Carlos Santana Reveals the Song He Wants at His Funeral and the Last Goal Left on His Bucket List
via Binbir “1001face” Surat / YouTube
A Life of Music and Milestones
When someone has lived a life as full as Carlos Santana’s, it can be hard to imagine what might still remain on their bucket list. The legendary guitarist has traveled the world, shared stages with countless stars, and left behind a catalog of timeless songs. From his breakthrough at Woodstock in 1969 to hits like Oye Como Va, Black Magic Woman, and Evil Ways, Santana has already achieved what most musicians only dream of.
Yet when asked if he still had something left he wanted to accomplish, Santana had an answer that was both surprising and deeply personal. In an interview with Dan Rather, he explained the one vision still on his mind, and also shared what songs he does—and does not—want played at his funeral.
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A Different Kind of Bucket List
Instead of listing another award, collaboration, or venue, Santana revealed a dream rooted in changing how people see the world. “I dream of having—like Ted Turner—one TV station globally that would only show beauty, elegance, excellence, grace, dignity, integrity,” he told Rather. “Not all the other crap that they show in every other channel of fear, you know. And I can call fear crap. I’m not afraid to call fear crap, you know, because we do promote a lot.”
He continued by describing what that channel would feature. “I would have one TV channel that, in the morning, it starts with a woman giving birth. Like seven in a row. And the first thing you see is the eyes of the child coming out. How many killings do we show a day? And we’re grossed out about showing birth. If I had the capacity, I would get a TV channel worldwide and present 24-hour excellence.”
Changing the Way People See Themselves
Santana believes that positive images and stories could help people carry themselves differently. “The more you promote those things, the more people will sit differently. Instead of sitting like, ‘I’m wretched, and I’m full of crap, and I’m useless.’ People can be programmed or deprogrammed to claim their own divine excellence,” he said. His vision reflects not just a bucket list wish, but a larger philosophy about the power of inspiration and beauty.
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Songs for the Final Farewell
Alongside his vision for the future, Santana also shared a personal request about how he wants his own life celebrated. Asked what song he would want played at his funeral, he responded with clarity and humor. His first request was not to play the traditional hymn Amazing Grace. “It’ll p*** me off,” he admitted. “Don’t play that one cause I’m not a wretched sinner. So, don’t play that one. Not even last.”
Instead, he named Galaxy in Turiya by Alice Coltrane as the song he wanted. “Play Galaxy in Turiya because it sounds like heaven is opening up, and I’m getting a standing ovation up there,” Santana said with a laugh. The track, part of Coltrane’s 1972 album World Galaxy, reflects his desire for a spiritual and uplifting send-off, rather than a somber farewell.
