Modern Quotes Ideal For Headstone Epitaphs
As a fifth-generation cemetery memorial designer with over 13 years of experience, I often see and even produce headstones with quotes or epitaphs that feel uninspired or outdated. People often just choose an epitaph because they feel like they have to, not because the chosen words mean anything to them or the deceased.
It’s important that a headstone represents the age in which the deceased lived. I encourage families to choose an epitaph that inspires them, brings them peace, or gives insight into who the deceased was - but why are we still using so many of the same epitaphs that were coined by people hundreds of years ago?
I believe that if the person planning the memorial dives a little deeper into the things that the decedent truly enjoyed about life, then the memorial could be a much more meaningful tribute.
Some say modern media lacks emotional depth, but I disagree. I believe that inspiration and words of comfort can still be found on any movie and music streaming platform. For this list, I’ve compiled a few of my favorite pop culture quotes from the last 25 years or so that are worthy of being engraved in stone.
Keanu Reeves is one of the most beloved actors of our time. In recent years, he has been praised across the internet for being a completely respectable and humble human being, not your stereotypical ego-inflated movie star. What you may not know is that Keanu’s personality, to some degree, has been shaped by loss.
In 1999, Keanu experienced the loss of a stillborn daughter. Two years later, the would-be mother of his daughter was tragically killed. These weren’t his first losses either. Loss can shape us in unusual ways and change our perspective of life. Without a doubt, these tragedies helped shape Keanu and have given him a heightened perspective on grief.
I believe Keanu’s words speak about how we can adapt and carry on even though grief will always be a part of us.
The darkest nights produce the brightest stars — John Green
John Green is one of modern literature’s most successful authors with several of his novels even becoming hit movies. His most well-known book, The Fault in Our Stars, has themes surrounding mortality and death, and packs a big emotional punch.
This quote from John Green stands out to me as a reminder that even through pain, suffering, and grief, there is still hope and peace.
May angels lead you in — Jimmy Eat World
The 2001 release of Bleed American by Jimmy Eat World is considered one of the greatest pop-punk/emo albums of all time — it personally impacted my youth and ranks high up on my list of influential albums. The band has a knack for writing catchy emotionally charged songs which are perfectly on display in this album.
Of all the great lyrics from Bleed American, this beautiful line from track 6 titled, “Hear You Me” has always resonated with me.
But what is grief, if not love persevering? — Vision
Much of Marvel’s continuation of the MCU in WandaVision is a nostalgic throwback to the golden age of TV. You can tell that the writers had a lot of fun with this show, yet found a way to keep it grounded and real. The show is basically one character’s attempt to hold on to the memories of another and continue living as if their loved one didn’t die. It is a completely relatable theme, even though the main characters are superheroes, one a witch and the other an android.
Hate on Marvel if you must, but one of the most human and profound perspectives on grief that I have ever heard is delivered by a robot.
And if I didn’t know better, I’d think you were singing to me now — Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift’s 2020 albums, Folklore and Evermore, may be two of the best creative projects to emerge from the global pandemic. Taylor’s timely albums were a welcome distraction from the challenges of daily life and redeemed the year for many people.
Taylor considers her grandmother’s influence to be the reason she pursued a musical career. The song, Marjorie, is about her grandmother’s passing. The song recalls memories of the two and recites how her grandmother is still alive through the values and habits instilled within Taylor.
I think many people can relate to Taylor’s lyrics. I’ve always considered my early relationship with my grandmother to be the most influential in my life. Even though she’s been gone for over 6 years, I still see reminders of her in everyday life.
We are all stories in the end. Just make it a good one, eh? — Doctor Who
I admit, I’ve never seen a single episode, but this cult favorite TV show is wildly popular around the world. This clever quote is just one of many spawned by the show. There is great wisdom in its reminder of our human mortality and call to approach life with purpose and intent.
Every one who lives will one day die - our stories will be remembered and shared. Some stories will be preserved in stone, and in the end, a headstone epitaph should be unique. Draw inspiration from the words that we hear and use every day. In doing so, we create a better and more personalized memorial experience.
Check out our other blog to see more quotes for headstones and tombstones — (yes, even many of the common relics from the past)