The speaker reflects on boyhood and draws comparisons between memories of the past and the present day. "Oft in the Stilly Night" is a poem written by Thomas Moore (1779-1852), which is also played as a song. Though the song is literally about an escape, in the aftermath of a death this song tells the story of an amazing person who is moving on into another world, which can be very meaningful to mourners at a funeral. Pipers may choose to play "Skye Boat Song" at a funeral as the lyrics reflect a journey over sea and sky.
Though the waves leap, soft shall ye sleep, Loud the winds howl, loud the waves roar, Speed, bonnie boat, like a bird on the wing, This tune recounts the story of Bonnie Prince Charlie's escape after the Jacobite rising of 1745: "The Flowers of the Forest are a' wede away".Īnother Scottish funeral standard is "Skye Boat Song." This song was first played in the late 19th century, and is a meaningful song for memorializing someone who has passed, especially a Scot. I've heard the lilting, at the yowe-milking,īut now they are moaning on ilka green loaning In fact, many pipers will only play Flowers of the Forest during funerals or when practicing for playing for funerals. It's a somber song that is generally reserved for solemn occasions, like a funeral. The melody is ancient however, there are several versions of the lyrics, all more recent than the original composition. This tune was written to memorialize the defeat of the Scottish army at the Battle of Flodden in 1513. "Flowers of the Forest" is a Scottish folk song that dates back to about the year 1615. "Going Home" is a reminder that everyone will eventually pass away, but this is a natural end to a life well lived. Now that the deceased person's work on earth is complete, they can finally rest.
It can be comforting to believe that, though they are gone from earth, deceased loved ones are waiting to be reunited with us in heaven. The Christian ideal of returning to God in heaven at the time of death is a theme in this adapted classic from Dvorak's Symphony No. Here are some songs that you might hear at a funeral.įor religious services, "Going Home" is one of the most popular funeral songs. If the choice has been made to incorporate the bagpipes into a funeral, the next question may: Which songs should be played? There are several common funeral songs played on the bagpipes. Though bagpipes are most often linked to funerals of military members and first responders, anyone can take advantage of this haunting and emotional tribute. This funeral trend has spread to include memorials of all types. The death toll was high enough in the Irish-American community that their tradition of playing bagpipes at funerals became inextricably linked.Įven if it's not your favorite instrumental sound, there's no denying that bagpipes are especially affecting in the context of a funeral.
They faced discrimination, and were only allowed to work in dangerous professions-like police and firefighting. During the 1800s, the potato famine of Ireland brought hordes of Irish immigrants to North America. However, others who are of Irish or Scottish heritage may opt for bagpipe funeral songs as a way to tie themselves to their heritage, as the bagpipes are a traditional instrument in that part of the world.īagpipes have long been the primary instrument of funerals honoring firefighters and police officers. Some prefer bagpipe funeral songs because the instrument itself is a symbol of remembrance and mourning. If you've ever heard bagpipes played at a funeral, you know just how stirring the sound can be. There are several traditional songs for bagpipes to play at a funeral. From Cork to Donegal and from Galway to Dublin, I have played in almost every county in Ireland click the map to see just some of the locations where I have performed over the years.Consider hiring a piper for your loved one's memorial music. I play events based on your needs, time and location. Each occasion requires different set of tunes and ensuring your piper has the repertoire and experience for each occasion is an important decision you should research before hiring a piper. They are traditionally associated with events that that require a sense of occasion such as weddings, funeral and corporate events. The bagpipes are a unique instrument with haunting and melodious tones that provide listeners with a range of emotions and played correctly, will enhance any occasion with its harmonious sound. I hope the information here will help you understand more about how the pipes can benefit and enhance your event. I have played at numerous weddings, funerals, concerts and events all over Ireland and abroad.
RENT A BAGPIPE PLAYER PROFESSIONAL
My name is Joe Delaney and I am a professional bagpipe player from Ireland.
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