Tribute Songs about Deceased Relatives?

[Christine Robins]

My brother died recently, and I'd like to write a tribute song about him. Not mournful or grieving. Not religious. Not, "We'll meet again in heaven some day." Just a loving description of him.

Some examples: John Prine's "Grandpa was a Carpenter", Kate Wolf's "Eyes of a Painter".
Dan Fogelberg's "Leader of the Band" has the right feel to it, although the loved one hadn't yet died when the song was written.

I'd appreciate any suggestions for similar recorded songs. It could be about a friend, but I'd like it focused on the deceased, not the grieving survivor.

[Rodney Riley]

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=C4dci4Z7p6A

I love this one by Dani and Lizzy.

Revisited it. Maybe not what you’re looking for. Sorry.

And sorry for your loss.

[Peter Coronado]

So sorry for your loss. When my brother passed a couple of years ago I found the symbolism in The Grateful Dead's Ripple to be fitting. Here is an analysis of the lyric.

http://artsites.ucsc.edu/GDead/agdl/ripple.html

[allenhopkins]

Some suggestions:

[onassis]

I'd say "Uncle Pen" has to be one of the more well known in the BG world.

[Christine Robins]

Thanks for all your responses. Mitch, "Uncle Pen" is exactly what I was looking for.

[Gina Willis]

Natalie McMaster, the great Cape Breton fiddler, has a wistful lament she wrote called "Farewell to Peter" that always brings tears to my eyes whenever I listen to it:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YTTz4FTuDGk

It suprised me to learn she wrote it in memory of the late ABC-TV news anchor Peter Jennings. He was also Canadian, and apparently was a fan of hers and a friend. She played it at his memorial service back in the 2000s.

I hope it helps inspire you at this very sad time. And if not, at least listening to it might be a comfort.

[maudlin mandolin]

When Alison Stephens died Nigel Gatherer wrote My Beautiful Mandolin Friend in tribute to her. It is a tune only - no words.

[lflngpicker]

I failed to post my link. Sorry. "For a Dancer" by Jackson Browne is a great choice/example of such.

[Rick Nelson]

My brother died recently, and I'd like to write a tribute song about him. Not mournful or grieving. Not religious. Not, "We'll meet again in heaven some day." Just a loving description of him.

Some examples: John Prine's "Grandpa was a Carpenter", Kate Wolf's "Eyes of a Painter".
Dan Fogelberg's "Leader of the Band" has the right feel to it, although the loved one hadn't yet died when the song was written.

I'd appreciate any suggestions for similar recorded songs. It could be about a friend, but I'd like it focused on the deceased, not the grieving survivor.

I love James Taylor’s Enough To Be On Your Way. Great song!

[Rick Nelson]

Seals and Crofts- Wayland the Rabbit. Jimmy’s nod to his dad. Off the Ill Play For You album.

- - - Updated - - -

Oh Very Young- Cat Stevens.

[tiltman]

Lyle Lovett - “The Family Reserve”

Check it out, cool tune.

Kirk

[BeachMando]

Lucinda Williams - Lake Charles

https://youtu.be/Na1Lv3eAcCk

[Bob Buckingham]

Here's a dandy for you Carl Story's Family Reunion.

[Christine Robins]

Thanks to everyone for your suggestions. I'll check them out.

(I still can't believe that I missed "Uncle Pen"!)

[Kevin Winn]

Mandolin Orange: 'Darling Girl' or 'Until the Last Light Fades'
Paul McCartney: 'Here Today'
Grateful Dead: 'Brokedown Palace'