12 Songs to Start ACP Conversations with Our Parents
Music is a universal language and a powerful method to evoke emotions, no matter how old we are. As many oldies and classics touch on the topics of mortality and familial relationships, playing such songs aloud and reflecting on their lyrics can be a way for us to start end-of-life and Advance Care Planning (ACP) conversations with our parents.
After listening to these songs together, you can raise questions about your parent’s preferred care choices, personal values or perspective on death and dying.
Here is a list of 12 songs that you can use to initiate an ACP conversation.
Song #1: “Let It Be” by The Beatles
A calming song that encourages accepting death with peace.
Song #2: “Beloved” by Mumford & Sons
A reminder to leave no words unspoken to your loved ones.
Song #3: “If I Die Young” by The Band Perry
A young girl’s perspective on embracing life and death to the fullest.
Song #4: “See You Again” by Wiz Khalifa and Charlie Puth
An ode to the relationships that last a lifetime, till death and beyond.
Song #5: “If Tomorrow Never Comes” by Garth Brooks
A song that encourages you to tell your loved ones your feelings before it’s too late.
Song #6: “if this is the last time” by LANY
A sentimental tribute to parents that reminds you to treasure your time with them, as if it’s the last time.
Song #7: “I Will Follow You Into The Dark” by Death Cab For Cutie
A song that reminds you of the reality and inevitability of death in our lives.
Song #8: “Father (父亲)” by Chopsticks Brothers (筷子兄弟)
A Mandarin song that expresses gratitude for the sacrifices of a father and the desire to care for him as he ages.
Song #9: “Papa & Mama (爸爸妈妈)” by Li Ronghao (李荣浩)
A Mandarin song of gratitude in which a child finally understands his parents’ sacrifices and love for him when he grows up.
Song #10: “Where Has The Time Gone? (时间都去哪了)” by Reno Wang (王铮亮)
Sung from a parent’s perspective, this Mandarin song laments the passing of time as they’ve unknowingly aged watching their child grow up.
Song #11: “Truly Love You (真的爱你)” by BEYOND
A Cantonese song dedicated to a mother’s love, which inspires us to not take them for granted.
Song #12: "Ayah" by Seventeen
A Malay song that shows appreciation for how fathers are always there to support their children.
Talking about subjects like our values, mortality and end-of-life care preferences may seem difficult at first, but having an ACP discussion is vital in helping you understand your parents. You play an important role in starting ACP conversations with your parents, so take the first step with the help of our YouTube playlist now!