Choosing the right music and songs for your loved one’s funeral will personalise the service and truly pay tribute to their life in a lasting way. We have created a list of the most popular funeral songs to help you decide what music to play at a funeral; from classical funeral music to modern day pop songs.
This guide covers:
- Popular funeral songs
- Classical funeral music
- Modern funeral songs
- Funeral music ideas
- Funeral songs for mum
- Funeral songs for dad
- Funeral songs for nan
- Funeral songs for grandad
- Uplifting funeral songs
- Things to consider when choosing funeral music
Popular funeral songs
When arranging a funeral, you have full control over what music you’d like to play. You may prefer uplifting and happy funeral songs, or maybe some classical funeral music.
As funerals become more tailored to reflect the life of the person who has sadly passed away, families are opting for modern songs to be played at the service.
Here are some of the most popular funeral songs:
- My Way – Frank Sinatra
- Angels – Robbie Williams
- The Best – Tina Turner
- Wind Beneath My Wings – Bette Midler
- Always Look on the Bright Side of Life – Eric Idle (Monty Python’s ‘Life of Brian’)
- Time to Say Goodbye – Sarah Brightman and Andrea Bocelli
- You’ll Never Walk Alone – Gerry and the Pacemakers
Classical funeral music
Classical music remains a popular choice for funerals, setting the stage for an emotional and moving service. Many people opt for light classical music for funerals, whilst others may prefer a more dramatic piece which reflects the personality of their loved one.
Some of the most popular classical music for funerals include:
- Canon in D – Paachelbel
- Nimrod from Enigma Variations – Elgar
- The Four Seasons – Vivaldi
- Ave Maria – Schubert
- Pie Jesu – Fauré
- Adagio – Albinoni
- Air on a G String – Bach
Modern funeral songs
Your loved one’s funeral song can be anything of your choice, it doesn’t necessarily have to be a popular or classic song. The funeral music should reflect the way they lived their life or a song that may have been special to them. Here are a few modern funeral songs that you may want to consider.
Some of the most modern songs for funerals include:
- Halo – Beyonce
- Wonderwall – Oasis
- Someone like you – Adele
- When September Ends – Green Day
- I’ll Be Missing You – Puff Daddy & Faith Evans
- Someone You Loved – Lewis Capaldi
- Lay Me Down – Sam Smith
Funeral music ideas
If you’re not sure which songs to play at a funeral service, take a look at the suggestions below. If you would prefer contemporary and uplifting funeral music or beautiful, classical music for a funeral, choose your favourite from our list.
Funeral songs for mum
When arranging a funeral for your mother, you will have the choice of the funeral songs or music that will be played during the service. Here’s a list of funeral songs, which are fitting when saying goodbye to a loving mother.
Popular songs for a mother’s funeral include:
- In the Arms of an Angel – Sarah McLachlan
- You’re My Best Friend – Queen
- Supermarket flowers – Ed Sheeran
- Goodbye’s the Saddest Word – Celine Dion
- Mama – Il Divo
- Don’t Forget to Remember Me – Carrie Underwood
- I’ll Always Love My Mamma – The Intruders
- In My Life – The Beatles
- Momma, I’m Coming Home – Ozzy Osbourne
- Unforgettable – Nat King Cole
Funeral songs for dad
When organising a funeral for your father, there are several things you need to consider. One of those is the choice of funeral songs; it could be his favourite song, or something a bit more comforting. We have compiled a list of funeral songs that are appropriate for the funeral of a father.
Popular songs for a father’s funeral include:
- You Raise Me Up – Josh Groban
- Dance With My Father – Luther Vandross
- The Living years – Mike & The Mechanics
- My Father’s Eyes – Eric Clapton
- Sometimes You Can’t Make It on Your Own – U2
- Hero – Mariah Carey
- Fathers and Daughters – Michael Bolton
- Song for Dad – Keith Urban
- Thank You for Being Dad – Jon Barker
Funeral songs for nan
When picking funeral music for your grandma’s funeral, you should consider picking their favourite song or the song that reminds you of them. The most important thing is that it’s special to you, her and the rest of the family. We’ve put together a list of funeral songs that are suitable for your nan’s funeral.
Popular songs for a grandma’s funeral include:
- Nan’s Song – Robbie Williams
- Grandma’s Song – Gail Davies
- Grandma’s Feather Bed – John Denver
- Smile – Nat King Cole
- Amazing Grace – John Newton
- Grandma’s Hands – Bill Withers
Funeral songs for grandad
When thinking about a funeral song for your grandad, you should think about his favourites or songs that remind you and friends and family of him. We have created a list of funeral songs to help you choose or to give you ideas.
Popular songs for a grandad’s funeral include:
- Heaven Was Needing a Hero – Jo Dee Messina
- Fix You – Coldplay
- Grandpa – Justin Moore
- What a Wonderful World – Louis Armstrong
Uplifting songs to play at a funeral
Many people have traditionally believed a funeral should be a serious and sombre occasion. Now, more and more people are breaking the mould by opting for a funeral service that is a celebration of their loved one’s life. For those ceremonies, uplifting funeral songs can help bring comfort to family and friends, and may even raise a smile.
Examples of happy and uplifting songs to play at a funeral include:
- Three Little Birds – Bob Marley and the Wailers
- Somewhere Over The Rainbow – Israel Kamakawiwo’ole
- What a Wonderful World – Louis Armstrong
- Spirit in the Sky – Norman Greenbaum
- See You Again – Wiz Khalifa
- Ain’t No Mountain High Enough – Marvin Gaye
- Don’t Worry, Be Happy – Bobby McFerrin
Things to consider when choosing funeral music
Almost any piece of music can be played at the funeral as long as copyright restrictions do not apply. Commonly, people choose hymns for funerals or play a CD of a favourite song or piece of classical music.
Many crematoria have a full digital music library available to choose from. Please contact your local Dignity Funeral Director to discuss your wishes or preferences. It is also advisable to speak to whomever is leading the ceremony when you are creating a funeral order of service.
Our experts will give you all the support and advice you to make necessary funeral music arrangements. Whether it’s sourcing funeral music or assembling a choir, we will help you every step of the way.
If you’ve got a particular song or piece of music in mind that you’d like to discuss in more detail, please get in touch with your local Funeral Director today.