Episode 208 - Jake
WFNU Frogtown Community Radio Edit
Podcast Episode
Jake’s Funeral Music Playlist
Exploring the Soundtrack of Life: Jake Neubauer’s Funeral Playlist
Each week, Your Funeral Music invites a guest to share the songs they want played at their funeral, offering a reflective lens on mortality through music. Hosted by Michael Venske, the podcast creates a space for intimate storytelling and poignant musical moments. This week’s guest is Jacob Lee Neubauer—tile contractor, peanut butter enthusiast, and lifelong music lover. Born on September 6, 1985, Jake brings a playlist as eclectic and heartfelt as his life experiences.
The Beginning: Baba O’Riley by The Who
Jake’s journey begins with The Who’s 1971 classic, Baba O’Riley. Recalling its appearance on the iconic album Who’s Next, which topped UK charts, Jake shared a lighthearted anecdote about his girlfriend mistakenly writing the title as “Bob O’Reilly.”
When asked why this song was chosen to open his playlist, Jake revealed its personal significance: “I was skateboarding and a rebel,” he said, describing a moment of youthful rebellion. Jake’s connection to the song deepened through Jamie Thomas’ skateboarding video, Thrill of it All, where the track played. Watching that VHS inspired countless skateboarding adventures. Though he’s since parted with those tapes, the memories remain vivid.
Reflecting on his rebellious youth, Jake mentioned his friend Phil, who introduced him to skateboarding. “Phil, RIP,” he said, pausing to honor his friend. Skateboarding became a shared passion and a way to break free from the constraints of a religious upbringing, making Baba O’Riley a symbolic anthem of freedom and friendship.
Night Swimming by R.E.M.
The next track, Night Swimming by R.E.M., carries a nostalgic weight. Released in 1993, this hauntingly beautiful song ranked 160th on Rolling Stone’s list of the top 500 greatest songs of all time. For Jake, it evokes memories of youthful adventures: “My friends and I would listen to Dispatch a lot, and then I heard this song. It was amazing.”
The song’s title mirrors Jake’s own experiences of night swimming—jumping off bridges during carefree, impromptu gatherings. Despite his mother’s strong dislike for R.E.M., Jake confessed his enduring love for the track. “I already told her it’s on my funeral playlist. She was like, ‘Really?’” he laughed. Night Swimming resonates as a tribute to Jake’s youthful recklessness and the quiet beauty of late-night escapades.
Hospitals and Jails by Mason Jennings
Jake’s admiration for Mason Jennings shines through in his inclusion of Hospitals and Jails. A fan since 2002, Jake has attended more than a dozen of Jennings’ live performances. “He’s my favorite artist,” Jake declared, citing his deep connection to Jennings’ lyrics and melodies.
The song’s narrative—a story of heartbreak and resilience—struck a chord with Jake. “It’s about traveling with someone, breaking up, and moving on,” he explained. Now, with a fuller understanding of the lyrics, Jake’s appreciation for the song has grown. Singing it brings him joy, making it a poignant addition to his playlist.
Father and Son by Cat Stevens
A deeply personal choice, Father and Son by Cat Stevens represents Jake’s bond with his father, Wayne Stanley Neubauer. First introduced to the song by his dad, Jake recalls being encouraged to explore Stevens’ Tea for the Tillerman album.
“My dad and I are close,” Jake said. “He told me I needed to listen to this song, and it’s always stuck with me.” The timeless dialogue between parent and child in Father and Son echoes the guidance Jake received from his father, making it a fitting tribute to their relationship.
Exploring the Melancholy and Reflection in "Like I Used to Be"
Our guest, Jake, shares his connection to the song "Like I Used to Be" by Matt and Kim, a track from their 2018 sixth studio album. This indie electronic duo crafts a powerful narrative in the lyrics: “Maybe I should be more like I used to be.” These words resonate deeply with Jake, sparking introspection about his own journey.
Reflecting on this song, Jake recounts a period in his life marked by frustration and discontent. "In high school, they called me ‘Happy Jake,’" he recalls. Over time, life’s challenges dimmed that persona. This track served as a wake-up call, urging him to recapture the joy and resilience of his younger self.
While reflective in its message, Jake describes the song as his "let’s-have-a-good-time" anthem. He envisions it as part of his funeral playlist to remind attendees of the importance of celebration, even in moments of loss. "It’s the funeral, dude," he says candidly. "It shouldn’t be sad and depressing." For Jake, the music is about encouraging others to smile and celebrate life’s beauty, even amidst its inevitable end.
A Playful Perspective on Life’s Remaining Chapters
Another standout moment during the show touches on the lyric: “The sails have set, but I’m not dead yet.” This line prompted host Michael Venske to ask Jake about his bucket list. Surprisingly, Jake revealed he doesn’t have one. No grand plans, vision boards, or neatly penned dreams. Instead, his only offhand aspiration? Bungee jumping.
This laid-back attitude reflects Jake’s approach to life—embracing simplicity and finding joy in the present. It’s not about grand gestures but about living authentically and savoring meaningful connections.
Jake as the "Stone Cold Daddy-O"
The next song on the playlist, “Stone Cold Daddy-O” by Johnny Fritz, offers a playful insight into Jake’s self-identity. Introduced to the track by a friend, Jake instantly connected with its lighthearted yet honest depiction of working hard and enjoying life. When asked if he identifies with the titular character, he humorously claims the title, albeit as a proud “dog dad.”
Fritz’s lyrics celebrate the mundane with a twist of humor, something Jake clearly relates to. His appreciation for this song further underscores his desire for joy and levity to shape the atmosphere of his funeral playlist.
The Power of Music and Being a “Good Person”
The contemplative track “Only a Song” by Ben Sollee and Daniel Martin Moore introduces a more profound layer to Jake’s musical selections. With the refrain, “This is only a song, it can’t change the world,” the song challenges listeners to look beyond lyrics for true inspiration.
Jake interprets the song as a reminder that real change comes from within: “You have to be the change, or you have to want to do the change.” For Jake, music serves as a companion in the journey toward self-improvement and as a vessel to encourage others. His ultimate wish? To be remembered as a good person, someone who, despite imperfections, strived to be kind.
When asked about the source of his kindness, Jake attributes it to his father. Raised in a home where religion and moral values played a significant role, Jake reflects on the impact of his upbringing. His father’s unwavering support and ability to guide four boys with patience and love left a lasting impression, shaping Jake into the person he is today.
The Wind by Cat Stevens
Continuing his appreciation for Cat Stevens, Jake includes The Wind in his playlist. This brief yet impactful song from the album Teaser and the Fire Cat captures a sense of spiritual searching and surrender. Jake shared how The Wind became a personal anthem during a pivotal time in his life: leaving religion. “I listened to this song on repeat when I decided to quit practicing religion,” Jake explained, recalling the emotional significance of that period.
The lyrics, “Where I’ll end up, well, I think only God really knows,” resonated deeply with Jake. He described it as a moment of self-discovery, marking his transition from a belief system ingrained in him since childhood to charting his own path. “It’s just a beautiful song I’ll always remember,” he said.
Reflections on Mortality and Legacy
When asked about his thoughts on death and the afterlife, Jake responded with candor: “Oh, you’re just dead. That’s it. There’s nothing else.” Despite his straightforward view, he entertained the idea of reincarnation, imagining being reborn as a tree or an animal, but ultimately concluded, “Just let it be.”
Jake’s departure from faith was bittersweet. “It hurt. It was sad. I felt like I was breaking my parents,” he admitted, reflecting on the difficulty of choosing his own path. Yet, he expressed gratitude for the lessons learned, emphasizing the importance of living authentically and without unnecessary guilt.
Long Monday by John Prine
Jake’s final song selection, Long Monday by John Prine, brings the playlist to a heartfelt close. Taken from Prine’s Grammy-winning album Fair and Square, the track’s introspective lyrics encapsulate love, longing, and the passage of time. “The lyrics in that song, they get to you,” Jake said. “Everybody can relate. It’s going to be a long Monday.”
A Legacy of Music and Meaning
As the episode drew to a close, Jake reflected on the process of curating his funeral playlist. “It’s made me more aware,” he shared. Jake hopes to be remembered as a good person who was always there for others. Looking ahead, he expressed excitement for the future: “I can’t wait to be back on the show for season six, with a whole new list of songs. These songs—they’re only going to grow.”
Through his playlist, Jake Neubauer offers a moving snapshot of a life well-lived—one filled with love, rebellion, reflection, and the transformative power of music.
