Choosing the Right Music for a Funeral (2024)

FAQs

How to pick music for a funeral? ›

To start, it can be a nice idea to think about your loved one's favourite songs and consider if any of them would be appropriate to play during the service. Alternatively, think of songs that you believe represent them as a person. Don't be deterred from playing happy songs, a funeral is a celebration of life.

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.

Usually 3-5 songs are played throughout the service. Think about which song you want to be played first and last. Usually the last song should be the one that people will remember, so choosing their favourite song is a perfect send off.

Here are some of the most popular funeral songs:

Angels – Robbie Williams. The Best – Tina Turner. Wind Beneath My Wings – Bette Midler. Always Look on the Bright Side of Life – Eric Idle (Monty Python's 'Life of Brian')

Music for Funerals Entrance. The entrance music sets the tone for the ceremony, evoking emotions of reverence and respect. Popular choices often include classical pieces like "Adagio for Strings" by Samuel Barber or "Ave Maria" by Franz Schubert.

Ave Maria

Particularly popular for Catholic funeral Masses, but universally loved even for non-religious funerals. The lyrics are in either Latin or German, and honour the Virgin Mary - you might recognise the prayer "Hail Mary, full of grace". This can be performed a cappella, but is usually accompanied on organ.

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.

Morning Has Broken. Written in 1931, many will have grown up singing this hymn at school or in church. With a cheerful melody and hopeful lyrics, Morning Has Broken is not a funeral hymn about loss or grief, but about life and renewal. It's another example of a 'happy' funeral hymn.

When should songs be played at a funeral? ›

Generally, you'll be choosing three pieces of music: A song to be played while the coffin enters the funeral venue; a song to be played or sung mid-way through the service; and a song to be played while mourners are leaving the funeral.

After the committal when the service concludes, a piece of music is often played as the mourners leave (referred to as 'exit music'). Classical music and hymns are more traditional choices, inspiring calm, grandeur and reflective thinking.

When organizing funeral music, it can be meaningful to include songs that the deceased person loved in life. Selecting a few of their favorite genres, artists, or meaningful lyrics creates a personalized touch. Playlists or song requests made by the deceased before passing can also help guide the musical selection.

Here are some of the most recommended sad songs for grief: Eric Clapton - Tears in Heaven. Sarah Mclachlan - In The Arms of an Angel. The Beatles - Let It Be.

“What a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong

This timeless classic makes for an uplifting funeral song. It can provide a moment for memorial attendees to focus on the good memories they were fortunate to make with the deceased. It's also a good song for a celebration of life service.

Paul McCartney - Here Today. Celine Dion - My Heart Will Go On. Faith Hill - You're Still Here. Mariah Carey & Boyz II Men - One Sweet Day.