Music can prompt so many emotions and memories and it often plays an important part in people’s lives. Unless a person had a favourite song or artist, when it comes to choosing the right music for a funeral, it can be difficult to decide what would be most fitting. We have compiled some suggestions that we hope provide help and inspiration.
Traditional
If you’re considering something religious and traditional then your vicar or priest should be able to provide guidance and suggestions. Traditional songs are a timeless way to say goodbye to your loved one, and can often be a good way for everyone at the funeral to connect with the service, as these are songs known by all. We have listed some of the more commonly chosen funeral hymns and songs below:
– Amazing Grace
– Abide with Me
– All things Bright & Beautiful
– How Great Thou Art
– Morning has Broken
Classic
There are of course some all time classics that are often played at funerals due to their poignancy and beautiful words. These songs are likely to resonate with the situation that many people find themselves in when attending a funeral, and thus can be a touching and sentimental way to say goodbye to your loved one. Below are some timeless funeral songs:
– My Way – Frank Sinatra
– We’ll Meet Again – Vera Lynn
– Over the Rainbow – Various Artists, inc Eva Cassidy
– You’ll Never Walk Alone – Judy Garland / Gerry and the Pacemakers
– Tears in Heaven – Eric Clapton
Modern
Many people opt for more modern music to be played at funerals nowadays. There are many recent songs that include appropriate lyrics to be played at a funeral. We have listed a few suggestions below:
– Angels – Robbie Williams
– I’ll see you Again – Westlife
– Lay me Down – Sam Smith
– Someone Like You – Adele
– You are not Alone – Michael Jackson
Specific song choices
If you are arranging a funeral for a parent or friend you may prefer something more specific that includes their role in peoples’ lives. We have compiled a few suggestions below:
– Dance with my Father – Luther Vandross
– My Father’s Eyes – Eric Clapton
– Mama – Il Divo
– Hero – Mariah Carey
– Stand by Me – Ben E King
Uplifting
Many people choose to use a funeral as a celebration of life and opt for more positive and uplifting song choices. There are many songs that can be played at the end of a funeral to bring a smile to people’s faces, and help them to remember the character of the person that they are saying goodbye to. Here are a few suggestions:
– What a Wonderful World – Louis Armstrong
– You are the Sunshine of my Life – Stevie Wonder
– Up Where we Belong – Joe Cocker & Jennifer Warnes
– Spirit in the Sky – Norman Greenbaum
– Halleluiah – Various Artists
Other
There are of course many, many other categories of songs for those who know that the deceased would appreciate something humorous, quirky or completely off the wall. A funeral is a celebration of the person that you knew, and if you think that a more unusual song would have been their cup of tea – then go for it. Below are some slightly more unusual options:
– I’ll Sleep when I’m Dead – Bon Jovi
– Another One Bites the Dust – Queen
– Always Look on the Bright Side of Life – Monty Python
– Highway to Hell – ACDC
– Good Riddance (Time of Your Life) – Green Day
Planning a funeral is such a personal experience and the funeral should reflect the deceased’s life and loves. Music is a great way of doing that.
Personalised pictorial cardboard coffins also provide the opportunity to really show someone’s passions at their funeral. With so many beautiful designs available, as well as the option to create your own design, pictorial coffins are becoming more and more popular.
To find out more, contact Greenfield Coffins today.
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