Need some inspiration to choose funeral music? We offer a guide to popular funeral hymns & uplifting songs for a personalised & comforting service. Get ideas & discover how Variety Funerals™ can help.

Planning a funeral service? Music selection is a key element to creating a personalised and memorable tribute. Variety Funerals™ offers guidance on choosing funeral songs and hymns, whether you prefer traditional religious selections or contemporary favourites.

The Power of Music at Funerals

Funeral songs and hymns can provide comfort and inspiration during a difficult time. Music can evoke memories, express emotions, and create a sense of unity among mourners. When choosing music, consider the deceased’s personality, religious beliefs (if any), and the overall tone you wish to set for the service.

Funeral Hymns: Celebrating Faith

For religious funerals, hymns offer a traditional way to express faith and hope. Here’s a selection of popular hymns, categorised by theme:

  • Comfort and Hope:
    • Amazing Grace: A beloved hymn offering solace and the promise of redemption through faith.
    • How Great Thou Art: A majestic hymn expressing awe and gratitude for God’s creation.
    • Abide With Me: A prayer for God’s constant presence and guidance, especially during times of darkness.
    • Nearer, My God, to Thee: A hymn of longing for a closer relationship with God.
    • What a Friend We Have in Jesus: A comforting hymn celebrating the unwavering friendship and love of Jesus Christ.

 

  • Peace and Reflection:
    • Be Still, My Soul: A calming hymn encouraging trust and surrender to God’s will.
    • The Lord’s My Shepherd: A comforting psalm expressing faith in God’s protection and provision.
    • I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say: A beautiful hymn portraying the peace and comfort found in following Jesus’ teachings.
    • Softly Now the Light Fades: A serene hymn reflecting on the beauty and peace of the setting sun, often used to symbolize the end of life.
    • Breathe on Me: A prayer for the Holy Spirit’s renewal and guidance.

 

Funeral Songs: Personal Tributes

If a religious service isn’t your preference, funeral songs offer a way to personalize the farewell. Consider songs that reflect:

  • The deceased’s personality and interests: Their favourite artist, genre, or a song that reminds you of them.
    • Classic Rock:
      • Stairway to Heaven (Led Zeppelin): An epic rock ballad reflecting on the journey of life and the search for meaning.
      • Hotel California (Eagles): A symbolic song about longing and the difficulty of letting go, potentially reflecting on a life well-lived.
    • Country:
      • I’ll Fly Away (Traditional): A gospel song expressing hope for the afterlife and heavenly reward.
      • The Gambler (Kenny Rogers): A reflective song about life lessons and taking chances, potentially suitable for someone who lived a life full of experiences.
    • Pop:
      • You’ll Never Walk Alone (Gerry and the Pacemakers): A powerful ballad offering comfort and the promise of enduring friendship.
      • Hallelujah (Leonard Cohen): A versatile song with various interpretations, from expressions of love and devotion to a more sombre reflection on life’s complexities.
      • I’ll Be Missing You (Puff Daddy & Faith Evans) A more contemporary song; written as a tribute to rapper Notorious B.I.G, a close friend of P. Diddy (known as Puff Daddy at the time), who was shot and killed in 1997 at age 24.
    • Showtunes:
      • Memory (Cats): A nostalgic ballad about the beauty of cherished memories.
      • Over the Rainbow (The Wizard of Oz): A hopeful song about longing for a better place, often associated with dreams and new beginnings.

 

  • Uplifting and positive songs: To celebrate a life well-lived.
    • What a Wonderful World (Louis Armstrong): A joyous celebration of life’s simple pleasures.
    • Time of Your Life (Green Day): An energetic song encouraging living life to the fullest.
    • Mr. Blue Sky (Electric Light Orchestra): An optimistic and uplifting song about overcoming challenges and finding joy.
    • I Can See Clearly Now (Johnny Nash): A hopeful song about overcoming obstacles and emerging into a brighter future.

 

  • Calming and reflective songs: For a peaceful atmosphere of reflection.
    • Let It Be (The Beatles): A comforting song offering reassurance and acceptance.
    • My Heart Will Go On (Celine Dion): A powerful ballad expressing enduring love and the memory of a loved one.
    • Tears in Heaven (Eric Clapton): A deeply emotional song written by Clapton in mourning for his young son, but also offering a message of hope and perseverance.

Classical Funeral Music:

  • Ce Canon in D (Pachelbel): A calming and elegant piece with a repeating melody, offering a sense of peace and serenity.
  • Ave Maria (Schubert): A beautiful and meditative prayer to the Virgin Mary, often used in Catholic funeral masses.
  • Air on the G String (Bach): A serene and uplifting piece for solo violin, known for its simple beauty and emotional resonance.
  • Clair de Lune (Debussy): A dreamlike and evocative piano piece creating a peaceful and contemplative atmosphere.
  • Nimrod (Enigma Variations) (Elgar): A noble and majestic piece known for its soaring melody, offering a sense of grandeur and reflection.

 

Variety Funerals™ – Here to Help

With Variety Plus packages, music is included. Simply let us know your preferences, and we’ll ensure your wishes are fulfilled. Our compassionate team can also assist with choosing a celebrant who can discuss music selection with your loved ones.

For pre-paid funeral plans or immediate funeral arrangements, Variety Funerals™ is here to guide you through every step. Contact Us today if you have any questions.

We hope this comprehensive guide helps you choose meaningful music to create a memorable and personalised funeral service for your loved one. Remember, there are no right or wrong choices when it comes to funeral music. The most important thing is to select pieces that reflect the deceased’s personality and bring comfort to those who are grieving.