the afterlife—a.k.a. heaven—the song is also a long, emotional, and emotive work that can summon a sense of catharsis. Sometimes, you need to feel the emotions in order for them to leave your body. And that’s what this iconic track offers. Lead singer Robert Plant is a walking burst of energy. His voice is charming and explosive. If you need to let the feelings well up before they can be expelled, Plant and his band of rockers is a great go-to.
“Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door” by Guns N’ Roses from ‘Days Of Thunder Soundtrack’ (1990)
Similar to the track above, this is a swelling rock ballad that can get the hair on the back of your neck to stand up. Lead singer Axl Rose knows how to summon the feels. This cover song was originally released by Bob Dylan in 1973. The classic rock band Guns N’ Roses sings about that moment when you feel like life may be leaving. Maybe it’s you, maybe it’s a relative. Either way, something is changing, shifting. And GNR puts music to it for your sense of release.
“I Shall Be Released” by The Band from ‘Music From Big Pink’ (1968)
Speaking of a release and speaking of Dylan, here is another from The Bard, who knows just how to put language to an important, albeit difficult, feeling. Written by Dylan and recorded by The Band, this song feels like it was handed down from the heavens to human beings to understand that final moment of life. Fans of the excellent music documentary, The Last Waltz, know this song well, with guest performers offering their own style on it. But no matter how you slice it, this song is about the moment when life leaves your body and you head up to the great stage in the sky.
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