And death is the last final ending.
It comes then, at last, to us all,
Shocking and stunning, heart-rending,
As we answer that last lonely call.

Death is the ultimate parting,
When we say goodbye and farewell,
Balanced by life that's just starting,
But with grief too heavy to tell .

So then - let us rejoice in the living,
Forgetting our grief for a while.
Remember the loving and giving,
The things we recall with a smile.

Remember our dearest, departed,
Remember them living and strong,
In mem'ry we'll never be parted,
From those whom we knew for so long.

Think long on the song of hereafter,
And light them a candle or two.
Remember the smiles and the laughter,
They shared both with me and with you.

So then - let us rejoice in the living,
Forgetting our grief for a while.
Remember the loving and giving,
The things we recall with a smile.

From January through to December,
The years roll on by without end.
So let us give thanks and remember,
Our kin, kith, our colleague, our friend.

Relief from the songs and the singing,
Which release us from our sombre state,
We listen to hear the bells ringing,
To help us through that final gate.

So then - let us rejoice in the living,
forgetting our grief for a while.
Remember the loving and giving,
The things we recall with a smile.