Picking songs for events and special occasions is never simple, but perhaps no music choice is more difficult than choosing music suitable for the funeral of a loved one.
Therefore, music can be a really important way of personalising a funeral service, it can provide a powerful and meaningful part of the ceremony especially if your loved one had a song they held dear, maybe a song they used to sing, or which marked a special occasion. Music will give you a chance to pay tribute to their personality, their hobbies, or simply say farewell with one of their favourite songs.
While classical music or hymns have traditionally been the funeral music of choice, pop ballads, TV theme tunes and happy funeral songs have been rising in popularity in recent years.
Most funeral services have at least two slots for music – one for entering and one for the exit. However, there might be other opportunities to play music, such as during a slideshow of images or a moment for reflection.
Below is a list of appropriate times within the service that music can be played.
Processional.... As the coffin and mourners make their way into the service
During the Service... To compliment a reading or poem you have chosen
Replacement of Hymn... Whilst grieving, this can be hard for the congregation to sing a hymn and could be an opportunity for you to ask a funeral singer to help.
Recessional... As the coffin and mourners are exiting the service.
If you’re not sure which songs to play at a funeral service, take a look at the suggestions below. The list is not exclusive and there are no right or wrong songs. Whether you prefer contemporary and uplifting funeral music or beautiful, classical music for a funeral, choose your favourite from my list.
Popular Funeral Songs
Angels – Robbie Williams
Candle in The Wind – Elton John
Can’t help falling in Love – Elvis Presley
Diamonds - Rihanna
Dignity – Deacon Blue
Flying Without Wings - Westlife
Hello – Adele
How Long Will I Love You – Ellie Goulding
Lay Me Down – Sam Smith
Let it Be – The Beatles
My Way – Frank Sinatra
Someone like you – Adele
Supermarket flowers – Ed Sheeran
Somewhere over the Rainbow – Eva Cassidy * (in rep)
Tears in Heaven – Eric Clapton
The Best – Tina Turner
Time to Say Goodbye (Con Te Partiro) *
Wind Beneath My Wings – Bette Midler
Wonderwall – Oasis
You’ll Never Walk Alone – Gerry and the Pacemakers
Fun, Film & TV Funeral Music
Always Look on the Bright Side of Life – Eric Idle (Monty Python’s ‘Life of Brian’)
Another one bites the dust – Queen
Big Spender –Shirley Bassey
Bring me sunshine – Morecambe & Wise
Coronation Street – Theme Tune
Dancing Queen – ABBA
Dad’s army theme – Bud Flanagan
Don’t worry be happy – Bobby McFerin
Last of the Summer Wine Theme Song
Match of the Day Theme Song
No Matter What – Whistle Down The Wind
Soul Limbo / Cricket Theme – Booker T & The MGs
Sad / Reflective Funeral Music
A million love songs - Take That
Bitter sweet symphony – The Verve
Bring Him Home (Les Miserables)
Can you feel the love tonight – Elton John
Every breath you take – The Police
Come away with me – Norah Jones
How am I supposed to live without you – Michael Bolton
I will Always Love You – Dolly Parton *
If I could turn back time – Chere
Kiss from a rose – Seal
Knockin’ on Heaven’s door – Bob Dylan
Memories - Barbara Streisand
My Heart Will Go On – Celine Dion *
Classical Funeral Music
Adagio – Albinoni
Air on a G String – Bach
Ave Maria – Schubert *
Canon in D – Pachelbel
Cello concerto (3rd movement) Elgar
Lascia Ch’io Pianga – Handle *
Nimrod from Enigma Variations – Elgar
Panis Angelicus – Cesar Frank*
Pie Jesu – Andrew Lloyd Webber *
The Four Seasons – Vivaldi
1812 Overture (conclusion) – Tchaikovsky
Uplifting Funeral Music
California Dreamin’ – The mamas and Papas
Bohemian Rhapsody – Queen
Good vibrations – The Beach Boys
I wanna dance with somebody – Whitney Houston
I say a little prayer – Aretha Franklin
You Raise Me Up – Westlift *
For information - songs marked with an asterisk ( *) are some of my performance pieces. If your favourite song is not on this list or it is not marked with an asterisk and you are interested in me potentially performing it please contact me.