Music for times of loss
The first two Saturday’s of the new year I’ve attended a funeral. Sadly, both times, of someone far too young.
I have a collection of songs composed either in response to, or anticipation of, death and loss. I’m gathering these together in a collection called “For Those Who Mourn” (free download).
Today’s song is “Requiem for Ben”. Other songs in the project include “Dash on A Tombstone” and “No Easy Answers”, plus some others.
Hit the play button and listen as you read along.
Ben was the nephew of my sister in law. He died of cancer barely in his teens. We had all earnestly prayed for him. I wrote this and sang it at his funeral. Since then I’ve sung it on a few occasions at other memorial services including two of my aunts, changing the last line of the verse as appropriate.
The first line of verse one refers to Psalm 116:15:
“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints”
The pre-chorus is derived from Zephaniah 3:17:
“The Lord your God is with you … he will rejoice over you with singing”
Requiem For Ben
Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his children
And his eye is always on every sparrow that falls
But you’re never alone, never alone
Safe in the arms of God your Father, Creator, Lover and Friend
And he rejoices over you
with a song of love that never ends
And all of heaven joins in – a requiem for Ben
Alleluia    Â
Alleluia       Â
Alleluia       Â
Alleluia
Tomorrow’s not promised and life’s not a right
It’s a gift to be treasured
And God’s ways are a mystery of tragedy and goodness
But we’re never alone, never alone
Safe in the arms of God our Savior, Redeemer, Lover and Friend
And he rejoices over us
with a song of love that never ends
And all of heaven joins in – a requiem for Ben
Alleluia    Â
Alleluia       Â
Alleluia       Â
Alleluia
Copyright 2003 Rob Still. Rob Still Music (ASCAP) All rights reserved.
International copyright secured. Used by permission. www.robstill.com
