BBC One - Songs of Praise - Hymns for Funerals (2024)

Songs of Praise Conductor Simon Lole has given some background on each hymn and why they are a good choice for the funeral service.

Abide With Me

Words: H.F. Lyte; Tune: W.H.Monk

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Why it's a good choice:

One of the most sung hymns at funerals, this is really a prayer to God to stay with him in death as He did with us in life.

Background:

Henry Francis Lyte, Vicar of Brixham in Devon, had the idea for this hymn when he was in Wexford visiting a dying friend. He later revisited it when he himself was dying from TB and it was first sung at his funeral.

Amazing Grace

Words: John Newton; Tune: American Folk Melody

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Why it's a good choice:

Another very suitable hymn for a wedding as the words focus on God’s grace and knowing that He is with us at all times. It is also apt for funerals as the words focus on finding peace in death and knowing that God is with us.

Background:

The text for this hymn was written in 1779 by the English poet and cleric, John Newton, a former slave trader who found faith after a violent storm at sea. It tells of forgiveness and redemption through the mercy of God.

Be Not Afraid

Words: Bob Dufford

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Why it's a good choice:

A very effective modern funeral hymn which talks about finding strength and comfort in God through times of difficulty and despair.

Background:

This is one of the most popular modern religious songs from the folk revival. Written in 1972 by Bob Dufford, it has become greatly loved.

Dear Lord And Father Of Mankind

Words: J.G.Whittier; Tune: Sir Hubert Parry

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Why it's a good choice:

A beautiful hymn for funerals, suggesting that we pursue peace and selflessness in order to hear the “still, small voice of calm” – the voice of God.

Background:

The text of this hymn is taken from a longer poem, “The Brewing of Soma”, by the American Quaker poet, John Whittier. The poem tells of priests brewing and drinking Soma (a sacred ritual drink) in an attempt to experience divinity. The tune “Repton” was originally taken from an aria in Parry’s oratorio, “Judith” and fits the words perfectly.

Guide Me O Thou Great Redeemer

Words: W. Williams; Music: John Hughes

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Why it's a good choice:

This hymn is regularly used at baptisms, weddings and funerals; bringing comfort with its wonderful reminder of a God who provides for those in need and to bring us safely to heaven at the end of our lives.

Background:

This hymn was written in 1745 by William Williams. He uses imagery from the book of Exodus to conjure up a theme of God’s guidance through struggle. The tune “Cwm Rhondda” was written by John Hughes in 1905 and is most effective in its use of repeated words for greater emphasis of the text.

How Great Thou Art

Words: Carl Boberg; Tune: Swedish Traditional arr. Stuart K. Hine

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Why it's a good choice:

This hymn is popular at funerals as the words help to put things into perspective during a difficult time.

Background:

It’s thought the inspiration for this hymn came from a walk home from church when the author encountered a violent storm which then subsided into a peaceful calm. It was translated by the English missionary, Stuart Hine, who added two verses of his own and it was made popular during the Billy Graham crusades.

I Watch The Sunrise

Words: John Glynn Music: Colin Murphy

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Why it's a good choice:

This works well for a funeral as it speaks of reflection, peace and faith.

Background:

A folk-style hymn, “I Watch the Sunrise” was written in 1970 by the Roman Catholic priest and poet, John Glynn. The song is set to an un-named tune by Glynn’s friend, Colin Murphy. It has been recorded by various artists.

It Is Well With My Soul

Words and Music: Horatio Gates Spafford

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Why it's a good choice:

This hymn expresses faith in God and peace with loss and so is very suitable indeed for a funeral.

Background:

This hymn has a deeply moving background and no doubt its roots have aided its popularity. It was written by New York lawyer Horatio Spafford whose family experienced much tragedy in their lives. In 1873 the family decided to visit England. Horatio was delayed due to business so his wife and four daughters went on ahead. On 22nd November 1873, while crossing the Atlantic on the steamship, Ville du Havre, their vessel was struck by an iron sailing ship. All four of Horatio Spafford’s daughters died, but remarkably his wife Anna Spafford survived the tragedy. During his subsequent voyage over to England, Horatio was inspired to write this moving hymn and it is remarkable that as he dealt with his grief his faith never faltered.

Jerusalem

Words: William Blake; Tune: Sir Hubert Parry

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Why it's a good choice:

This is a very popular choice for a wedding or a funeral with its stirring and patriotic tune.

Background:

One of our most patriotic hymns, known especially from the Last Night of the Proms. The hymn has caused much controversy with its different interpretations. In the most common, Blake implies that a visit by Jesus would create heaven, in contrast to the “dark Satanic Mills”. The tune was famously orchestrated by Sir Edward Elgar.

Lead Kindly Light

Words: John Henry Newman; Music: C.H.Purday

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Why it's a good choice:

This is a very uplifting and comforting hymn that tells of finding peace in the afterlife.

Background:

This hymn was written by the English writer, Jan Struther and first published in Songs of Praise in 1931. It has become particularly popular as a hymn to be used at both wedding and funeral services, asking God to be with us throughout the day.

Lord Of All Hopefulness

Words: Jan Struther; Tune: Irish Traditional

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Why it's a good choice:

The words of this hymn are perfectly suited for a baptism, wedding or funeral as it asks for God’s presence with us at all times.

Background:

This hymn was written by the English writer, Jan Struther and first published in Songs of Praise in 1931. It has become particularly popular as a hymn to be used at both wedding and funeral services, asking God to be with us throughout the day.

Lord Of The Dance

Words: Sydney Carter; Tune: Shaker Tune arr. Sydney Carter

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Why it's a good choice:

This hymn can be very suitable at a wedding as it portrays our Christian lives as a dance, with Jesus as the leader. This hymn can also be very suitable at a funeral as the words tell of Christ’s death and resurrection.

Background:

This ever popular hymn was written in 1963 by Sydney Carter, who also arranged the American Shaker tune, “Simple Gifts”, that it is sung to. The hymn tells the gospel story in the first person voice of Jesus, portraying his life and mission as a dance.

Love Divine All Loves Excelling

Words: Charles Wesley; Tunes: Love Divine – John Stainer; Blaenwern – William Rowlands

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Why it's a good choice:

A perfect hymn for a wedding, telling us that we are able to love one another because Christ first loved us. It can also be very suitable for use at a funeral as the words speak of finding salvation and trusting in God.

Background:

This is one of Charles Wesley’s finest and most widely sung hymns. It first appeared in 1747 and is based on a theme of Christian perfection. Various lines have been slightly altered over the years as some have found the theme difficult to accept in its purest form. The hymn has been paired with different tunes, but today it is most commonly sung, either in four line stanzas, to John Stainer’s tune,”Love Divine” or to the glorious eight line Welsh tune, “Blaenwern”.

Make Me A Channel Of Your Peace

Words: St Francis of Assisi, adapted by Sebastian Temple; Music: Sebastian Temple

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Why it's a good choice:

This lovely paraphrase of the prayer of St Francis offers hope, peace and God’s love.

Background:

This lovely and most widely known Christian prayer for peace, with its broadly inclusive language, has been very frequently set to music. The most well-known hymn version is this one, written in 1967 by the South African songwriter, Sebastian Temple. It has become an anthem for the Royal British Legion and is regularly sung on State and National occasions.

Morning Has Broken

Words: Eleanor Farjeon; Tune: Scottish Gaelic Traditional

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Why it's a good choice:

This hymn is particularly apt for a baptism service, with its child-like uplifting and hopeful words. It can also be appropriate for a funeral service.

Background:

This hymn originally appeared in the 1931 publication of Songs of Praise. It was written by the English poet and children’s author, Eleanor Farjeon, and set to the traditional Scottish Gaelic tune, “Bunessan”. It was made particularly popular by a recording of it, sung by Cat Stevens, that made no.1 in the charts. It is a particular favourite of children.

O God Our Help In Ages Past

Words: Isaac Watts; Tune: William Croft

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Why it's a good choice:

A most suitable hymn for funerals, the words tell of the shortness of life set against the timeless greatness of God.

Background:

This well-known hymn by Isaac Watts paraphrases Psalm 90, telling how our God is everlasting and will be our help through all of our years. The tune, “St Anne’ is attributed to the composer, William Croft, and may have been written around the early 19th century when he was organist of St Anne’s Church in Soho. The hymn is very often used on National and State occasions – particularly at Remembrance time.

The Day Thou Gavest Lord Has Ended

Words: J. Ellerton; Tune: C.C. Scholefield

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Why it's a good choice:

One of the most popular funeral hymns, the text tells of God’s eternal love and life after death.

Background:

Written in 1870 by a Cheshire vicar, John Ellerton, The Day Thou Gavest has become one of England’s favourite hymns. The theme of the hymn is the worldwide fellowship of the Christian church and its unceasing offering of prayer and praise to God. The tune “St Clement” was published in Sir Arthur Sullivan’s hymnal, Church Hymns with Tunes. Although credited to Rev. Clement Scholefield, it is believed that Sullivan may have taken more than an editorial role.

The Lord’s My Shepherd

Words: Psalm 23; Tune: Jessie Irvine

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Why it's a good choice:

This paraphrase of Psalm 23 is ideally used for baptisms with its very apt words. Perfect for a wedding as well, as Psalm 23 is set as part of the wedding service. And finally, the hymn works extremely well at a funeral with its comforting words telling us good is always with us.

Background:

Perhaps the most famous and widely used of all the paraphrases of Psalm 23, this hymn, known as Crimond, is constantly being used at both weddings and funerals and tells of God being with us wherever we are. The tune “Crimond” was written by Jessie Seymour Irvine who was the daughter of a minister who served for a time in the town named Crimond.

BBC One - Songs of Praise - Hymns for Funerals (2024)

FAQs

What is the most played hymn at a funeral? ›

Here are seven of the most popular hymns for funerals:
  1. Jerusalem. And did those feet in ancient time. ...
  2. The Lord's My Shepherd (Psalm 23) The Lord's my Shepherd, I'll not want; ...
  3. Abide With Me. Abide with me; fast falls the eventide; ...
  4. Amazing Grace. Amazing grace! ...
  5. How Great Thou Art. ...
  6. The Old Rugged Cross. ...
  7. Lord of All Hopefulness.

What is the uplifting hymn for a funeral? ›

"It is Well With My Soul" is a powerful and uplifting funeral hymn that provides solace and comfort to those mourning the loss of a loved one. This Christian hymn carries a profound message of finding peace amidst life's trials and adversity.

What is the entrance song for funeral? ›

Popular choices often include classical pieces like "Adagio for Strings" by Samuel Barber or "Ave Maria" by Franz Schubert. Alternatively, soft and reflective songs like "Tears in Heaven" by Eric Clapton or "Hallelujah" by Leonard Cohen can also create a poignant atmosphere.

What cheerful song to end a funeral? ›

One song particularly embodies what a “happy funeral song” sounds like to most people. This timeless gem is Louis Armstrong's “What a Wonderful World,” a poignant and uplifting melody that transcends cultural boundaries.

What is a beautiful funeral song? ›

Some of the most modern songs for funerals include:

Someone like you – Adele. When September Ends – Green Day. I'll Be Missing You – Puff Daddy & Faith Evans. Someone You Loved – Lewis Capaldi.

What is the hymn for comfort in death? ›

Amazing Grace

A traditional funeral song, “Amazing Grace,” offers the message of peace and salvation after death. The song finishes in the final stanza with a strong religious message of the afterlife which is sure to offer comfort to mourners.

What is a good song to say goodbye at a funeral? ›

And finding the best tunes for a loved one's farewell can be challenging too. Where once it was Debussy's 'Clair de Lune' that sent the funeral congregation reaching for their handkerchiefs, today it's more likely to be modern funeral songs like Robbie Williams' 'Angels', or Led Zeppelin's 'Stairway to Heaven'.

What is the number one requested funeral song? ›

The most requested song for a traditional funeral service is “Amazing Grace,” a Christian folk hymn written by English poet John Newton. Many find the message of forgiveness and redemption a beautiful tribute to the mercy of God.

What is a good entrance hymn for a funeral? ›

How Great Thou Art, Abide With Me and Amazing Grace are common Catholic funeral hymns, but there are many more too. The Lord's my Shepherd, I'll not want. the quiet waters by. Is it I, Lord?

What is the best song to say goodbye? ›

The 13 Most Popular Funeral Songs for a Special Goodbye
  • Somewhere Over the Rainbow. Mountain Apple Company Inc. ...
  • Wake Me Up When September Ends. Green Day. ...
  • Wasn't Expecting That. Gingerbread Man Records. ...
  • Fix You. Coldplay. ...
  • I Will Follow You into the Dark. Death Cab for Cutie. ...
  • Waves. ...
  • My Heart Will Go On. ...
  • Supermarket Flowers.

What is a good closing hymn for a funeral? ›

The Day Thou Gavest Lord Has Ended

One of the most popular funeral hymns, the text tells of God's eternal love and life after death. Background: Written in 1870 by a Cheshire vicar, John Ellerton, The Day Thou Gavest has become one of England's favourite hymns.

What is a happy song for remembering a loved one? ›

One of the most timeless classics for celebrating life is the eternally happy song, “What a Wonderful World.” Armstrong's soulful and warm voice captures the essence of appreciating life's beauty, even amid grief. This song has become a beloved anthem for celebrating the life of a loved one who has passed.

What is the entrance hymn at a funeral? ›

1 – The Lord's my Shepherd

This most popular funeral hymn is based on the words of Psalm 23. The hymn is very well known and has been sung by many at school, and has been sung at many notable Royal occasions.

What is the most loved hymn? ›

The 15 greatest, most rousing hymns of all time
  • Be Thou my Vision. Said to be a favourite of King Charles', 'Be Thou my Vision' is one of the oldest hymns in the world. ...
  • Amazing Grace. ...
  • Abide with Me. ...
  • Love Divine. ...
  • Jerusalem. ...
  • Eternal Father, Strong to Save. ...
  • Guide me, O Thou Great Redeemer. ...
  • I Vow to Thee My Country.
Jul 19, 2023

What is the funeral hymn at the end of the day? ›

The Day Thou Gavest Lord is Ended

Traditional funeral hymns aren't necessarily about grief and loss but about life and a new beginning and can be an uplifting part of the funeral service.

What is the oldest funeral song? ›

Hurrian Hymn No. 6” is considered the world's earliest melody, but the oldest musical composition to have survived in its entirety is a first century A.D. Greek tune known as the “Seikilos Epitaph.” The song was found engraved on an ancient marble column used to mark a woman's gravesite in Turkey.

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