Dermot Kennedy, Funeral | Song Review

Irish singer-songwriter Dermot Kennedy excels on “Funeral,” the promo single and fourth track from his third LP, The Weight of the Woods.  

Um, okay.  So, Dermot Kennedy, where is that? Dublin, Ireland.  That tracks! Kennedy is from Rathcoole, County Dublin, Ireland. Location aside, the talented Irish singer-songwriter shines on “Funeral”, the promo single and the fourth track from Kennedy’s third studio album, The Weight of the Woods (arrives March 27, 2026). Sure, the title of the track sounds morbid, but, this is a funeral you can definitely get behind.  “We set a fire to our sorrow / And watched the hurt go up in flames.” Word! Kennedy wrote “Funeral” with Aldae, Carrie K, and producer Gabe Simon.

“Funeral” commences with an enigmatic organ-like patch. Soon enough, drums enter the mix and establish the tempo.  Do you know who else enters the mix? Why Dermot Kennedy, with his clear, expressive, and radiant vocals!  Kennedy maintains poise during the first verse (“Not even poetry can fix this / Right now, we both need more than words”), and later, the second (“Grief is such a solid promise / Joy just leaves you in the rain / Sadness waits down in the lobby / Solace stood you up again”). The pen is nothing short of impeccable and thought-provoking. During the chorus, Kennedy ups the ante, giving his all with every gritty note he sings.  It’s a thing of utter beauty.  Basically, what I’m saying is, my guy does his big one during the centerpiece of the song! The section is tuneful, with even more memorable lyrics.

“We held a funeral for heartache

We buried trouble in the grass

We didn’t bother buying roses

‘Cause we ain’t ever going back

I don’t know nothing ‘bout tomorrow

I barely know about today

We set a fire to our sorrow

And watched the hurt go up in flames.”

By the time the second chorus arrives, “it’s on like Donkey Kong” until the end of the song. Dermot is turned up, and it is easy to lean on every sincere lyric and note that he sings. On the bridge, he proclaims, “Oh, no-no / We ain’t never going back.”  The Irishman does the damn thing on “Funeral”, no cap! Epic vocals,  memorable songwriting, tuneful melodies, and sound production.  What more could you ask for?!

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Dermot Kennedy » The Weight of the Woods » Riggins Recording / Interscope / Island » 3.27.26 [📷: Riggins Recording / Interscope / Island]

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