Funeral reflection music :: Funeral Choice (2024)

If you’re planning a funeral that includes a moment of reflection, we’ve put together some ideas for music you could choose. Explore these 17 pieces of music for reflection at funerals, ranging from classical tunes to popular songs.

Scroll down to see the list and listen to our suggestions. You might find one that’s perfect for the send-off you have in mind.

What is reflection music at a funeral?

Some funerals include a moment of reflection. This is a quiet time when people can pray or think back on the person who has died.

You can play music during the moment of reflection if you like. Often, people choose soft, peaceful music so it won’t distract others from their thoughts. This could be instrumental music – like classical compositions – or gentle songs with meaningful lyrics.

Don’t be afraid to go for a different mood, though. Our suggestions focus on calm, reflective music, but you can choose anything you like – provided the venue allows it and it fits your beliefs.

For instance, you could choose a reflection song for a funeral because it meant a lot to the person who has died. Or you might decide to avoid music altogether and let people reflect in silence instead.

Suggested reflection music for funerals

Instrumental reflection music

These suggestions have no lyrics so would work well as reflective background music.

Reflective piano music for funerals

Pianos can set a mood and stir our emotions like no other instrument. Here are 3 beautiful pieces of piano music for reflection and quiet contemplation.

War Song by Phamie Gow

Scottish composer Phamie Gow wrote ‘War Song’ to honour soldiers who have died in combat. It has a pretty, Celtic-style melody and a wistful sound.

Reflection songs for funerals

If you’d like to, it’s fine to have reflection music with lyrics. We’ve chosen these ones because of their gentle sound and meaningful words.

The best funeral reflection songs

There are plenty of good reflection songs for funerals, but these rank among the very best.

Simon & Garfunkel – The Sound of Silence

Simon & Garfunkel released 2 versions of ‘The Sound of Silence’. We’ve chosen the original acoustic version here.

Funeral reflection music :: Funeral Choice (2024)

FAQs

What is a good reflection song in a funeral? ›

Here are some of the most popular funeral songs:

Wind Beneath My Wings – Bette Midler. Always Look on the Bright Side of Life – Eric Idle (Monty Python's 'Life of Brian') Time to Say Goodbye – Sarah Brightman and Andrea Bocelli. You'll Never Walk Alone – Gerry and the Pacemakers.

What is the #1 song for funerals? ›

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 the instrumental music for funeral reflection? ›

Instrumental Funeral Songs

'Canon in D' by Pachelbel. 'Air on a G String' by Bach. 'Adagio for Strings' by Barber. 'Come, Sweet Death' by Bach.

What is the classic song always played at funerals? ›

9. Ave Maria – Franz Schubert. One of the most popular pieces of classical music for funerals, Schubert's version of Ave Maria has been performed by countless artists over the years. The tenor Luigi Vena performed Ave Maria at John F.

What is a cheerful song to end a funeral? ›

1: What a Wonderful World– Louis Armstrong

One song particularly embodies what a “happy funeral song” sounds like to most people.

What is a good entrance song for a funeral? ›

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.

What is a good song for a loved one who passed away? ›

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 is the most beautiful 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 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.

What is the saddest song to play at a funeral? ›

Sad funeral songs
  • I'll See You Again – Westlife.
  • Over the Rainbow – Eva Cassidy.
  • Wind Beneath My Wings – Bette Midler.
  • Nothing Compares to You – Sinead O'Connor.
  • Wish You Were Here – Pink Floyd.
Jun 20, 2023

What is the moment of reflection at a funeral? ›

A Moment of Silence Explained

A moment of silence is a period of quiet reflection, introspection, or prayer. It is a time when individuals collectively halt their activities to honor and remember the deceased, reflecting on the impacts of their lives on our own.

How do I choose a song for my funeral? ›

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.

What is a beautiful funeral song? ›

Ave Maria, Celine Dion

The melody is equally beautiful and heartbreaking, touching the heart of each and every listener. Ave Maria is one of the most popular prayer songs, but it's perfect for any kind of funeral service.

What is a reflection song at a funeral? ›

Reflection Music for Funerals

Feelings of grief are very common after someone passes away and a reflective piece of music can put words to some of those feelings.

What's a song you don't play at a funeral? ›

Songs not to play at a funeral: Devil and drug references

Likewise, 'Sympathy for the Devil' by The Rolling Stones and '(Don't Fear) the Reaper' by Blue Oyster Cult are also fairly tasteless choices for a funeral. Steer clear of songs about drugs.

What is a reflection at a funeral? ›

While personal reflections give insight into the life of the deceased, shared memories create a collective bond among those present. Including memories that resonate with others provides a sense of community. It allows those in attendance to connect their own experiences with your words.

What do you say at a funeral reflection? ›

Give a brief background on the person who has died.

Mention any nicknames they might have had; talk about their work or the things that were most important to them. Mention your relationship to them and what they meant to you and others. Talk about some of their best qualities and values they held dear.

What is an uplifting hymn for a funeral? ›

Happy and uplifting hymns for a funeral include:

Morning Has Broken. Lord of the Dance. Shine Jesus Shine. Great is Thy Faithfulness.

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