☝️ Key Points
- The song tells the story of a funeral that the singer witnessed.
- The singer describes his observations of the dilapidated church, the sad funeral song, and the grieving colored couple.
- The preacher encourages the mourners and reminds them that the child is happy in heaven and that they can look forward to a reunion.
- The song addresses loss, comfort, and faith in a better future in heaven.
- It emphasizes the importance of hope and trust in difficult times.
Interpretation
The lyrics of the song "The Funeral" by
Hank Williams tell the story of a funeral that the singer witnessed in Savannah. He describes how he walks past a dilapidated church and hears the sad sound of a funeral song through the window. His compassion is awakened and he finds himself sitting on a small colored church pew.
In front of the church, there is a colored couple sitting, deeply mourning. On the altar, there is a casket and inside lies a child. The singer imagines the appearance of the child, with curly hair and protruding lips, as he has often seen on his travels in the South.
An old colored preacher rises from his small wooden podium. His style is somewhat clumsy and his appearance grotesque, but in his Ethiopian face, simplicity and wisdom are reflected, the wisdom and ignorance of an oppressed, immortal race.
The preacher explains to the mourners that they should not weep for the child, for it has gone to heaven, at the request of its father. He emphasizes that the child was not given to them by God, but that God only granted them a little sunshine for a while and that the tears they shed are only interest on the loan.
The preacher encourages the mourners to think of the wonderful time the child now has in heaven, surrounded by loving parents and other good people. He tells them that the child is sad because it misses its parents, but that the angels have taught it a song that says they will come back soon if they are faithful.
Finally, the preacher asks the mourners to let their hearts find rest in Jesus and not to criticize what the Lord has done. He reminds them that God has given us many joys, but also has the right to take them away. He concludes with a prayer praising God and asking for eternal glory.