Playlist — Memorial Service for Me — Song 1

Yes, I’d love it if a memorial service was organized for me.

When some of my favorite famous people die, I feel sad, of course. But what amazes me is the outpouring of grief, and love, and affection that happens in memorial services that take place later. It’s simply wonderful to see such a truly collective human action take place. You must have lived a good life if the people you leave behind come together to celebrate you and your memories like they do in memorial services.

I wish to live such a life. And if I manage to do so in the 30 odd years that remain (random prediction, that), I’d like some music to be played at the memorial service for me. To make things easier for the organizers, I’m going to tell them what songs need to be included.

The first song is Wonderwall by Oasis. It’s a beautiful song of togetherness, and of the inadequacy of self expression. Noel Gallagher, the spirit animus behind Oasis, says that it was written for an imaginary friend who’ll come and save you from yourself. Wouldn’t we love a friend like that?

Of course, song lyrics have a wonderful way of yielding themselves to individual interpretations. I remember thinking once about how this song was about my favorite cricketer and top man, Rahul Sharad Dravid.

So when I’m lying down there in a humble casket, let it be known that I couldn’t say all that I wanted to and that I loved RSD so very much. Also, let it be known that I felt truly special things about you.