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Writer's pictureMelissa Goodrich

Sunday Spotlight: Songs for my dying day

Excuse the morbid topic, but drafting up a last will and testament really gets you thinking about your own mortality. I’ve left everything of significant value to my husband and children, but this playlist of (mostly) pensive tracks is just for you. Consider it my parting gift.


So without further ado, and in no particular order, here is my working death playlist, personally curated for your listening pleasure. If you feel like opening up your musical repertoire and don’t mind getting appropriately pensive, feel free to listen to these tracks while I’m still kicking it earthside too…


  • “Dying Song” by John Frusciante (sure it’s a little on the nose, but whatever).

  • “On the Beach” & “After the Gold Rush” by Neil Young

  • “Take It With Me” by Tom Waits

  • “Sad & Beautiful World” by Sparklehorse

  • “Hold On Magnolia” by Ohia (Jason Molina)

  • “Circle Game” & “Big Yellow Taxi” by Joni Mitchell

  • “All That You Have Is Your Soul” & “Unsung Psalm” by Tracy Chapman

  • “Moon Song”, “Killer” & “That Funny Feeling” by Phoebe Bridgers

  • “Holy Shit” by Father John Misty

  • “Anthem” by Leonard Cohen

  • “Girl” by SYML (acoustic version)

  • “Excavate” by Macklemore

  • “I’ll Be Out Here” by Mick Flannery

  • “The Trapeze Swinger” by Iron & Wine

  • “Heavenfaced” by The National

  • “Wheat Kings” and “Ahead By a Century” by The Tragically Hip

  • “Anchor” and “Keep Me” by Novo Amor

  • “Wildflowers” by The Wailin’ Jennys (cover of Tom Petty’s original)





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