Song recommendations for audio project

I’m working on an audio presentation for a bioethics project (think This American Life meets Trauma: Life in the ER storytelling) set to sound effects & music. Looking for an outro piece of music to end the segment, something instrumental that can play background to voice-over, then come to the fore and end the piece. The content involves end of life issues, so something downbeat but not sad or depressing (I’m thinking sparse & acoustic) would be fitting. I need probably 30 seconds or so without vocals, or vocals that can be brought in after the voice-over ends that wouldn’t be detrimental to the piece.

At present I’m working with a loop of the opening segment of this song, but the audio levels are uneven and somewhat distracting. Wasn’t able to separate the vocals, otherwise it would’ve been a perfect fit. Can’t think of anything comparable.

Suggestions?

I’m actually teaching a Bioethics class this semester…and this is the first thing that came to mind:

Firehose - In Memory of Elizabeth Cotton

Nothing wrong with the Counting Crows’ song, but I think Firehose’s introduction is softer and more solemn, and the song is about death. I think it is a great, short song.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YXIHXQjbtl8&ob=av2n

Might or might not work at all. Drum and Bass, but the lyrics work.