Maybe a morbid thread but...

My grandmother just passed away and I am going to speak at her memorial service. I was hoping to include some comforting/uplifting/good closure quotes in my speech (which will not be very long). I'm having a major block on any to use, though. Any ideas? Can be lyrics or spoken lines.

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No quotes, but I'm horribly sorry about your grandmother.

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This isn't from Broadway, but it's definitely very uplifting and inspiring.

"Death is no more than passing from one room into another. But there's a difference for me, you know. Because in that other room I shall be able to see."
- Helen Keller

Also, I'm terribly sorry for your loss.

-VB

My condolences.

Just a thought. Listen to Bring on Tomorrow from Fame.

From Wicked:

Who can say if I've been changed for the better?
I do believe I have been changed for the better
And because I knew you
I have been changed for good

Updated On: 6/30/06 at 09:54 PM

Yeah sorry Neo, but a song about a quickie in the woods probably wouldn't be appropriate...while you're at it throw in some quotes from "Two Ladies".


A song that isn't broadway but deals with the death beautifully is Lullabye by Billy Joel. Just google the lyrics if you don't know them.

I wasn't really speaking within the context of the show. Extracted that quote is pretty poignant for any sort of goodbye. The woods being a metaphor for the life we lead in this out of context example. Notice The Internet is For Porn, You Can Be As Loud As The Hell You Want, and Sugar didn't make my list of possibilities.

Also There Will Be A Miracle from SWIWS might be appropriate. It all comes down to you and what your comfortable with and what you feel is the most appropriate for you.

Im very sorry again.

Thanks for all the suggestions guys, and for all the kind thoughts.

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I agree that there are several beautiful and appropriate songs on William Finn's Elegies a Song Cycle (my personal favorite is "When the Earth Stopped Turning," but as the previous person mentioned- the entire CD is filled with amazing songs).

And I'm very sorry to hear about your loss.

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The first song I listened to when my grandfather died was, "Christmas Lullaby," the lyrics to that might work for you.

I'll never have the power to control the land
Or conquer half the world
Or claim the sun
I'll never be the kind who simply waves her hand
And has a million people do
The things I wish I'd done

But in the eyes of Heaven
My place is assured
I carry with me heaven's grand design
Gloria, glory, I will sing the name of the Lord
And He will make me shine

And I will be like Mother Mary
With a blessing in my soul
And I will give the world my eyes
So they can see
And I will be like Mother Mary
With a blessing in my soul
And the future of the world inside of me

In the eyes of Heaven
My place is assured
I carry with me heaven's grand design
Gloria, glory I will sing the name of the Lord
And He will make me shine

And I will be like Mother Mary
With a blessing in my soul
And I will give the world my eyes
So they can see
And I will be like Mother Mary
With a blessing in my soul
And the future of the world inside of me

And I will be like Mother Mary
With the power in my veins
To believe in all the things
I've yet to be
And I will be like Mother Mary
And I'll suffer any pains
For the future of the world
For the future of the world
Inside of me...

It might be weird, but it's a very nice song.

FOAnatic, wouldn't the latter lyrics be more appropriate.

Sometimes people leave you
Halfway through the wood
Do not let it grieve you
No one leaves for good
You are not alone
No one is a lone

The verse you posted has a negative conotation.

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Hi...

I wish you and your family comfort and peace during this time. don't know if either one of these helps, but two songs from The Color Purple come to mind:

Somebody Gonna Love You

Got nothin to give you but a prayer
God's gonna see you through
to part with you more than I can bear
But somebody gonna love you

Sweet Baby, Sweet
This much I know is true
Sleep Baby, Sleep
Cause somebody gonna love you
Oh, I'm always gonna love you
(you can even replace baby with another term of endearment that you might have used for your gran)

The other one is the Color Purple (the first one not the reprise)

God is inside you and everything else
that was or ever will be
We come into this world with God
But only them who look inside, find it

God is the flowers and everything else
that was or ever will be
and when you feel the truth so real
and when you love the way you feel, you've found it
Just as sure as moonlight bless the night.

Like a Blade of corn
like a honey bee
like a waterfall
all a part of me

Like the color purple
where do it come from
open up your eyes look what god has done.

I hope I havent overstepped by assuming anything about your grandmother. But I hope it is a sure bet that she was a classy lady. the last song would make a wonderful tribute to the beauty and splendor of her life


peace to you and yours

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It's not original (and not from a Broadway show), but what about MY HEART WILL GO ON?

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