A Guide to Funeral Music
Music has the unique power to evoke memories, stir emotions, and provide solace during times of loss. Selecting the right music for a funeral or memorial service can create a profound and personalised tribute, honoring the deceased while comforting those left behind.
Considerations When Choosing Funeral Music
- Honour the Person's Life: What kind of music did your loved one enjoy? Were there specific songs, artists, or genres that held special significance? Incorporate these musical touchstones for a deeply personal touch.
- Reflect Their Personality and Spirit: Did the person have a zest for life? Choose uplifting music. Were they quiet and reflective? A gentle melody may be more fitting. Let the music echo their unique essence.
- Set the Desired Tone: Do you envision a somber and reflective service or a celebration of life? The music should contribute to the overall atmosphere you wish to create.
- Embrace the Mourners: While honoring your loved one is paramount, be sensitive to the diverse preferences of those in attendance. A balanced mix of styles can be inclusive and comforting to all.
Finding Inspiration
- A Cherished Song: Was there a particular song that always made them smile or brought them to tears? This could be the perfect centerpiece for the service.
- Music that Embodies Their Passions: Did they love nature? A piece inspired by the outdoors could resonate. Were they a sports fan? Their team's anthem might be a moving tribute.
- Musical Reflections of Their Journey: Choose songs that mirror significant milestones, evoke cherished memories, or speak to their beliefs.
Popular Choices & Beyond
Choosing funeral music is a deeply personal endeavour, but some songs resonate strongly with many people due to their themes of love, loss, and remembrance. Here's a diverse selection to inspire you, ranging from timeless classics to contemporary favorites and more personalised choices:
Traditional & Classical
- "Amazing Grace" (Traditional hymn)
- "Ave Maria" (Franz Schubert)
- "Danny Boy" (Traditional Irish)
- "Abide With Me" (Henry Francis Lyte)
- Classical pieces by composers like Bach, Beethoven, or Chopin
Contemporary and Uplifting
- "You Raise Me Up" (Josh Groban)
- "Hallelujah" (Leonard Cohen)
- "My Heart Will Go On" (Celine Dion)
- "What a Wonderful World" (Louis Armstrong)
- "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" (Judy Garland or Israel Kamakawiwo'ole version)
Songs about Loss and Grief
- "Tears in Heaven" (Eric Clapton)
- "I Will Remember You" (Sarah McLachlan)
- "See You Again" (Wiz Khalifa ft. Charlie Puth)
Songs about Comfort and Hope
- "Bridge Over Troubled Water" (Simon & Garfunkel)
- "You'll Never Walk Alone" (from the musical Carousel)
- "Lean on Me" (Bill Withers)
Celebrating a Life Well-Lived
- "Don't Stop Me Now" (Queen)
- "Happy" (Pharrell Williams)
- "My Way" (Frank Sinatra)
Faith-Inspired Selections
- "How Great Thou Art"
- "His Eye is on the Sparrow"
- "Precious Lord, Take My Hand"
Songs for Special Bonds
- "You Are My Sunshine" (Parent-child relationship)
- "The Dance" (Garth Brooks) (Loss of a spouse or partner)
- "Wind Beneath My Wings" (Bette Midler) (Gratitude for a friend or mentor)
Theme-Based Choices
- Military anthems or patriotic songs for veterans
- Nature-inspired music for someone who loved the outdoors
- Sports team anthems for passionate fans
Remember: The beauty of music is that there are no wrong choices when it comes from the heart. A beloved song, regardless of genre or typical use, can be a perfect tribute to your loved one's unique life.
The Perfect Soundtrack for Remembrance
Choosing funeral music is a deeply personal act of love. By thoughtfully considering the life of your loved one and the needs of the mourners, you'll create a musical tapestry that will honor their memory and provide solace during a difficult time.
Let the music be a heartfelt expression of who they were and the legacy they leave behind.