We explore the heavy theme of death and grief through some amazingly well-crafted songs by Phil Madeira, Christa Wells, Green River Ordinance, Amy Grant, & more.

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Producer Notes:

In June 2009, only 7 months after UTR launched, I took a road trip with a couple of friends.  We were talking about music and what UTR was aiming to accomplish, and one of those friends (Mike Geertsma) said, "You should do a show on the theme of death." I thought it was a great idea, and we even both agreed on the song that was a must-play for that episode. For the next 7 years, we didn't move forward on that episode, but it always lingered in the background as a theme I wanted to explore. Several of the songs played on this show were ones that I heard since 2009, but immediately thought, "THIS would be a perfect addition to that 'death' episode -- whenever I pull that off."  When the decision was made to intentionally end production of the UTR radio show this coming November (and please note that our overall ministry is moving forward at full speed, just the radio show is ending), this meant that we have a window for only 12 more episodes to be produced.  I immediately knew that THIS theme was one that I HAD to do in this final season of the radio show.  I'm really excited for this episode for several reasons, but none bigger than the ministry value it carries to help people devotionally, or maybe even offer some comfort during a time of grieving.  Before I finalized my song list for the episode, I Googled "Best songs about grief," and the results were quite shallow.  Several websites list songs they suggest people play at funerals or offer encouragement in the face of sorrow... but many of the songs were just simple praise songs or somewhat generic songs about Heaven.  I wanted this hour of music to dig a little deeper and present a bit more vulnerability on this topic.  My hope and prayer is that these thoughtful melodies and poetry connect with you personally and help offer comfort, healing, and hope.  (Dave)