It’s my funeral, so I’ll do it My Way
TOM uTLEY can’t understand why traditional hymns have been replaced by popular music. He criticises My Way after it was revealed to be the most popular song played at funerals (Mail). Life and traditions move on and most people want to hear a song at a funeral that identifies in some way with the person and, in this case, the ups and downs of life. My Way is a great song with clever lyrics by Paul Anka, who was astute enough to realise there was only one performer capable of making you believe every word he sings. Many have tried and are still trying to copy him, but there will never be another Frank Sinatra.
JOHN EVANS, Wokingham, Berks. WHEn his time comes, Tom utley wants traditional funeral hymns played and sung at his funeral, even though he is an agnostic. I am not judging him because for something so personal, you should be able to choose the order of service. My grandma had always said that along with a few hymns, she wanted On Mother Kelly’s Doorstep to be played at her funeral. When she died, my dad and his four siblings mentioned this to the vicar who was to conduct the service, but their request to honour their mother’s long-expressed wish was flatly and unequivocally refused. ‘Only traditional hymns, I’m afraid,’ he said, despite their pleading. Would it really have harmed anyone or damaged the sanctity of the church if my dear nan’s final request had been granted? I agree that hymns are uplifting and, at my school assembly, the wonderful music and words often brought me close to tears. I remember the late Lynda Lee-Potter, the superb Daily Mail columnist, saying it doesn’t matter if you are religious or not, the morning assembly at school is uplifting and sets you up for the day. However, I feel that a person’s final request for a song of their choice at their funeral should not be questioned, queried or challenged. Mrs DEE SEDGWICK, Lowestoft, Suffolk. I AGREE with Tom utley’s sentiments that the trend to have modern pop songs at funerals is somewhat banal and meaningless. It brings to mind G. K. Chesterton’s wise statement: ‘When men choose not to believe in God, they do not thereafter believe in nothing; they then become capable of believing in anything.’