Episode 104 - Carol Hammerlindl
WFNU Frogtown Community Radio Edit
Podcast Episode
Carol Hammerlindl’s Funeral Music Playlist
Your Funeral Music: A Journey Through Life and Loss
Have you ever considered what songs you would want played at your funeral? What music truly encapsulates your life and the relationships you hold dear? This profound and personal question lies at the heart of the volunteer-run show, Your Funeral Music, broadcast on WFNU-LP Frogtown Community Radio, 94.1 FM, in St. Paul, Minnesota, and streamed worldwide at WFNU.org.
Each week, host Michael Venske invites listeners to step away from the bustle of daily life to reflect on mortality and the music that defines our journey. This unique program gives guests the platform to share their funeral playlists and the meaning behind their song selections. Whether you choose to remain anonymous or step boldly into the spotlight, the show welcomes all.
This week’s guest, 30-year-old Carol Hammerlindl, brings a deep and heartfelt connection to music. Born and raised in St. Paul’s Midway neighborhood, Carol’s passion for music began in childhood, dancing on the lawn with friends and neighbors. Music has been a constant thread in her life, helping her navigate its highs and lows while forging connections with others.
The Challenge of Crafting a Playlist
Creating a funeral playlist is no easy task. Carol shares the difficulty of narrowing her list down to just ten songs, describing a process filled with tough decisions and emotional reflection. She also acknowledges that her playlist will evolve over time, adapting to new chapters in her life.
“My family was immediately involved,” Carol explains, noting their enthusiastic suggestions. Coming from a musical family, her earliest memories are steeped in sound. However, some family-suggested tracks were ultimately left out—either for their personal nature or because they held significance for specific family members rather than representing Carol’s own journey.
Music as a Connection
Carol’s connection to music runs deep, stemming from her mother’s encouragement during her quiet, introverted childhood. She recalls clinging to her mother’s leg during church readings, reluctant to venture out on her own. Recognizing her daughter’s struggles, Carol’s mother gently urged her to connect with others through shared experiences, particularly music.
“Music became a way to create friendships,” Carol reflects. “It was a conversation starter, a bridge to understanding others.” This influence has stayed with her, guiding her interactions and relationships throughout her life.
Opening with a Cathartic Song
The first song on Carol’s playlist is Missing You by Brandy, Gladys Knight, Chaka Khan, and Tamiya. Used to promote the 1996 film Set It Off, this powerful track resonates deeply with Carol. While she hasn’t seen the film, the song’s emotional depth—its soulful tribute to loss and connection—struck a chord.
“The lyrics, ‘my sister, my strength, my pride,’ are something my sisters and I say to each other,” Carol shares. “It’s a sad song, but it’s also about the bond we share.” Placing this song at the beginning of her playlist sets an immediate, cathartic tone, inviting mourners to embrace their emotions. For Carol, it’s about creating a space where people feel the full weight of the moment while honoring the strength of familial love.
A Nod to Gospel Roots
Missing You also pays homage to Carol’s religious upbringing. With a grandfather who was a Lutheran pastor, music with a gospel or soulful quality naturally resonates with her. This choice underscores the intentionality of her playlist, aiming to guide listeners on an emotional journey through music.
As Michael Venske notes, this is just the beginning of Carol’s carefully curated musical voyage. Stay tuned as we delve further into her selections, exploring the stories and connections behind each song.
A Journey Through "Breaking the Rules" and Percy Sledge
Carol Hammerlindl introduced us to her deep connection with Percy Sledge’s rendition of You Really Gotta Hold On Me. As Carol explained, the song features in the film Breaking the Rules, a movie she and her sisters cherished together. This heartfelt connection was underscored by a poignant memory from the film, where one of the characters—spoiler alert—passes away. The song became a shared tradition, sung by the trio during family farewells.
“It’s our way of processing as sisters,” Carol shared, describing the moments when they’d sing the song near a casket or urn. These moments offered a cathartic way to mourn and remember their loved ones, with the music serving as both a balm and a tribute to the connections that never fade.
A Mother’s Advice and The Beatles’ "In My Life"
Next, Carol shared the timeless Beatles classic, In My Life. With lyrics reflecting on places and people who have shaped us, this song holds a special place in her heart—not only for its beauty but for the advice it carried. During a challenging time, Carol’s mother sent her this song, saying, “When you feel this way about somebody, you’ll know they’re the one and that you’re in love.”
This heartfelt sentiment resonated deeply with Carol, especially considering the personal history of the song. Written primarily by John Lennon for the Beatles’ Rubber Soul album, In My Life marked Lennon’s first major lyrical work inspired by his own experiences. Its universal themes of love and memory provide comfort and clarity, capturing the spirit of family and enduring connections.
Tom Petty’s "Wildflowers": Embracing Freedom
Tom Petty’s Wildflowers was next on Carol’s playlist, a song she described as “her song.” Growing up surrounded by Petty’s music, Carol’s choice of Wildflowers reflects her identity as the “wild, free spirit” of her family. As the youngest sibling, she often blazed her own trail, embarking on adventures and embracing independence.
“If they truly understood me, they’d say, ‘Be free, be you,’” Carol reflected. The song’s lyrics, especially the closing line—You belong somewhere you feel free—resonate deeply with her philosophy. The sentiment even adorns a pillow in her apartment, a tangible reminder of her commitment to living authentically.
Elle King’s "America’s Sweetheart": Defying Expectations
The defiant anthem America’s Sweetheart by Elle King rounded out this segment of Carol’s musical journey. With its unapologetic energy, the song’s themes of self-acceptance and individuality reflect Carol’s personality. Whether through its playful lyrics or gritty delivery, America’s Sweetheart serves as a bold statement about living life on one’s own terms—a sentiment that clearly resonates with Carol.
As we reflect on these selections, it’s evident that each song represents a piece of Carol’s identity, her connections with loved ones, and her philosophy of life. Stay tuned for more musical insights as we continue this inspiring journey.
Exploring the Stories Behind the Music
"Rose Tattoo" by Dropkick Murphys
As the conversation with Carol Hammerlindl unfolded, she introduced the heartfelt song "Rose Tattoo" by Dropkick Murphys. This track, released as the lead single from their 2012 album Signed and Sealed in Blood, carries deep emotional weight. The song serves as a tribute from the band’s bassist and songwriter Ken Casey to his grandfather, who raised him after the loss of his father. The tattoo itself is a poignant emblem of love, loss, and legacy—themes that align seamlessly with the concept of a funeral playlist.
Carol shared her personal connection to the idea of memorial tattoos, revealing that many of her own are dedicated to her siblings, particularly her two older sisters. She reflected on the powerful symbolism tattoos can hold, comparing them to musical choices for a funeral: both are deeply personal ways of memorializing loved ones and influential figures in one’s life. “It’s about having that ride-or-die mentality with those you love,” Carol said, emphasizing the resilience and strength found in these enduring connections.
"Iris" by Goo Goo Dolls
The next track on Carol’s list was the iconic "Iris" by the Goo Goo Dolls, originally written for the 1998 film City of Angels. Though Carol admitted she hadn’t seen the movie, she had a nostalgic story tied to the song. As a teenager, she attended a Goo Goo Dolls concert at the Minnesota State Fair. Carol’s spirited enthusiasm for the music drew an amused crowd, turning her impromptu performance into a cherished memory.
This moment was punctuated by a symbolic act: purchasing a white rose for herself and throwing its petals onto a passing train as a personal gesture of independence and reflection. Her best friend’s reaction, “You’re going places,” encapsulated the enduring impact of music and memory in shaping one’s journey.
"If I Ever Leave This World Alive" by Flogging Molly
Carol’s next selection, “If I Ever Leave This World Alive” by Flogging Molly, brought a different cultural flavor to the playlist. Despite her German heritage, Carol expressed her connection to Irish punk music, which she rediscovered through a former boyfriend. The song, featured on the 2002 album Drunken Lullabies, resonated with her as a fitting choice for a funeral—a heartfelt ode to love, resilience, and the enduring spirit of those who’ve left a lasting mark on our lives.
“Irish punk music helped me reconnect with punk as a genre,” Carol explained, noting how the song’s thematic breadth captured both the grand and intimate aspects of a funeral experience. With its evocative lyrics and poignant melody, the track bridges the celebratory and solemn dimensions of remembrance.
Reflections on Mortality and Music
As the conversation drew to a close, Carol and Michael reflected on the unique experience of crafting a funeral playlist. Carol highlighted the Bhutanese practice of contemplating death daily, emphasizing how such reflection fosters a deeper appreciation for life. She also championed the power of music as a tool for connection and storytelling, encouraging others to engage in similar exercises.
Through her carefully curated selections and the stories behind them, Carol Hammerlindl exemplified how music can serve as both a mirror to our lives and a tribute to those who’ve shaped them. Each song on her playlist carried layers of meaning, woven from personal memories, cultural influences, and universal themes of love and loss.
Final Reflections: Contemplating Mortality Through Music
As the episode of Your Funeral Music drew to a close, host Michael Venske thanked Carol Hammerlindl for her courage in sharing such a personal and thought-provoking playlist. The conversations underscored the emotional weight and catharsis of choosing music that reflects one's life and legacy.
Carol's parting thoughts highlighted the transformative power of music and the importance of reflecting on one's mortality. She referenced a Bhutanese practice that encourages contemplating death five times a day as a way to deepen appreciation for life. While such reflection may sound daunting, it serves as a reminder to cherish each moment and remain mindful of how we wish to be remembered.
When asked if she would recommend this exercise to others, Carol's answer was a resounding yes. For her, the experience was not only a mental exercise but also an opportunity to connect deeply with music and foster meaningful conversations about life and death.
Join the Conversation
If you, like Carol, are intrigued by the concept of curating your funeral music and sharing the stories behind it, Your Funeral Music offers an open invitation. As Michael Venske reminded listeners, you can visit the show’s website at yourfuneralmusic.com to become a guest. It’s a chance to reflect on what it means to be alive and how music can capture the essence of our lives.
Until next week, the show bids its listeners farewell with the hope that these musical reflections inspire connection, joy, and a deeper appreciation for the time we have.
