Funeral songs
The music you choose for a funeral plays a big part in setting the mood and tone for the rest of the ceremony. Music played at a funeral can offer a sense of peace for those who have just lost their loved one, and it’s a great way to honour the deceased’s life. But with countless songs out there, it’s easy to find yourself a little lost on what music to play. This blog post will outline what to consider when choosing funeral songs, as well as a list of songs that you can choose from.
Things to Consider When Choosing Funeral Songs
1 – Tone of the service
Have a think about what songs would be a good fit for your loved one’s service. It all depends on the type of service you’re holding and the venue where it’s being held.
For instance, if the funeral service is taking place at a church or any religious space, you may want to play spiritual songs as opposed to rock, disco, or pop songs.
If the funeral is taking place at a home, or a more casual location, you may create a playlist with music filled with your loved one’s favourite songs. Think about what songs best reflect your loved one’s life and make a list of those potential songs.
2 – Ask close family and friends for suggestions
Once you have made a list of potential songs, get feedback from close family and members of the deceased. Play the songs for them and find out their thoughts. You can also ask for song suggestions as well.
3 – Listen to or read the lyrics
The lyrics to the songs are also very important. You want to make sure that you’re listening to every lyric of the song and see if the lyrics match the message you’re trying to convey. If there are any songs that don’t convey the message you want, then take it off the list.
4 – Create different playlists for different parts of the celebration
If you are having more than one gathering (for example, you’re having a traditional funeral where there are three components, you may also want to create different fitting playlists for each one. Or maybe you want to create different playlists for different parts of the celebration. For example, at the beginning of the service you may put more modern funeral songs, but then towards the end you might select classic rock for a more celebratory feel.
5 – Personalise Every Playlist
It is really important that your playlist of funeral songs is personalised and best reflects the person you’re honouring. If you are still unsure, reach out to the deceased’s close friends and loved ones for ideas. You can also look at the music your loved one regularly listened to. Just be mindful of the lyrics and the mood the music sets. Ultimately, you can always speak with your funeral director on what songs are usually played and seek approval for the songs you choose.
Songs for Funerals
You can find these songs by typing the title and artist into YouTube, Spotify, or any other streaming service.
1. Angels – Robbie Williams
2. Bridge Over Troubled Water – Simon & Garfunkel
3. Calling All Angels – Train
4. Candle in the Wind – Elton John
5. Farewell My Friend – Dennis Wilson
6. Free bird – Lynyrd Skynyrd
7. I’ll Be Missing You – Puff Daddy (Sean Combs)
8. I Will Remember You – Sarah McLachlan
9. Keep Me in Your Heart – Warren Zevon
10. Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door – Bob Dylan
11. My Immortal – Evanescence
12. My Way – Frank Sinatra
13. Over the Rainbow – Eva Cassidy
14. Unforgettable – Nat King Cole
15. Tears in Heaven – Eric Clapton
16. Time to Say Goodbye – Sarah Brightman and Andrea Bocelli
17. To Where You Are – John Groban
18. Satisfied Mind – Jeff Buckley
19. See You Again – Wiz Khalifa and Charlie Puth
20. Wind Beneath My Wings – Bette Midler
Funeral songs for dads
Dance With My Father – Luther Vandross
Fathers and Daughters (Never Say Goodbye) – Michael Bolton
Hero – Mariah Carey
Song For Dad – Keith Urban
Funeral songs for mums
A Mother’s Love – Jim Brickman and Mark Masri
A Song for Momma – Boyz II Men
Because You Loved Me – Celine Dion
Mama – Connie Francis
Funeral Songs for Both Parents
Like a River – Carly Simon
Supermarket Flowers – Ed Sheeran
When I Get Where I’m Going – Brad Paisley
You Raise Me Up – Josh Groban
Country Funeral Songs
Go Rest High on That Mountain – Vince Gill
How Can I Help You Say Goodbye – Patty Loveless
Remember When – Alan Jackson
Temporary Home – Carrie Underwood
There You’ll Be – Faith Hill
When I Get Where I’m Going – Brad Paisley
Modern Funeral Songs
A Thousand Years – Christina Perri
Hallelujah – Jeff Buckley
Halo (Acoustic Version) – Beyonce
See You Again – Wiz Khalifa and Charlie Puth
Wish You Were Here – Pink Floyd
You Are Not Alone – Michael Jackson