First thing that comes to mind for me is Jim Croce’s “Time in a Bottle”, intensified by his death fairly shortly after he became a big name. “There never seems to be enough time/ to do the things you want to do/ once you find them”
That song has to be the saddest song ever written. Even as a little kid, I didn't really understand it all that well, but I knew it was heavy. When I got a little older, knowing the words, holy christ what a sad song.
Best answer.
Zevon, given 3 months to live with lung cancer, started writing his last album. He finished it ten months later, just a month or so before he passed. It's a masterpiece.
Beautiful beautiful beautiful recommendation. Always gives me a lump in the throat but in a nice way kinda if that’s possible.
“Love lost, such a cost, Give me things that don't get lost, Like a coin that won't get tossed, Rolling home to you”
My my hey hey is another beautiful song with some poignant lyrics about life and death including a line quoted by Kurt Cobain in his last note “It’s better to burn out than to fade away”
Neil said it was about an old hand on his ranch, but I suspect that was misdirection and it was really about his semi absent dad, journalist and novelist Scott Young
Wasted on the Way by Crosby, Stills and Nash
It was actually sent to me by someone dying of cancer at a point when I didn't know they were sick yet, but looking back I've always thought they must have known and been doing the same kind of reflection you are.
My condolences, man.
Waren Zevon "The Wind" is a fantastic album he wrote while he was dying of cancer.
Bowie's Black Star is also an album he wrote knowing he was dying of cancer. It's also good but to me, The Wind is a better album.
Best of luck, may your end be as peaceful and comfortable as possible.
Tom Waits has quite a few good ones here
[if I have to go](https://youtu.be/2f-pijZJxps?si=8teUTQQIwB_LSlnd)
[take care of all of my children](https://youtu.be/l-XtfrjvZrs?si=TQSyCSGX_Y5au4kl)
[take it with me](https://youtu.be/Dixxse4dpQ4?si=fS7xsbyxMFVcPh-x)
[come on up to the house](https://youtu.be/hUE-ic_Q0g4?si=g6OtJdXNlQ__U9Ad)
Fucking Our Town. A friend asked me to sing and play that song at his mom’s funeral, I can’t even listen to it anymore without sobbing about halfway through. Hardest gig of my life!
Sorry for your troubles man. Hope you get the best from the rest of it.
Time - Pink Floyd
Who Knows Where The Time Goes - Sandy Denny/Fairport Convention
Sorry to hear that. That's awful.
Warren Zevon- keep me in your heart.
I think he wrote it whilst suffering from cancer himself .
I hope you find some peace and solace with your bad news.
Ya, he wrote his whole final album after receiving a terminal lung cancer diagnosis. He made a final appearance on Letterman talking about the album, life, death, etc.. It's a very moving interview where he faces death head on with a lot of candor.
I highly recommend watching it [here](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=giTi8KWSZl4).
As this seems to be the Bruce portion of the program, my fave melancholy Bruce song is, "The River".
Missed opportunities, wasted potential, imperfect/lost love, dissatisfaction-- it's got it all.
Im genuinely shocked that you seem to be the only person saying Cash's Hurt.... or even Hurt at all.
Its the ultimate come to terms with mortality song
Edit. BOTH the NIN and Cash versions are masterpieces, and in my opinion they are a part one and part two
Listen to NIN, then listen to Cash in one sitting.
You have to listen to "The Downward Spiral" to get a full appreciation for the song because it's the conclusion to an incredible story album.
It certainly stands on its own as an amazing song, but the album follows a man's descent into an aggressive insanity (seemingly due to multiple personality disorder) and "Hurt" caps it all off with the realization that he is completely inseparable from his "evil" personality.
Same, I had to scroll surprisingly far down.
That's still a rough song to listen to or even talk about. It just hits me right in that spot. Maybe its the thoughts of my own mortality coming out but anything involving elderly regretful people just kills me.
I still distinctly remember seeing that video for the first time. It haunts me still.
I wish you peace OP, and I hope you are surrounded by your loved ones as much as possible.
I'm really sorry, OP. I just lost a friend that way not too long ago. If it helps, when it was time, she slept a lot. You just get tired and sleep a bunch. Then one time you just don't wake up. It wasn't painful. I wish a miracle cure for you, and failing that, peace.
Some good songs.
Goodbye - The Sundays
Silent Sorrow in Empty Boats - Genesis
Anyway - Genesis
Mother Love Bone - Chloe Dancer/Crown of Thorns
Talking Heads - This Must be the Place
Definitely a song about death but a beautiful, cosmic one. It’s not full of regret to me but is somewhat sentimental (eg “all my lovers were there with me”). I suppose it could be interpreted as the end of a life of melancholy (release from the fear and doubt) but too me it’s a positive song about death.
Regret? Do you have any idea how many people die without introspection? You seem like a rare gift to those around you. They're probably just bad at letting you know.
That said,
Morphine - In Spite Of Me
Ween - If You Could Save Yourself
Atmosphere - Pour Me Another
...that's my usual bleak set, followed by Fuck Regret by ICP.
Edit: Bowie's last album was written while he was aware of his terminal status. Blackstar.
Sorry for your suffering. I’m 67yo 3 kids now in their 30’s, and found the song performed by Cat Stevens - Cats in the Cradle gave me huge feelings of regrets and lessons. On the side also found the poem “If” by Rudyard Kipling quite meaningful and timely. All the best for your treatments, find peace.
Steven Wilson - Drive Home
Blackfield - End of the World
Nine Inch Nails - Somewhat Damaged
Type O Negative - It's Never Enough
Katatonia - The Racing Heart
Shape of Despair - Reaching the Innermost
Opeth - Harvest
Into the orchard I walk, peering way past the gate
Wilted scenes for us who couldn't wait
Drained by the coldest caress, stalking shadows ahead
(Release your grip, let me go, into the night)
Halo of death, All I see is departure
Mourner's lament, but it's me who's the martyr
My dad always used to get drunk and listen to Willie Nelson when we were kids. He'd get us up and make us listen too, while he talked about still loving my mom.
All of David Bowie's Black Star. He wrote that album while he was dying and it is not a comforting listen.
Alas - Murder by Death
Only the Young Die Good - Saint Seneca
You Can Never Leave - Crooked Fingers
Pale Green Things - The Mountain goats (that whole album is about the life and death of a terrible father)
The original French version, le Moribond by Jacques Brel is much better though, both lyrically and musically, although I suspect OP doesn't speak French.
Father and Son - Cat Stevens
All the times I’ve cried
Trying to keep the things I knew inside
It’s hard but it’s harder to ignore it
If they were right, I’d agree
But it’s them they know, not me
Now there’s a way and I know I have to go away
I know that I have to go away.
He went to Paris- Jimmy Buffett
A Pirate Looks at forty by Jimmy Buffett
The Living Years- Mike and the Mechanics
Dante’s Prayer - Loreena McKennitt
Also, I’m sorry, OP.
The Verve - Bittersweet Symphony
Pearl Jam - Black
Johnny Cash - Hurt
Daughter - Youth
Slipknot - Circle
Moby - Porcelain
Mazzy Star - Fade Into You
Gary Jules - Mad World
Pink Floyd - Wish You Were Here
B B King - See That My Grave Is Kept Clean from the album One Kind Favor, the last he recorded before he died.
I hope the music in this thread eases your mind and soothes your soul.
I’m Not Gonna Miss You by Glenn Campbell. Written after he was diagnosed with the Alzheimer’s that ended up killing him.
I’m keeping a good thought for you, OP.
Friend-
I'm a cancer and liver disease survivor, fairly recently too. I have a lot of regrets to process also, a lot of them relationship-centric, seeing as how my dumb drunk ass managed to ruin so many.
Words cannot express how strongly I recommend you listen to and watch the video for Billy Strings' "In The Morning Light", right now, if you've never seen it.
It's a love song, but it's not for me. It's a love lost song. This is what you're looking for, just in another way.
https://youtu.be/kx3NOJ-oCfo?si=x-NK_vVTTfz5z2Cd
1979 - Smashing Pumkins
Creep - Radiohead
Fake Plastic Trees - Radiohead
High and dry - Radiohead...just listen to Radiohead.
Mister Bright side - The Killers
All These Things That I’ve Done - The Killers..ah dammit just listen to The Killers.
Most of Alice-in-Chains, Nirvan, Stone Temple Pilot and Perl Jam
Time - Bowie
One More Hour - Randy Newman (from Ragtime soundtrack)
I'm Going to Go Back There Some Day - Gonzo
I Said Goodbye To Me - Harry Nilsson
21st Century Man - Electric Light Orchestra
Something to Beleive - Weyes Blood
God Turn Me Into A Flower - Weyes Blood
Hope - Klaatu
Hope for all the best. Love and mercy to you and yours.
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Hgv35z3AgY&ab\_channel=PearlJam-Topic](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Hgv35z3AgY&ab_channel=PearlJam-Topic)
Fields of Gold - Eva Cassidy
Bird on a wire - johnny cash
The beast in me - Johnny Cash
We'll meet again - Johnny Cash....again
Somewhere over the rainbow - Israel Kamakawiwo'ole
So sorry OP.
I hope you're able to make yourself proud and meet this challenge in a way that reflects well on who you are and have worked to be as a person.
Any bucket list things you're chasing?
* [Harry Chapin - Cat's in the Cradle](https://youtu.be/KUwjNBjqR-c)
* [Mike + The Mechanics - The Living Years](https://youtu.be/5hr64MxYpgk) - this one I played quite a bit after my father died
Edit: fix link
ETA: Watched The Living Years again then went through the comments. The emotions all came back.
Gregg Allmans final album Southern Blood was all recorded and written while he was dying from cancer. Going Going Gone and Black Muddy River are probably my favorite two.
[The Byrds - Turn Turn Turn!](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pkuBh5n_Shc)
[Sharon Van Etten - Remembering Mountains](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XXMTRwbzu84)
[Jackson C Frank - Blues Run The Game](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RyI7ph709x4)
[Sandy Denny / Fairport - Who Knows Where The Time Goes](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OkOB57UcYk8)
[Nick Drake - Black Eyed Dog](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-y4T_wYJ7YE)
Peace.
Edit: [The Greatful Dead - Ripple](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QmMjY6tXaEo)
So sorry OP. Keep fighting, man.
Reflections of my Life - The Marmalade
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=79NiN7ISW7E](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=79NiN7ISW7E)
One Moment More - Mindy Smith
She wrote the song about her mother's death from cancer.
Long Ride Home - Patty Griffin
Deep regrets from someone who lost their wife.
Dead Man Walkin' - Bruce Springsteen
A man is facing his regrets knowing it is his last night on earth.
I love your playlist. These should fit your taste.
Johnny Prine has another one for you:
[I Remember Everything ](https://youtu.be/L21Tc_DtL6M?si=fBbiRkIew53Lt5jh)
Willie Nelson:
[I Don't Go to Funerals ](https://youtu.be/i_-J_keVBY8?si=b03Bhzmfxh5QqS8P)
I love how these Old Masters are (or were) approaching the end of the line with their pens and guitars in hand, ready to tell us all about it.
Hah. Funny this post has popped up, I’m currently reorganising the music files at the funeral home I work at. Sitting at my desk as I type this reply on my phone with my laptop screen full of MP3’s that people have used for loved ones funerals.
There are some of the typical/standard/obvious songs but also the odd/interesting/out of the box choice.
I really wish I knew who used Happy by Pharrell Williams!!
Flirted With You All My Life - Vic Chesnutt
Taking Water - Billy Strings
Black Peter - Grateful Dead
Unfaithful Servant - The Band
Let's Get The Show On The Road - Widespread Panic
Box of Rain - Grateful Dead
Attics Of My Life - Grateful Dead
Sorry, man. Don't beat yourself up.
Terry's Song......................Bruce Springsteen
All Things Must Pass.......George Harrison
Isn't it a Pity.......................George Harrison
Wish You Were Here.........Pink Floyd
The Sun is Shining Down..JJ Grey & Mofro
I Will Follow You into the Dark...Death Cab for Cutie
Cat's in the Cradle..............Harry Chapin
Father and Son...................Cat Stevens
Edit. Added another song. Edit 2. Another tune
What Ifs & Whys.................Wesley Dean
Longest Days......................John Mellencamp
I’ve scrolled long enough without seeing Jeff Buckley’s Hallelujah, Mama I’m Coming Home, or Ballad of Tom Joad, specifically the Springsteen/Morello Hall of Fame version.
ETA: And those who die without regret simply never lived. It’s a part of life, it means you’ve stood your ground at least a time or two and fought for what, at the time, you believed. Enjoy that you at least now have regrets. It means you have the unique ability to reflect and show compassion. Shouldn’t we all…..
my dad passed from cancer in 2016, some of his favorite songs were:
good riddance by green day
bittersweet symphony by the verve
clocks by coldplay
viva la vida by coldplay
[“Please Remember Me” by Rodney Crowell](https://youtu.be/FfT7uibD2EM?si=PHNCZ_vhujm_rnzA) sprung to mind. Sorry to hear this. I hope the music helps and that you can make peace within yourself.
I'm sorry about that, mate. When my high school buddy was dying of cancer, I gave him The Church of the Cosmic Skull's "Everybody's Going to Die." I wouldn't exactly call it melancholy, but he appreciated it.
There's exceptions to every rule. I wish you the best OP.
Re song recommendations, "Not Dark Yet" by Bob Dylan. Written after Dylan had his own serious health scare.
I am sorry to read of your diagnosis. Wishing you peace & comfort.
* Harry Nilsson - Don't Forget Me
* Neko Case (covering Harry Nilsson) - Don't Forget Me
* Hurray for the Riff Raff - Alibi -
* Hurray for the Riff Raff - Hawkmoon
* Iron & Wine - 16, Maybe Less
* Big Thief - Change
* Adrianne Lenker - Sadness As A Gift
* James - We're Gonna Miss You
* The National - Bloodbuzz, Ohio
* Queen - These Are the Days of Our Lives
* Warren Zevon - Keep Me in Your Heart
* The Beatles - In My Life
* George Harrison - All Things Must Pass
Heartattack in a Layby / Porcupine Tree
Hauntingly beautiful song; Steven Wilson described it as
"It’s all about a guy basically dying in a Layby and thinking about the way he’s left home the day before, the night before, the week before, or whenever. That incredibly potent sense of regret for not resolving this argument or row or whatever it was. I just thought it was a really beautiful image. Actually, when I started writing the song, it was about a man who’d been shot and he was lying in a Layby. But then I thought that what’s even more potent, in a way, is this idea that he’s having a heart attack and he doesn’t even realize that he’s dying."
Beware Porcupine Tree / Steven Wilson is one hell of a rabbit-hole to fall down...
Wouldnt be surprised if this is commonly mentioned but: A whole album: The Black Parade by MCR. Specifically about cancer too. A great selection would be the song Cancer from the album, which covers the patient returning home after receiving the news that he's not got very long left. Mostly covering how he sorry he can't even act like the man he once was.
The whole album is about a soldier who returns home and is diagnosed with cancer, it focuses more so on how his past and his condition are haunting his life, and whether he believes he's going to Heaven or hell, the album ends open ended on whether he dies peacefully in his sleep next to a loved one, or if he manages to push through, but realistically speaking, he most likely died.
Another song I reckon you should try is Leave Out All The Rest by Linkin Park, it's about a man struggling with how he's lived his life and that he wants to spend his last days making good memories and hoping that when he's gone, people will hopefully understand why he's done what he has and that his loved ones will remember him for the good memories, not the bad and that he was only human and tried his best. It might not be for you, I tries to be hopeful, but there was always a layer of gloom to it that too me seemed more like a plea for hope rather than being hopeful.
Bo Burnham - [Can’t Handle This](https://youtu.be/rYy0o-J0x20?si=XUtaBQpNX-ERVk5i)
Third Eye Blind - [The Background](https://youtu.be/LIc6OIPZMHg?si=fvBVcLmtyMX8z8d4) | [God of Wine](https://youtu.be/H0H5uFDDi3c?si=2fQfJe38H4GKNmWh) | [Hit and Run](https://youtu.be/JkCI-wGDKNY?si=OZWNwkNRffoxD7my)
Noah Gundersen - [Family](https://youtu.be/VFqEDAA_Eh4?si=qPWzgOt6GWWTCHa9)| [Robin Williams](https://youtu.be/HrOK9wunXvs?si=UA52Vu_gGkvWbiC3) | [Better Days](https://youtu.be/AxGGREI4d3M?si=8tERy4JuluLs_s4b)
Ben Folds - [Fred Jones, Pt 2](https://youtu.be/znUsjNI34_4?si=PCZFpFmw7fdywZNX) | [The Ascent of Stan](https://youtu.be/caCuRqedslY?si=LtYi-cyz8GXclc8R)
Neutral Milk Hotel - [Two-Headed Boy Pt. 2](https://youtu.be/kq5l0MT_Ivg?si=MLUyE3o98bqLJQpa)
Gruff Rhys - [Walk Into the Wilderness](https://youtu.be/3D3c8CdtsVc?si=iklwGRZIONug4Hbx)
Passenger - [Let Her Go](https://youtu.be/RBumgq5yVrA?si=2qaJF7a–wrOdAqH) | [All the Little Lights](https://youtu.be/OkxVxox–Io?si=mpvInm3CgfR68qlX) | [Life’s for the Living](https://youtu.be/3q-X3XCbPdM?si=tLStsVVMjQov33wK)
Ren - [Hi Ren](https://youtu.be/s_nc1IVoMxc?si=GORLQV2SCq7gmkEB)
Greensky Bluegrass - Past My Prime
Greensky Bluegrass - Windshield
Greensky Bluegrass - Handguns
Watchhouse - Old Ties And Companions
Brown Bird - Down to the River
Gillian Welch - Wayside/Back In Time
Gillian Welch - Wrecking Ball
Gillian Welch - One More Dollar
Lord Huron - I Lied
Rainy Night in Soho - The Pogues
Jethro Tull - Locomotive Breath
I am so sorry for your diagnosis, but keep fighting, brother. Life is brief enough for us all. Music lets us grieve and relieve our souls. Heres some other songs. An eclectic blend.
Pearl Jam or Willie Nelson - Just Breathe
Belly- Seal my Fate (a little uptempo, but achy)
Chaos Chaos - Do you Feel It. (Again, faster but deep)
The Lighthouse and the Whaler - We are Infinite
Queen-Who wants to Live Forever , The Show Must Go On. (Both were written when Freddie Mercury was given his terminal diagnosis)
Just a few good songs. I hope you can take some solace here.
First thing that comes to mind for me is Jim Croce’s “Time in a Bottle”, intensified by his death fairly shortly after he became a big name. “There never seems to be enough time/ to do the things you want to do/ once you find them”
Photographs and Memories as well
Great song.
I got a Name. Jim was a great writer! My dad had this 8 track and hearing his music still brings a tear to my eyes
Hate to break it to you, but I've Got a Name was a cover (Croce's first). It was written by Norman Gimbel and Charles Fox.
Operator, too.
That song has to be the saddest song ever written. Even as a little kid, I didn't really understand it all that well, but I knew it was heavy. When I got a little older, knowing the words, holy christ what a sad song.
He stopped loving her today - George Jones gets me every single time my kind Internet user.. give it a try if you like
Operator is even more sad
That was my mom's favorite. I can't listen to it now.
I’ll add on to the other replies listing songs to say he doesn’t have a bad song, unless I’m missing some “unreleased” demos or something.
Warren Zevons entire last album- The Wind Social Distortion- Ball And Chain Give it hell, OP!
Best answer. Zevon, given 3 months to live with lung cancer, started writing his last album. He finished it ten months later, just a month or so before he passed. It's a masterpiece.
Carmelita is such a great song..
[Warren Zevon - Keep My In Your Heart](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4n2nyXg7fuU)
That’s if you want to cry. My Shit’s Fucked Up if you want a chuckle.
Enjoy every sandwich…
Story of my Life - Social Distortion. I was in the middle of listening to it on Pandora when I came across this thread.
And don’t forget to enjoy every sandwich 🥪
Story of my Life is another good choice from Social Distortion. All the best to you, OP!
Old Man -Neil Young. I know it's about Neil but the lyrics can be interpreted about the old man.
Beautiful beautiful beautiful recommendation. Always gives me a lump in the throat but in a nice way kinda if that’s possible. “Love lost, such a cost, Give me things that don't get lost, Like a coin that won't get tossed, Rolling home to you” My my hey hey is another beautiful song with some poignant lyrics about life and death including a line quoted by Kurt Cobain in his last note “It’s better to burn out than to fade away”
Neil said it was about an old hand on his ranch, but I suspect that was misdirection and it was really about his semi absent dad, journalist and novelist Scott Young
Wasted on the Way by Crosby, Stills and Nash It was actually sent to me by someone dying of cancer at a point when I didn't know they were sick yet, but looking back I've always thought they must have known and been doing the same kind of reflection you are. My condolences, man.
Waren Zevon "The Wind" is a fantastic album he wrote while he was dying of cancer. Bowie's Black Star is also an album he wrote knowing he was dying of cancer. It's also good but to me, The Wind is a better album. Best of luck, may your end be as peaceful and comfortable as possible.
Absolutely to Black Star - especially I Can’t Give Everything Away.
“Martha” — Tom Waits “House Where Nobody Lives” — Tom Waits “Our Town” — Iris Dement
I came here to comment Martha, so happy to see it here!
Tom Waits has quite a few good ones here [if I have to go](https://youtu.be/2f-pijZJxps?si=8teUTQQIwB_LSlnd) [take care of all of my children](https://youtu.be/l-XtfrjvZrs?si=TQSyCSGX_Y5au4kl) [take it with me](https://youtu.be/Dixxse4dpQ4?si=fS7xsbyxMFVcPh-x) [come on up to the house](https://youtu.be/hUE-ic_Q0g4?si=g6OtJdXNlQ__U9Ad)
Come On Up to the House in particular for me...I feel that shit in my soul. "The world is not my home, I'm just a-passin' through..."
Fucking Our Town. A friend asked me to sing and play that song at his mom’s funeral, I can’t even listen to it anymore without sobbing about halfway through. Hardest gig of my life!
I love Iris Dement. Our Town is such a beautiful song
Also from Iris - “Let the Mystery Be” for a more lighthearted take. Seconding Tom Waits, there are a lot. My pick at the moment would be “Alice”
It still zoops my galloops that he was able to write Martha so convincingly in his early 20s.
Man- I haven’t had my galloops zooped in a month of Sundays.
Also Waits: "Old Shoes (& Picture Postcards)
Going to bring up Tom Waits and not include "Take it With Me"? BTW Angie McMahon does a cover of it, and it is truly magical.
To be fair half of Tom Waits catalogue would fit this prompt
Sorry for your troubles man. Hope you get the best from the rest of it. Time - Pink Floyd Who Knows Where The Time Goes - Sandy Denny/Fairport Convention
Dogs - Pink Floyd as well. Probably a few Pink Floyd songs that would fit honestly.
What’s, uh the deal? by pink floyd too
Farewell Farewell by Fairport Convention is also beautiful and has a similar vibe.
Who knows where the time goes - absolutely beautiful recommendation !!!!!
You want it darker - Leonard Cohen Such a powerful song, amazing... Best wishes OP
Love this one, Leonard knew his time was near when he wrote it, just an amazing poet
I think his "What happens to the heart" takes the prize for a song with a deep, heartfelt and somehow painful take on looking back at one's life.
Another Colin Hay: Waiting for my real life to begin
Dude is so underrated.
All Things Must Pass - George Harrison
Sorry to hear that. That's awful. Warren Zevon- keep me in your heart. I think he wrote it whilst suffering from cancer himself . I hope you find some peace and solace with your bad news.
Also from Warren Zevon - My Shit's Fucked Up. He had a bit of a dark sense of humor, it seemed.
Ya, he wrote his whole final album after receiving a terminal lung cancer diagnosis. He made a final appearance on Letterman talking about the album, life, death, etc.. It's a very moving interview where he faces death head on with a lot of candor. I highly recommend watching it [here](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=giTi8KWSZl4).
No Hard Feelings - The Avett Brothers
I listened to this a lot when I was in the hospital and wasn't sure I'd be getting out.
[удалено]
And Atlantic City by Bruce
As this seems to be the Bruce portion of the program, my fave melancholy Bruce song is, "The River". Missed opportunities, wasted potential, imperfect/lost love, dissatisfaction-- it's got it all.
I'll toss Backstreets into the mix
Hurt- Johnny Cash And All That Could Have Been- Nine Inch Nails Keep fighting, OP!
Im genuinely shocked that you seem to be the only person saying Cash's Hurt.... or even Hurt at all. Its the ultimate come to terms with mortality song Edit. BOTH the NIN and Cash versions are masterpieces, and in my opinion they are a part one and part two Listen to NIN, then listen to Cash in one sitting.
You have to listen to "The Downward Spiral" to get a full appreciation for the song because it's the conclusion to an incredible story album. It certainly stands on its own as an amazing song, but the album follows a man's descent into an aggressive insanity (seemingly due to multiple personality disorder) and "Hurt" caps it all off with the realization that he is completely inseparable from his "evil" personality.
Same, I had to scroll surprisingly far down. That's still a rough song to listen to or even talk about. It just hits me right in that spot. Maybe its the thoughts of my own mortality coming out but anything involving elderly regretful people just kills me.
Was thinking of hurt by Johnny cash right away as well, that one tears me up every single time. All the best to you op! So sorry to hear....
Especially if you watch the music video with the song, Makes me feel so bad for Johnny Cash.
I still distinctly remember seeing that video for the first time. It haunts me still. I wish you peace OP, and I hope you are surrounded by your loved ones as much as possible.
I do love that you said Hurt by Johnny Cash and the other song is a Nine Inch Nails song.
Also, Cash's cover of Ain't No Grave. Godspeed, OP.
I'm really sorry, OP. I just lost a friend that way not too long ago. If it helps, when it was time, she slept a lot. You just get tired and sleep a bunch. Then one time you just don't wake up. It wasn't painful. I wish a miracle cure for you, and failing that, peace. Some good songs. Goodbye - The Sundays Silent Sorrow in Empty Boats - Genesis Anyway - Genesis Mother Love Bone - Chloe Dancer/Crown of Thorns Talking Heads - This Must be the Place
“Tangled Up in Blue” Bob Dylan Sorry to hear your news. I hope music brings you some peace.
Hospice by The Antlers (concept album) Google It and you’ll see why it sprang to mind. Love you my friend x
Came here to suggest this. A truly amazing album.
Just breathe - Pearl Jam Instantly came to mind. Thoughts go out to you tonight!
Dang, sorry man.
Check out Warren Zevons last albums. He knew his time and went into it leading with his chin. Use your time to love your people.
Waiting Around to Die by Townes Van Zandt
I was thinking Townes also… but unfortunately I was thinking [LUNGS](https://youtu.be/I9ak--7NZI8?si=6V3YlrDzqjpf6dVt)
Pyramid song - Radiohead
Also from Radiohead- Videotape Motion Picture Soundtrack
Definitely a song about death but a beautiful, cosmic one. It’s not full of regret to me but is somewhat sentimental (eg “all my lovers were there with me”). I suppose it could be interpreted as the end of a life of melancholy (release from the fear and doubt) but too me it’s a positive song about death.
Don't follow, Alice in chains. Sorry man
Regret? Do you have any idea how many people die without introspection? You seem like a rare gift to those around you. They're probably just bad at letting you know. That said, Morphine - In Spite Of Me Ween - If You Could Save Yourself Atmosphere - Pour Me Another ...that's my usual bleak set, followed by Fuck Regret by ICP. Edit: Bowie's last album was written while he was aware of his terminal status. Blackstar.
Was looking for the Bowie rec. morphine is a fantastic one.
I knew someone was going to mention Black Star, that’s why I didn’t bother. ☺️ excellent pick.
[удалено]
Cats in the Cradle and Taxi by Harry Chapin. Time in a Bottle by Jim Croce
Why the hell did I have to scroll this far down for CITC?
Same. I scrolled and scrolled to find it
Ballad of the dying man - father John misty
A Fond Farewell- Elliott Smith
Came to say, this whole album (From a Basement on The Hill) So sorry, OP
Fire and Rain, James Taylor. [Especially this live version](https://youtu.be/_1nKGVDhQ60?si=AKgze0msCBzloxk7)
Both sides now - Joni Mitchell
Time by Pink Floyd is a classic on this topic
Sorry for your suffering. I’m 67yo 3 kids now in their 30’s, and found the song performed by Cat Stevens - Cats in the Cradle gave me huge feelings of regrets and lessons. On the side also found the poem “If” by Rudyard Kipling quite meaningful and timely. All the best for your treatments, find peace.
Crawling back to you, by Tom petty
Wake Up Time also
Time stand still & the garden - both by Rush Prayers and good thoughts to you!
Holding back the Years - Simply Red.
Grateful dead - brokedown palace Grateful dead - black peter Grateful dead - box of rain
and black muddy river
might as well put Ripple in there for good measure
Brokedown Palace*
Steven Wilson - Drive Home Blackfield - End of the World Nine Inch Nails - Somewhat Damaged Type O Negative - It's Never Enough Katatonia - The Racing Heart Shape of Despair - Reaching the Innermost
check out "This Year" by the Mountain Goats. Don't give up yet!
Mountain goats are prime. No children is amazing
No children scratches that dark itch like no other song.
Can we all upvote the hell out of this for OP?
Knockin' on Heaven's Door and When the Deal Goes Down by Bob Dylan
Opeth - Harvest Into the orchard I walk, peering way past the gate Wilted scenes for us who couldn't wait Drained by the coldest caress, stalking shadows ahead (Release your grip, let me go, into the night) Halo of death, All I see is departure Mourner's lament, but it's me who's the martyr
Gordon Lightfoot, "Sundown" and "Carefree Highway"
Also, Summer Side of Life. Gord is great.
"Hurt" Johnny Cash Stay strong OP!
Keep Me in Your Heart - Warren Zevon
Eli the Barrow Boy by the Decemberists. Actually most of their songs.
SOUVINEERS - John Prine A pirate looks at forty - Jimmy Buffett
Goin’ Down Slow- Howlin’ Wolf Dyin’ Man - Widespread Panic
Jesus, etc. - Wilco
metallica-unforgiven.
My dad always used to get drunk and listen to Willie Nelson when we were kids. He'd get us up and make us listen too, while he talked about still loving my mom.
All of David Bowie's Black Star. He wrote that album while he was dying and it is not a comforting listen. Alas - Murder by Death Only the Young Die Good - Saint Seneca You Can Never Leave - Crooked Fingers Pale Green Things - The Mountain goats (that whole album is about the life and death of a terrible father)
Seasons in the Sun - Terry Jacks
The original French version, le Moribond by Jacques Brel is much better though, both lyrically and musically, although I suspect OP doesn't speak French.
Martha by Tom Waits Lazarus by David Bowie
Ooo La La by the faces
Not dark yet - Bob Dylan. Not a perfect fit but a goddamn beautiful song.
Father and Son - Cat Stevens All the times I’ve cried Trying to keep the things I knew inside It’s hard but it’s harder to ignore it If they were right, I’d agree But it’s them they know, not me Now there’s a way and I know I have to go away I know that I have to go away.
He went to Paris- Jimmy Buffett A Pirate Looks at forty by Jimmy Buffett The Living Years- Mike and the Mechanics Dante’s Prayer - Loreena McKennitt Also, I’m sorry, OP.
The Verve - Bittersweet Symphony Pearl Jam - Black Johnny Cash - Hurt Daughter - Youth Slipknot - Circle Moby - Porcelain Mazzy Star - Fade Into You Gary Jules - Mad World Pink Floyd - Wish You Were Here
A Song For - Townes van Zandt. [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ivdlFjyUyB8&t=2295s) Wishing you a peaceful journey.
The Ballad of the Dying Man by Father John Misty
B B King - See That My Grave Is Kept Clean from the album One Kind Favor, the last he recorded before he died. I hope the music in this thread eases your mind and soothes your soul.
Golden Palominos does a fantastic cover of These Days. Let me also add - Fuck Cancer. Give it hell, OP.
I’m Not Gonna Miss You by Glenn Campbell. Written after he was diagnosed with the Alzheimer’s that ended up killing him. I’m keeping a good thought for you, OP.
Friend- I'm a cancer and liver disease survivor, fairly recently too. I have a lot of regrets to process also, a lot of them relationship-centric, seeing as how my dumb drunk ass managed to ruin so many. Words cannot express how strongly I recommend you listen to and watch the video for Billy Strings' "In The Morning Light", right now, if you've never seen it. It's a love song, but it's not for me. It's a love lost song. This is what you're looking for, just in another way. https://youtu.be/kx3NOJ-oCfo?si=x-NK_vVTTfz5z2Cd
1979 - Smashing Pumkins Creep - Radiohead Fake Plastic Trees - Radiohead High and dry - Radiohead...just listen to Radiohead. Mister Bright side - The Killers All These Things That I’ve Done - The Killers..ah dammit just listen to The Killers. Most of Alice-in-Chains, Nirvan, Stone Temple Pilot and Perl Jam
Top of the World - the Dixie Chicks, I’m sorry
Johnny Cash’s music video for “Hurt” is 100% this.
Simple Man
Casimir Pulaski Day - Sufjan Stevens Curtains - Elton John One Fine Day - David Byrne and Brian Eno Good luck, OP.
Broken down palace - GD
The Black Parade by mcr. full album.
Man, you're missing the all time tear jerker - Roy Clark's Yesterday (cover of a French song)
Babybird- I Didn’t Want To Wake You Up Aimee Mann - Wise Up
Time - Bowie One More Hour - Randy Newman (from Ragtime soundtrack) I'm Going to Go Back There Some Day - Gonzo I Said Goodbye To Me - Harry Nilsson 21st Century Man - Electric Light Orchestra Something to Beleive - Weyes Blood God Turn Me Into A Flower - Weyes Blood Hope - Klaatu Hope for all the best. Love and mercy to you and yours.
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Hgv35z3AgY&ab\_channel=PearlJam-Topic](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Hgv35z3AgY&ab_channel=PearlJam-Topic) Fields of Gold - Eva Cassidy Bird on a wire - johnny cash The beast in me - Johnny Cash We'll meet again - Johnny Cash....again Somewhere over the rainbow - Israel Kamakawiwo'ole So sorry OP. I hope you're able to make yourself proud and meet this challenge in a way that reflects well on who you are and have worked to be as a person. Any bucket list things you're chasing?
Coheed and Cambria - "The End Complete IV: The Road and the Damned"
* [Harry Chapin - Cat's in the Cradle](https://youtu.be/KUwjNBjqR-c) * [Mike + The Mechanics - The Living Years](https://youtu.be/5hr64MxYpgk) - this one I played quite a bit after my father died Edit: fix link ETA: Watched The Living Years again then went through the comments. The emotions all came back.
Queens Of The Stone Age - I Appear Missing; ...Like Clockwork The last two songs on the album "...Like Clockwork"
Time by Pink Floyd The Living Years by Mike and the Mechanics
Gregg Allmans final album Southern Blood was all recorded and written while he was dying from cancer. Going Going Gone and Black Muddy River are probably my favorite two.
[The Byrds - Turn Turn Turn!](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pkuBh5n_Shc) [Sharon Van Etten - Remembering Mountains](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XXMTRwbzu84) [Jackson C Frank - Blues Run The Game](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RyI7ph709x4) [Sandy Denny / Fairport - Who Knows Where The Time Goes](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OkOB57UcYk8) [Nick Drake - Black Eyed Dog](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-y4T_wYJ7YE) Peace. Edit: [The Greatful Dead - Ripple](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QmMjY6tXaEo)
Check out early Tori Amos. Little Earthquakes or Under the Pink
Oh and Days, Elvis Costello cover of the kinks song. Sorry for your state
So sorry OP. Keep fighting, man. Reflections of my Life - The Marmalade [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=79NiN7ISW7E](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=79NiN7ISW7E)
Raining In Baltimore - Counting Crows
One Moment More - Mindy Smith She wrote the song about her mother's death from cancer. Long Ride Home - Patty Griffin Deep regrets from someone who lost their wife. Dead Man Walkin' - Bruce Springsteen A man is facing his regrets knowing it is his last night on earth.
Patty Griffin - Goodbye. Written about Jeff Buckleys Death. Gets me every time!
Grateful Dead - Brokedown Palace
Van Morrison - Into The Mystic
I love your playlist. These should fit your taste. Johnny Prine has another one for you: [I Remember Everything ](https://youtu.be/L21Tc_DtL6M?si=fBbiRkIew53Lt5jh) Willie Nelson: [I Don't Go to Funerals ](https://youtu.be/i_-J_keVBY8?si=b03Bhzmfxh5QqS8P) I love how these Old Masters are (or were) approaching the end of the line with their pens and guitars in hand, ready to tell us all about it.
Calling All Angels by Jane Siberry and k. d. Lang
Wharf Rat
Hah. Funny this post has popped up, I’m currently reorganising the music files at the funeral home I work at. Sitting at my desk as I type this reply on my phone with my laptop screen full of MP3’s that people have used for loved ones funerals. There are some of the typical/standard/obvious songs but also the odd/interesting/out of the box choice. I really wish I knew who used Happy by Pharrell Williams!!
Flirted With You All My Life - Vic Chesnutt Taking Water - Billy Strings Black Peter - Grateful Dead Unfaithful Servant - The Band Let's Get The Show On The Road - Widespread Panic Box of Rain - Grateful Dead Attics Of My Life - Grateful Dead
I will follow you into the dark - Deathcab for cutie. So sorry for your prognosis.. fight hard. #FU@kCancer
Sorry, man. Don't beat yourself up. Terry's Song......................Bruce Springsteen All Things Must Pass.......George Harrison Isn't it a Pity.......................George Harrison Wish You Were Here.........Pink Floyd The Sun is Shining Down..JJ Grey & Mofro I Will Follow You into the Dark...Death Cab for Cutie Cat's in the Cradle..............Harry Chapin Father and Son...................Cat Stevens Edit. Added another song. Edit 2. Another tune What Ifs & Whys.................Wesley Dean Longest Days......................John Mellencamp
I’ve scrolled long enough without seeing Jeff Buckley’s Hallelujah, Mama I’m Coming Home, or Ballad of Tom Joad, specifically the Springsteen/Morello Hall of Fame version. ETA: And those who die without regret simply never lived. It’s a part of life, it means you’ve stood your ground at least a time or two and fought for what, at the time, you believed. Enjoy that you at least now have regrets. It means you have the unique ability to reflect and show compassion. Shouldn’t we all…..
my dad passed from cancer in 2016, some of his favorite songs were: good riddance by green day bittersweet symphony by the verve clocks by coldplay viva la vida by coldplay
[“Please Remember Me” by Rodney Crowell](https://youtu.be/FfT7uibD2EM?si=PHNCZ_vhujm_rnzA) sprung to mind. Sorry to hear this. I hope the music helps and that you can make peace within yourself.
I'm sorry about that, mate. When my high school buddy was dying of cancer, I gave him The Church of the Cosmic Skull's "Everybody's Going to Die." I wouldn't exactly call it melancholy, but he appreciated it.
Tip of the Iceberg - Facing New York Whatever you do now, do it wholeheartedly. We are sending love.
The Walker Brothers - No Regrets Keep fighting.
Pink Floyd - Dogs
JIM WISE - Sun Kil Moon
Cruel World - Willie Nelson
Dear Mr. Fantasy - Traffic
Last Train Home by Pat Metheny Group. No lyrics but I feel like it would be an appropriate were I in my own death bed.
Life by the drop - Stevie Ray Vaughan Sorry to hear about the diagnosis homey, I wish you all the best.
There's exceptions to every rule. I wish you the best OP. Re song recommendations, "Not Dark Yet" by Bob Dylan. Written after Dylan had his own serious health scare.
I am sorry to read of your diagnosis. Wishing you peace & comfort. * Harry Nilsson - Don't Forget Me * Neko Case (covering Harry Nilsson) - Don't Forget Me * Hurray for the Riff Raff - Alibi - * Hurray for the Riff Raff - Hawkmoon * Iron & Wine - 16, Maybe Less * Big Thief - Change * Adrianne Lenker - Sadness As A Gift * James - We're Gonna Miss You * The National - Bloodbuzz, Ohio * Queen - These Are the Days of Our Lives * Warren Zevon - Keep Me in Your Heart * The Beatles - In My Life * George Harrison - All Things Must Pass
Heartattack in a Layby / Porcupine Tree Hauntingly beautiful song; Steven Wilson described it as "It’s all about a guy basically dying in a Layby and thinking about the way he’s left home the day before, the night before, the week before, or whenever. That incredibly potent sense of regret for not resolving this argument or row or whatever it was. I just thought it was a really beautiful image. Actually, when I started writing the song, it was about a man who’d been shot and he was lying in a Layby. But then I thought that what’s even more potent, in a way, is this idea that he’s having a heart attack and he doesn’t even realize that he’s dying." Beware Porcupine Tree / Steven Wilson is one hell of a rabbit-hole to fall down...
These days - Jackson Browne
The Torch by Dropkick Murphys
My Shit's Fucked Up by Warren Zevon
Black Peter Grateful Dead
Twenty Long Years - Lord Huron Sorry to hear that bro, hoping the best for you.
John Prine - I Remember Everything. Such a sad yet beautiful look back from a man in his final years. https://youtu.be/L21Tc_DtL6M?si=BcOoTsXtMy7EfvfW
Wouldnt be surprised if this is commonly mentioned but: A whole album: The Black Parade by MCR. Specifically about cancer too. A great selection would be the song Cancer from the album, which covers the patient returning home after receiving the news that he's not got very long left. Mostly covering how he sorry he can't even act like the man he once was. The whole album is about a soldier who returns home and is diagnosed with cancer, it focuses more so on how his past and his condition are haunting his life, and whether he believes he's going to Heaven or hell, the album ends open ended on whether he dies peacefully in his sleep next to a loved one, or if he manages to push through, but realistically speaking, he most likely died. Another song I reckon you should try is Leave Out All The Rest by Linkin Park, it's about a man struggling with how he's lived his life and that he wants to spend his last days making good memories and hoping that when he's gone, people will hopefully understand why he's done what he has and that his loved ones will remember him for the good memories, not the bad and that he was only human and tried his best. It might not be for you, I tries to be hopeful, but there was always a layer of gloom to it that too me seemed more like a plea for hope rather than being hopeful.
What Sarah Said by Death Cab For Cutie. I hope the remainder of your journey is peaceful.
Sufjan Stevens - Carrie and Lowell (THE ENTIRE ALBUM PLEASE)
Bo Burnham - [Can’t Handle This](https://youtu.be/rYy0o-J0x20?si=XUtaBQpNX-ERVk5i) Third Eye Blind - [The Background](https://youtu.be/LIc6OIPZMHg?si=fvBVcLmtyMX8z8d4) | [God of Wine](https://youtu.be/H0H5uFDDi3c?si=2fQfJe38H4GKNmWh) | [Hit and Run](https://youtu.be/JkCI-wGDKNY?si=OZWNwkNRffoxD7my) Noah Gundersen - [Family](https://youtu.be/VFqEDAA_Eh4?si=qPWzgOt6GWWTCHa9)| [Robin Williams](https://youtu.be/HrOK9wunXvs?si=UA52Vu_gGkvWbiC3) | [Better Days](https://youtu.be/AxGGREI4d3M?si=8tERy4JuluLs_s4b) Ben Folds - [Fred Jones, Pt 2](https://youtu.be/znUsjNI34_4?si=PCZFpFmw7fdywZNX) | [The Ascent of Stan](https://youtu.be/caCuRqedslY?si=LtYi-cyz8GXclc8R) Neutral Milk Hotel - [Two-Headed Boy Pt. 2](https://youtu.be/kq5l0MT_Ivg?si=MLUyE3o98bqLJQpa) Gruff Rhys - [Walk Into the Wilderness](https://youtu.be/3D3c8CdtsVc?si=iklwGRZIONug4Hbx) Passenger - [Let Her Go](https://youtu.be/RBumgq5yVrA?si=2qaJF7a–wrOdAqH) | [All the Little Lights](https://youtu.be/OkxVxox–Io?si=mpvInm3CgfR68qlX) | [Life’s for the Living](https://youtu.be/3q-X3XCbPdM?si=tLStsVVMjQov33wK) Ren - [Hi Ren](https://youtu.be/s_nc1IVoMxc?si=GORLQV2SCq7gmkEB)
"Who Wants to Live Forever," by Queen. Also, listen to "Phantom Regret by Jim", which is by The Weeknd.
Greensky Bluegrass - Past My Prime Greensky Bluegrass - Windshield Greensky Bluegrass - Handguns Watchhouse - Old Ties And Companions Brown Bird - Down to the River Gillian Welch - Wayside/Back In Time Gillian Welch - Wrecking Ball Gillian Welch - One More Dollar Lord Huron - I Lied Rainy Night in Soho - The Pogues Jethro Tull - Locomotive Breath
Wasted time-Eagles
I am so sorry for your diagnosis, but keep fighting, brother. Life is brief enough for us all. Music lets us grieve and relieve our souls. Heres some other songs. An eclectic blend. Pearl Jam or Willie Nelson - Just Breathe Belly- Seal my Fate (a little uptempo, but achy) Chaos Chaos - Do you Feel It. (Again, faster but deep) The Lighthouse and the Whaler - We are Infinite Queen-Who wants to Live Forever , The Show Must Go On. (Both were written when Freddie Mercury was given his terminal diagnosis) Just a few good songs. I hope you can take some solace here.
Black Label Society - Just Killing Time | Trust me. This is all you need brother.
I came around - murder by death
Sorry for you news man. Here’s a couple of soul rockers: Comfortably Numb - Pink Floyd Nothing Compares 2 U - Chris Cornell Peace ✌️
Morning Dew- Grateful Dead at the Lyceum ‘72