Today I attended my neighbours funeral. It was an emotional affair. As the coffin finally left the Church an unusual choice of music was played. The bawdy Irish folk song The Wild Rover. As the congregation sang along to the lyrics printed on the order of service I raised my eyebrows alright. With references to wild times and drinking it clashed with the previous atmosphere of a Church funeral. In fact it was sung with a hint of aggression, defience and rebellion against the sad death of the deceased. I don't think I will hear the likes of it again. I am not normally a fan of traditional Irish music but it felt like sticking two fingers up at our own mortality. Very human - not at all spiritual. Maybe this is a side we need to express more at times of grief or public ceremonies ? A life cannot be reduced to a pious Church service can it ?
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