25 Johnny Cash songs suitable for a funeral
Johnny Cash is a musical legend and one of the most famous ever American musicians, especially in the country genre. If your loved one was a big Johnny Cash fan, then read our recommendations for Johnny Cash songs that would be a good fit for a funeral.
- I walk the Line
- Jackson
- Daddy Sang Bass
- (Ghost) Riders in the Sky
- Man in Black
- I Saw A Man
- The Old Account
- Peace in the Valley
- Lead Me Gently Home
- These Things Shall Pass
- He’ll Understand And say Well Done
- When I Take My Vacation in Heaven
- Where We’ll Never Grow Old
- If We Never Meet Again This Side of Heaven
- Will The Circle Be Unbroken
- When The Roses Bloom Again
- I Still Miss Someone
- Hurt
- When The Man Comes Around
- Bridge Over Trouble Water
- I See A Darkness
- We’ll Meet Again
- Don’t Take Your Guns To Town
Johnny cash Songs suitable for a funeral
I Walk The Line
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[Verse 1]
I keep a close watch on this heart of mine
I keep my eyes wide open all the time
I keep the ends out for the tie that binds
Because you’re mine, I walk the line
[Verse 2]
I find it very, very easy to be true
I find myself alone when each day’s through
Yes, I’ll admit that I’m a fool for you
Because you’re mine, I walk the line
[Verse 3]
As sure as night is dark and day is light
I keep you on my mind both day and night
And happiness I’ve known proves that it’s right
Because you’re mine, I walk the line
[Verse 4]
You’ve got a way to keep me on your side
You give me cause for love that I can’t hide
For you, I know I’d even try to turn the tide
Because you’re mine, I walk the line
[Verse 1]
I keep a close watch on this heart of mine
I keep my eyes wide open all the time
I keep the ends out for the tie that binds
Because you’re mine, I walk the line
An often misunderstood song, Johnny Cash’s most famous hit is a love song about his devotion to his wife. In this song, Johnny talks about knowing the pathway laid out for him in his life, and that is to be faithful to his wife. A Johnny Cash classic, this song is also suitable for a funeral.
You’ve got a way to keep me on your side,
You give me cause for love that I can’t hide,
For you I know I’d even try to turn the tide,
Because you’re mine, I walk the line.
Jackson
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We got married in a fever
Hotter than a pepper sprout
We been talkin’ ’bout Jackson
Ever since the fire went out
I’m goin’ to Jackson
I’m gonna mess around
Yeah, I’m goin’ to Jackson
Look out, Jackson town
Well, go on down to Jackson
Go ahead and wreck your health
Go play your hand, you big-talkin’ man
And make a big fool of yourself
Yeah, go to Jackson
Go comb your hair
Honey, I’m gonna snowball Jackson
See if I care
When I breeze into that city
People gonna stoop and bow (hah)
All them women gonna make me
Teach ’em what they don’t know how
I’m goin’ to Jackson
You turn-a loosen my coat
‘Cause I’m goin’ to Jackson
Goodbye, that’s all she wrote
But they’ll laugh at you in Jackson,
And I’ll be dancin’ on a Pony Keg
They’ll lead you ’round town like a scalded hound
With your tail tucked between your legs
Yeah, go to Jackson
You big-talkin’ man
And I’ll be waitin’ in Jackson
Behind my Jaypan Fan
Well now, we got married in a fever
Hotter than a pepper sprout
We’ve been talkin’ ’bout Jackson,
Ever since the fire went out
I’m goin’ to Jackson
And that’s a fact
Yeah, we’re goin’ to Jackson
Ain’t never comin’ back
Well, we got married in a fever
Hotter than a pepper sprout
Honey, we’ve been talkin’ ’bout Jackson
Ever since that fire went out
Johnny Cash wouldn’t have achieved the level of success in his career without his partner, June Carter. The husband and wife duo’s loving relationship was infectious, and it became a staple of Johnny’s live performance, their dueting love songs were a central part of the show. “Jackson” is amongst the best of these duets, and the song about the strength of love is an upbeat and positive choice for a funeral.
We got married in a fever
Hotter than a pepper sprout
We been talkin’ ’bout Jackson
Ever since the fire went out
Daddy Sang Bass
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i remember when i was a lad
times were hard and things were bad
but there’s a silver linin’ behind ev’ry cloud
just four people that ‘s all we were
tryin’ to make a livin’ out of black-land dirt
but we’d get together in a family circle singin’ loud
daddy sang bass (mama sang tenor)
me and little brother would join right in there
singin’ seems to help a troubled soul
one of these days and it won’t be long
i’ll rejoin them in a song
i’m gonna join the family circle at the throne
though the circle won’t be broken
by and by, lord, by and by
daddy sang bass (mama sang tenor)
me and little brother would join right in there
in the sky, lord, in the sky
now i remember after work mama would call in all of us
you could hear us singin’ for a country mile
now little brother has done gone on
but i’ll rejoin him in a song
we’ll be together again up yonder in a little while
daddy sang bass (mama sang tenor)
me and little brother would join right in there
’cause singin’ seems to help a troubled soul
one of these days and it won’t be long
i’ll rejoin them in a song
i’m gonna join the family circle at the throne
oh no the circle won’t be broken
by and by, lord, by and by
daddy sang bass (mama sang tenor)
me and little brother would join right in there
in the sky, lord, in the sky
in the sky, lord, in the sky
If you’re looking for an upbeat Johnny Cash song to play at a funeral, Daddy Sang Bass is a great song with a touching message. The song talks about the efforts we put into getting by in life, only to be rewarded again in heaven for our troubles. It paints a touching family portrait of togetherness, and talks of how we will all be together again someday.
Daddy sang bass (mama sang tenor)
me and little brother would join right in there
singin’ seems to help a troubled soul
one of these days and it won’t be long
i’ll rejoin them in a song
i’m gonna join the family circle at the throne
(Ghost) Riders In The Sky
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An old cowboy went riding out one dark and windy day
Upon a ridge he rested as he went along his way
When all at once a mighty herd of red eyed cows he saw
A-plowing through the ragged sky and up the cloudy draw
Their brands were still on fire and their hooves were made of steel
Their horns were black and shiny and their hot breath he could feel
A bolt of fear went through him as they thundered through the sky
For he saw the Riders coming hard and he heard their mournful cry
Yippie yi ooh
Yippie yi yay
Ghost Riders in the sky
Their faces gaunt, their eyes were blurred, their shirts all soaked with sweat
He’s riding hard to catch that herd, but he ain’t caught ’em yet
Cause they’ve got to ride forever on that range up in the sky
On horses snorting fire
As they ride on hear their cry
As the riders loped on by him he heard one call his name
If you want to save your soul from Hell a-riding on our range
Then cowboy change your ways today or with us you will ride
Trying to catch the Devil’s herd, across these endless skies
Yippie yi ooh
Yippie yi yay
Ghost Riders in the sky
Ghost Riders in the sky
Ghost Riders in the sky
As Johnny Cash’s fame began to lessen in the 70s, he decided to opt for a new, epic sound. Leaning into stories of cowboys and the myths of the outlaw and the old west, “Ghost Riders In The Sky” is one of the most exciting Johnny Cash songs. Whilst not an obvious pick to play at a funeral, if your loved one was a fan of Johnny Cash epic songs, then this would be a great choice.
An old cowboy went riding out
One dark and windy day
Upon a ridge he rested
As he went along his way
When all at once a mighty herd
Of red eyed cows he saw
Plowin’ through the ragged skies
And up the cloudy draw
Man In Black
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Well, you wonder why I always dress in black
Why you never see bright colors on my back
And why does my appearance seem to have a somber tone
Well, there’s a reason for the things that I have on
I wear the black for the poor and the beaten down
Livin’ in the hopeless, hungry side of town
I wear it for the prisoner who is long paid for his crime
But is there because he’s a victim of the times
I wear the black for those who’ve never read
Or listened to the words that Jesus said
About the road to happiness through love and charity
Why, you’d think He’s talking straight to you and me
Well, we’re doin’ mighty fine, I do suppose
In our streak of lightnin’ cars and fancy clothes
But just so we’re reminded of the ones who are held back
Up front there ought to be a man in black
I wear it for the sick and lonely old
For the reckless ones whose bad trip left them cold
I wear the black in mournin’ for the lives that could have been
Each week we lose a hundred fine young men
And I wear it for the thousands who have died
Believin’ that the Lord was on their side
I wear it for another hundred-thousand who have died
Believin’ that we all were on their side
Well, there’s things that never will be right, I know
And things need changin’ everywhere you go
But ’til we start to make a move to make a few things right
You’ll never see me wear a suit of white
Ah, I’d love to wear a rainbow every day
And tell the world that everything’s okay
But I’ll try to carry off a little darkness on my back
‘Til things are brighter, I’m the man in black
Johnny Cash was known by the moniker “The Man In Black”, and it is this song which explains the meaning behind the title. Cash says that he wears black to signify mourning, and uses the song to list all of the disadvantaged people in society, whom he mourns for. Johnny’s protest song, and one his most well known, this is an ideal pick for Johnny Cash fans to play at a funeral.
Well, you wonder why I always dress in black
Why you never see bright colors on my back
And why does my appearance seem to have a somber tone
Well, there’s a reason for the things that I have on
Johnny cash hits Hymns and Gospel Songs
I saw a Man
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Last night I dreamed
An angel came
He took my hand
He called my name
He bid me look
The other way
I saw a man
I heard him say
He said if I be lifted up
I’ll draw all men to me
He turned and then
I saw the nail-scarred hand
That bled for me
I touched the hem of his garment
That fell round him there
My life, my heart, I gave
My soul was in his care
When I awoke
My heart beat so
And in the dark
I saw a glow
This was no dream
He turned my way
Again I heard
My saviour say
He said if I be lifted up
I’ll draw all men to me
He turned and then
I saw the nail-scarred hand
That bled for me
I touched the hem of his garment
That fell ’round him there
My life, my heart, I gave
My soul was in his care
(In his care)
Johnny Cash was a practising Christian for the majority of his life, and so he was always interested in recording gospel albums and reinterpreting traditional hymns. In “I Saw A Man” Cash sings about being visited by an angel. Supported by a gospel choir, this track sounds at home in a church, and is a good pick for a funeral.
Last night I dreamed
An angel came
He took my hand
He called my name
The Old Account
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Well, it was a time on earth
When in the books of heaven
An old account was standing
For sins yet unforgiven
My name was at the top
And many things below
But i went unto the keeper
And settled it long ago
Long ago, long ago
Yes, the old account was settled long ago
And the record’s clear today
‘Cause he washed my sins away
And the old account was settled long ago
Well, the old account was large
And growin’ every day
And i was always sinnin’
And i never tried to pray
But when i looked ahead
And saw such pain and woe
Well, i went unto the keeper
And settled it long ago
Long ago, long ago
Yes, the old account was settled long ago
And the record’s clear today
‘Cause he washed my sins away
And the old account was settled long ago
Now sinner seek the Lord
Repent of all your sins
‘Cause this he has commanded
If you would enter in
And then if you should live
A hundred years below
Well, you know you got it settled
‘Cause you settled it long ago
Long ago, long ago
Yes, the old account was settled long ago
And the record’s clear today
‘Cause he washed my sins away
And the old account was settled long ago
Long ago
A traditional American hymn reinterpreted by Cash, here Johnny is backed by a bluegrass-inspired chorus of men and is a great example of an old American country song. “The Old Account” is an upbeat number about passing over into the afterlife, and being rest assured that you’re heading to a brighter, happier future with God.
Well, it was a time on earth
When in the books of heaven
An old account was standing
For sins yet unforgiven
Peace in The Valley
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Oh well, I’m tired and so weary
But I must go alone
Till the lord comes and calls, calls me away, oh yes
Well the morning’s so bright
And the lamp is alight
And the night, night is as black as the sea, oh yes
There will be peace in the valley for me, some day
There will be peace in the valley for me, oh Lord I pray
There’ll be no sadness, no sorrow
No trouble, trouble I see
There will be peace in the valley for me, for me
Well the bear will be gentle
And the wolves will be tame
And the lion shall lay down by the lamb, oh yes
And the beasts from the wild
Shall be lit by a child
And I’ll be changed, changed from this creature that I am, oh yes
There will be peace in the valley for me, some day
There will be peace in the valley for me, oh Lord I pray
There’ll be no sadness, no sorrow
No trouble, trouble I see
There will be peace in the valley for me, for me
Here Johnny Cash tackles a classic gospel song – “Peace In The Valley ” is a hopeful song about the eternal rest that awaits for us in heaven. This rendition is taken from Johnny’s classic live album, infamously recorded in a prison.
There will be peace in the valley for me, some day
There will be peace in the valley for me, oh Lord I pray
There’ll be no sadness, no sorrow
No trouble, trouble I see
There will be peace in the valley for me
Lead Me Gently Home
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Oh lead me gently home father lead me gently home
When life’s toils are ended and parting days have come
Sin no more will tempt me there from Thee I’ll roam
If you’ll only lead me father lead me gently home
Oh lead me gently home father lead me gently home
If I fall upon the wayside lead me gently home
Lead me gently home father lead me gently home
If life’s darkest hours father when my troubles come
Keep my feet from wandering there from Thee I’ll roam
Lest I fall upon the wayside lead me gently home
Oh lead me gently home
A hymn that is a very popular choice for funerals in both the U.K. and America, Cash’s interpretation is a soothing, plodding Country number. If you’re wanting to choose a Johnny Cash song and a popular hymn, then you can have both by choosing this number.
Hush, little baby, don’t say a word
Papa’s gonna buy you a mockingbird
If that mockingbird don’t sing
Papa’s gonna buy you a diamond ring
These Things Shall Pass
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These things shall pass and some great morning
We’ll look back and smile at heartaches we have known
So don’t forget when shadows gather
The Lord our God is still the King upon his throne
A rose looks grey at midnight but the flame is just asleep
And steel is strong because it knew the hammer and white heat
These things shall pass and life be sweeter
When love and faith are strong they cannot long endure
These things shall pass so don’t you worry
The darkest time is just one hour before dawn
So hold up high and face your troubles
And don’t despair if you must face them all alone
A rose looks grey at midnight…
(These things shall pass)
In “These Things Shall Pass”, Johnny Cash sings a hopeful song about a bright future. Optimistic and peaceful, this song is a great choice for setting a calming atmosphere for the procession. This is a reassuring song about the passing of sad days and the happier future ahead for us all.
These things shall pass and some great morning
We’ll look back and smile at heartaches we have known
So don’t forget when shadows gather
The Lord our God is still the King upon his throne
He’ll Understand And Say Well Done
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[Verse 1]
Give, when you give Him the best of your service
Tellin’ the world that the savior has come
Be not dismayed if man don’t believe you
He’ll understand and say, Well done
[Chorus]
Oh, when I come to the end of my journey
Weary of life and the battle is won
Bearing the staff and the cross of redemption
He’ll understand and say, Well done
He’ll understand and say, Well done
[Verse 2]
Misunderstood the savior of sinners
Died on the cross, He was God’s only Son
But He knew well that his Father in Heaven
Would understand and say, Well done
[Chorus]
On Johnny Cash’s second gospel album, “Hymns From The Heart”, he decided to use a more traditional Gospel sound that included a southern church choir. Another optimistic song about death, this tune talks about God’s love and acceptance of us as we meet at the pearly gates. If your loved one was religious, this song would be a good pick, and a fitting way to say goodbye.
Oh, when I come to the end of my journey
Weary of life and the battle is won
Bearing the staff and the cross of redemption
He’ll understand and say, “Well done”
When I Take My Vacation In Heaven
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There are those who are taking vacations to the mountains the lakes and the sea
Where they rest from their cares and their troubles
What a wonderful time that must be
But it seems not my lot to be like them I must toil through the heat and the cold
Seekin’ out the lost sheep on the mountains bringing wanderers back to the fold
But when I take my vacation in heaven what a wonderful time that will be
Hearing concerts by the heavenly chorus and the face of my Saviour I’ll see
Sitting down on the banks of the river neath the shade of the evergreen tree
There I’ll rest from my burdens forever won’t you take your vacation with me
(Sitting down on the banks of the river under the shade of the evergreen tree)
There I’ll rest from my burdens forever won’t you take your vacation with me
Another of Johnny Cash’s songs which is optimistic about death and the afterlife, this track talks about how we are finally able to rest in Heaven, describing the afterlife as a “vacation”. Another track off of the “Hymns From The Heart Album”, this track is a calming number, and a great way to set a soothing atmosphere for the procession.
But when I take my vacation in heaven what a wonderful time that will be
Hearing concerts by the heavenly chorus and the face of my Saviour I’ll see
Sitting down on the banks of the river neath the shade of the evergreen tree
There I’ll rest from my burdens forever won’t you take your vacation with me
Where We’ll Never Grow Old
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I have heard of a land on the far away strand
‘Tis a beautiful home of the soul
Built by Jesus on high, there we never shall die
‘Tis a land where we never grow old
Never grow old, never grow old
In a land where we’ll never grow old
Never grow old, never grow old
In a land where we’ll never grow old
In that beautiful home where we’ll never more roam
We shall be in the sweet by and by
Happy praise to the king thru eternity sing
‘Tis a land where we never shall die
When our work here is done and the life crown is won
And out troubles and trials are o’er
All our sorrows will end and our voices will blend
With the loved ones who’ve gone on before
Johnny Cash had a revival in the early 2000s thanks to the producer Rick Rubin who tracked Mr. Cash down and persuaded him to do a series of very intimate recordings. One of the albums in that period of recording was “My Mother’s Hymn Book”, where the singer reinterpreted his mother’s favourite hymns. “Where We’ll Never Grow Old” is another optimistic song about peace to be found in heaven.
I have heard of a land on the far away strand
‘Tis a beautiful home of the soul
Built by Jesus on high, there we never shall die
‘Tis a land where we never grow old
If We Never Meet Again This Side Of Heaven
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Soon we’ll come to the end of life’s journey
And perhaps we’ll never meet anymore
‘Til we gather in heaven’s bright city
Far away on that beautiful shore
If we never meet again this side of heaven
As we struggle through this world and its strife
There’s another meeting place somewhere in heaven
By the side of the river of life
Where the charming roses bloom forever
And where separation comes no more
If we never meet again this side of heaven
I will meet you on that beautiful shore
Oh they say we shall meet by the river
Where no storm clouds ever darken the sky
And they say we’ll be happy in heaven
In that wonderful suite by and by
If we never meet again this side of heaven
As we struggle through this world and its strife
There’s another meeting place somewhere in heaven
By the side of the river of life
Where the charming roses bloom forever
And where separation comes no more
If we never meet again this side of heaven
I will meet you on that beautiful shore
Another intimate song taken from “My Mother’s Hymn Book”, this is a track that talks about meeting our loved ones again in heaven. Recorded just a few months after his wife’s passing, June Carter, here you can hear Johnny yearning to see his beloved again. This track is a great choice for those who believe in the afterlife and the chance of seeing our loved ones once again.
Soon we’ll come to the end of life’s journey
And perhaps we’ll never meet anymore
‘Til we gather in heaven’s bright city
Far away on that beautiful shore
Will The Circle Be Unbroken
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I was standing by the window
On one cold and cloudy day
When I saw the hearse come rolling
For to carry my mother away
Will the circle be unbroken
By and by Lord, by and by
There’s a better home awaiting
In the sky Lord, in the sky
I said to the undertaker
Undertaker please drive slow
For this lady you are carrying
Lord I hate to see her go
Will the circle be unbroken
By and by Lord, by and by
There’s a better home awaiting
In the sky Lord, in the sky
Oh, I followed close behind her
Tried to hold up and be brave
But I could not hide my sorrow
When they laid her in the grave
Will the circle be unbroken
By and by Lord, by and by
There’s a better home awaiting
In the sky Lord, in the sky
I went back home, the home was lonesome
Since my mother, she was gone
All my brothers and sisters crying
What a home so sad and alone
Will the circle be unbroken
By and by Lord, by and by
There’s a better home awaiting
In the sky Lord, in the sky
We sang songs of childhood
Hymns of faith that made us strong
Ones that mother maybelle taught us
Hear the angels sing along
Will the circle be unbroken
By and by Lord, by and by
There’s a better home awaiting
In the sky Lord, in the sky
Fans of Johnny Cash will know that his wife, June, was an integral part of his music, and a talented musician in her own right. Before Johnny was famous, June and her family were known as The Carter Family. In the 60s, Johnny collaborated with The Carter family on some traditional hymns and folk songs, “Will The Circle Be Unbroken” is a standout from the selection, and again talk about peace in heaven.
Will the circle be unbroken
By and by, Lord, by and by
There’s a better home a-waiting
In the sky, Lord, in the sky
When The Roses Bloom Again
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In the rattle of the battle, came a whisper soft and low
From a soldier who’d been wounded in the fray
“I am dying, Captain, dying and I pray before I go
You will give your promise here I pass away”
Do not ask me dear to linger, for I know not what to say
When duty calls, just sweetheart’s name in vain
I hope your heart will not be crying, if I’m not among the dying
I’ll be with you when the roses bloom again
Yes, when the roses bloom again, beside the river
And the Robin Redbreast sings it’s sweet refrain
As in days of Old Lang Syne, I’ll be with you sweetheart mine
I’ll be with you when the roses bloom again
Do not ask me dear to linger, for I know not what to say
When duty calls, just sweetheart’s name in vain
I hope your heart will not be crying if I not among the dying
I’ll be with you when the roses bloom again
When the roses bloom again beside the river
And the Robin Redbreast sings it’s sweet refrain
As in days of Old Lang Syne, I’ll be with you sweetheart mine
I’ll be with you when the roses bloom again
Another track taken from the collaboration with The Carter family, this track is another hopeful tune about meeting our loved ones again in heaven. This track is unique for showcasing June’s voice, and the duet between Johnny and June is a fitting way to tell a tale about a husband and wife’s eternal bond.
Yes, when the roses bloom again, beside the river
And the Robin Redbreast sings it’s sweet refrain
As in days of Old Lang Syne, I’ll be with you sweetheart mine
I’ll be with you when the roses bloom again
Johnny Cash’s sad songs suitable for a funeral
I Still Miss Someone
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[Verse]
At my door the leaves are falling
A cold wild wind will come
Sweethearts walk by together
And I still miss someone
I go out on a party
And look for a little fun
But I find a darkened corner
Because I still miss someone
Oh, I never got over those blues eyes
I see them every where
I miss those arms that held me
When all the love was there
I wonder if she’s sorry
For leaving what we’d begun
There’s someone for me somewhere
And I still miss someone
I still miss someone
Oh, I never got over those blue eyes
I see them every where
I miss those arms that held me
When all the love was there
I wonder if she’s sorry
For leaving what we’d begun
There’s someone for me somewhere
And I still miss someone
I still miss someone
If you’re looking for a more melancholic song to mark the passing of a loved one, Johnny Cash was known for his slow, yearning ballads. “I Still Miss Someone” is one of Cash’s earliest records, a B-Side to the single “Don’t Take Your Guns To Town,” and a favourite that the singer would reinterpret many times over the years, including recording a version with Dylan. The song talks about how difficult it is to get over losing a loved one, which makes it perfect for a funeral.
Oh, no I never got over those blues eyes
I see them every where
I miss those arms that held me
When all the love was there
Hurt
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I hurt myself today
To see if I still feel
I focus on the pain
The only thing that’s real
The needle tears a hole
The old familiar sting
Try to kill it all away
But I remember everything
What have I become?
My sweetest friend
Everyone I know goes away
In the end
And you could have it all
My empire of dirt
I will let you down
I will make you hurt
I wear this crown of thorns
Upon my liar’s chair
Full of broken thoughts
I cannot repair
Beneath the stains of time
The feelings disappear
You are someone else
I’m still right here
What have I become?
My sweetest friend
Everyone I know goes away
In the end
And you could have it all
My empire of dirt
I will let you down
I will make you hurt
If I could start again
A million miles away
I would keep myself
I would find a way
Johnny Cash had a resurgence in the early 2000s thanks to Rick Rubin’s “American recordings”, in which the singer sat down for many intimate recordings and covers of pop songs. Johnny Cash’s interpretations are unique, and very, very sad. “Hurt” is one of the best, and has become far more famous than the original.
I hurt myself today
To see if I still feel
I focus on the painThe only thing that’s real
When The Man Comes Around
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… “And I heard, as it were, the noise of thunder
One of the four beasts saying,
‘Come and see.’ and I saw, and behold a white horse”
… There’s a man goin’ ’round takin’ names
And he decides who to free and who to blame
Everybody won’t be treated all the same
There’ll be a golden ladder reachin’ down
When the man comes around
… The hairs on your arm will stand up
At the terror in each sip and in each sup
Will you partake of that last offered cup
Or disappear into the potter’s ground?
When the man comes around
… Hear the trumpets hear the pipers
One hundred million angels singin’
Multitudes are marchin’ to the big kettledrum
Voices callin’, voices cryin’
Some are born and some are dyin’
It’s alpha and omega’s kingdom come
And the whirlwind is in the thorn tree
The virgins are all trimming their wicks
The whirlwind is in the thorn tree
It’s hard for thee to kick against the pricks
… Till armageddon no shalam, no shalom
Then the father hen will call his chickens home
The wise man will bow down before the throne
And at his feet they’ll cast their golden crowns
When the man comes around
… Whoever is unjust let him be unjust still
Whoever is righteous let him be righteous still
Whoever is filthy let him be filthy still
Listen to the words long written down
When the man comes around
… Hear the trumpets hear the pipers
One hundred million angels singin’
Multitudes are marchin’ to the big kettledrum
Voices callin’, voices cryin’
Some are born and some are dyin’
It’s alpha and omega’s kingdom come
And the whirlwind is in the thorn tree
The virgins are all trimming their wicks
The whirlwind is in the thorn trees
It’s hard for thee to kick against the prick
In measured hundredweight and penny pound
When the man comes around
… “And I heard a voice in the midst of the four beasts
And I looked, and behold a pale horse
And his name that sat on him was death, and hell followed with him”
Another take from the Rick Rubin sessions, “When The Man Comes Around” is a song about passing on to the other side, and being recruited by God to join him in peace in heaven. For this reason, it’s a clear pick for a funeral.
There’s a man goin’ ’round takin’ names
And he decides who to free and who to blame
Everybody won’t be treated all the same
There’ll be a golden ladder reachin’ down
When the man comes around
Bridge Over Troubled Water
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When you’re weary, feeling small
When tears are in your eyes, I will dry them all
I’m on your side when times get rough
And friends just can’t be found
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down
When you’re down and out
When you’re on the street
When evening falls so hard
I will comfort you
I’ll take your part
When darkness comes
And pain is all around
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down
Sail on silver girl
Sail on by
Your time has come to shine
All your dreams are on their way
See how they shine
Oh, if you need a friend
I’m sailing right behind
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will ease your mind
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will ease your mind
Paul Simon’s “Bridge Over Troubled Water” has become a go-to funeral song, regularly featuring in the top ten lists. It is an epic song that quickly became a classic on release, with many artists interpreting and recording their own versions. Another song recorded with Rick Rubin, Johnny Cash’s version is another stripped back, vocal-driven piece.
When you’re weary, feeling small,
When tears are in your eyes
I will dry them all
I’m on your side
Oh when times get rough
And friends just can’t be found
I See A Darkness
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Well, you’re my friend
And can you see
Many times we’ve been out drinking
Many times we’ve shared our thoughts
But did you ever, ever notice
The kind of thoughts I got?
Well, you know I have a love
A love for everyone I know
And you know I have a drive
To live, I won’t let go
But can you see this opposition
Comes rising up sometimes?
That it’s dreadful imposition
Comes blacking in my mind
And then I see a darkness
And then I see a darkness
And then I see a darkness
And then I see a darkness
Did you know how much I love you?
Is a hope that somehow you
Can save me from this darkness
Well, I hope that someday, buddy
We have peace in our lives
Together or apart
Alone or with our wives
And we can stop our whoring
And pull the smiles inside
And light it up forever
And never go to sleep
My best unbeaten brother
This isn’t all I see
Oh no, I see a darkness
Oh no, I see a darkness
Oh no, I see a darkness
Oh no, I see a darkness
Did you know how much I love you?
Is a hope that somehow you
Can save me from this darkness
Although this is another of Johnny’s sad songs, the message is a hopeful one. The song, sung with Bonnie “Prince” Billy, talks about lifelong friendships and facing “the darkness” together. If you’re mourning the loss of a dear friend, then this might be the Johnny Cash song to choose.
Well, you’re my friend
And can you see
Many times we’ve been out drinking
Many times we’ve shared our thoughts
We’ll Meet Again
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We’ll meet again
Don’t know where
Don’t know when
But I know
We’ll meet again
Some sunny day
Keep smilin’ through
Just like you
Always do
‘Til the blue skies drive
The dark clouds
Far away
And will you please say hello
To the folks that I know
Tell ’em that I won’t be long
And they’ll be happy to know
That as you saw me go
I was singing this song
We’ll meet again
Don’t know where
Don’t know when
But I know
We’ll meet again
Some sunny day
Yeah we’ll meet again
I don’t know where
And I don’t know when
But I do know
That we’ll meet again
Some sunny day
So Honey
Keep on smilin’ through
Just like you always do
‘Til the blue skies
Drive the dark clouds
Far away
And would you please say hello
To all the folks that I know
And tell ’em I won’t be long
They’ll be happy to know
That as you saw me go
I was singing this song
We’ll meet again
Don’t know where
Don’t know when
But I know
We’ll meet again
Some sunny day
Vera Lynn’s “We’ll Meet Again” is a classic funeral song – the wartime hit offers a touching message of togetherness and the prospect of seeing our loved ones again someday. Johnny Cash delivers a touching version, and any Cash fan would appreciate his version being played at their funeral.
We’ll meet again
Don’t know where
Don’t know when
But I know
We’ll meet again
Some sunny day
Don’t Take Your Guns To Town
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A young cowboy named Billy Joe grew restless on the farm
A boy filled with wanderlust who really meant no harm
He changed his clothes and shined
His boots and combed his dark hair down
And his mother cried as he walked out
Don’t take your guns to town son
Leave your guns at home, Bill
Don’t take your guns to town
He laughed, and kissed his mom, and said, “your Billy Joe’s a man”
I can shoot as quick, and straight as anybody can
But I wouldn’t shoot without a cause; I’d gun nobody down”
But she cried again as he rode away
Don’t take your guns to town son
Leave your guns at home Bill
Don’t take your guns to town
He sang a song as on he rode his guns hung at his hips
He rode into a cattle town, a smile upon his lips
He stopped, and walked into a bar, and laid his money down
But his mother’s words echoed again
Don’t take your guns to town son
Leave your guns at home Bill
Don’t take your guns to town
He drank his first strong liquor then to calm his shaking hand
And tried to tell himself at last he had become a man
A dusty cowpoke at his side began to laugh him down
And he heard again his mothers words
Don’t take your guns to town son
Leave your guns at home Bill
Don’t take your guns to town
Filled with rage then, Billy Joe reached for his gun to draw
But the stranger drew his gun and fired before he even saw
As Billy Joe fell to the floor, the crowd all gathered ’round
And wondered at his final words
Don’t take your guns to town son
Leave your guns at home Bill
Don’t take your guns to town
One of Johnny Cash’s most famous songs, it is also a song with a very sad message. The song tells the story of a young cowboy who ends up getting killed in a gunfight. A song about tragedy, this dark song would set a melancholic tone to the procession
Don’t take your guns to town son
Leave your guns at home Bill
Don’t take your guns to town