Funeral Music: Classic & Contemporary Songs for a Meaningful Farewell
Date posted June 2024
Music is a vital part of any funeral service. It has a unique ability to evoke emotions and bring comfort during times of grief. Whether a song or a piece of instrumental music, both have the power to surround the listener with memories.
In many cultures, music at funerals is a form of connection, celebrating an individual’s life, while also comforting those who are grieving.
Selecting funeral music is a deeply personal decision. It takes thought and time to pick the right pieces as they should reflect the personality, tastes and beliefs of the deceased. Not to mention how their loved ones are feeling.
Options can range from timeless classics that have been used in funeral services for generations to contemporary pieces for those who prefer a more modern tone.
Choosing the right music
When selecting music for a funeral, consider the preferences and personality of the deceased. Think about songs that held special meaning to them or reflect their life and values. Were they religious and would appreciate a classic hymn? Or perhaps they enjoyed a particular artist’s songs, such as Ed Sheeran or Beyonce.
Collaborate with family members and the minister/officiant to make sure the chosen music suits the person you are all there to remember.
Saying goodbye
As well as providing comfort, music at funerals creates a meaningful and memorable goodbye. It can highlight significant moments in the service, such as the procession, the eulogy, or the final goodbye. Enhancing the emotional impact of these moments help create a sense of closure.
Read on for some of the most poignant classic and contemporary songs that provide a fitting tribute.
Classic funeral songs
Classic funeral songs have stood the test of time, their melodies and lyrics offering peace and comfort. Here are a few enduring favourites:
1. “Ave Maria” by Franz Schubert
A timeless piece often performed at funerals, the Catholic prayer, “Ave Maria” offers a sense of peace and hope.
Here are the lyrics:
Ave Maria
Gratia plena
Maria, gratia plena
Maria, gratia plena
Ave, ave dominus
Dominus tecum
Benedicta tu in mulieribus
Et benedictus
Et benedictus fructus ventris
Ventris tuae, Jesus.
Ave Maria
Ave Maria
Mater Dei
Ora pro nobis peccatoribus
Ora pro nobis
Ora, ora pro nobis peccatoribus
Nunc et in hora mortis
Et in hora mortis nostrae
Et in hora mortis nostrae
Et in hora mortis nostrae
Ave Maria
(English translation)
Hail Mary, full of grace,
Mary, full of grace,
Mary, full of grace,
Hail, Hail, the Lord.
The Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou among women, and blessed,
Blessed is the fruit of thy womb,
Thy womb, Jesus.
Hail Mary!
Hail Mary, Mother of God,
Pray for us sinners,
Pray, pray for us;
Pray, pray for us sinners,
Now and at the hour of our death,
The hour of our death
The hour of our death,
The hour of our death
Hail Mary.
2. “Amazing Grace” by John Newton
“Amazing Grace” is one of the most recognisable hymns. Its simple yet powerful lyrics provides comfort and a sense of divine presence during difficult times. Here are the lyrics:
Amazing grace! how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch; like me!
I once was lost, but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.
’Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
And grace my fears relieved;
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed!
The Lord hath promised good to me,
His word my hope secures;
He will my shield and portion be
As long as life endures.
When we’ve been there ten thousand years,
Bright shining as the sun,
We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise
Than when we first begun.
3. “Canon in D” by Johann Pachelbel
Composed by Johann Pachelbel in the late 17th century, “Canon in D” is often used at weddings. But its soft and harmonious music has become a popular choice for funerals as well. It provides a soothing backdrop that helps people to reflect during the service.
Watch as Pachelbel’s Canon in D is performed on original instruments from the time of Pachelbel by the Early Music ensemble Voices of Music:
4. “Time to Say Goodbye” by Andrea Bocelli and Sarah Brightman
This duet combines powerful vocals with an emotional melody, making it a moving, operatic choice when saying goodbye. The song’s theme and the beautiful way both voices come together to resonates deeply with people. Here are the lyrics:
Quando sono solo
Sogno all’orizzonte
E mancan le parole
Sì lo so che non c’è luce
In una stanza quando manca il sole
Se non ci sei tu con me, con me
Su le finestre
Mostra a tutti il mio cuore
Che hai acceso
Chiudi dentro me
La luce che
Hai incontrato per strada
Time to say goodbye
Paesi che non ho mai
Veduto e vissuto con te
Adesso si li vivrò
Con te partirò
Su navi per mari
Che, io lo so
No, no, non esistono più
It’s time to say goodbye
(English translation)
When I am alone I sit and dream
And when I dream the words are missing
Yes I know that in a room so full of light
That all the light is missing
But I don’t see you with me, with me
Close up the windows, bring the sun to my room
Through the door you’ve opened
Close inside of me the light you see
That you met in the darkness
Time to say goodbye
Horizons are never far
Would I have to find them alone
Without true light of my own with you
I will go on ships overseas
That I now know
No, they don’t exist anymore
It’s time to say goodbye
5. “Over the Rainbow” by Judy Garland
Featured in the film “The Wizard of Oz,” this classic song speaks of longing and hope. It has a dreamy melody and heartfelt lyrics that remind loved ones of a peace that lies beyond death.
Here are the lyrics:
Somewhere over the rainbow
Way up high
There’s a land that I heard of
Once in a lullaby
Somewhere over the rainbow
Skies are blue
And the dreams that you dare to dream
Really do come true
Someday I’ll wish upon a star
And wake up where the clouds are far behind me
Where troubles melt like lemon drops
Away above the chimney tops
That’s where you’ll find me
Somewhere over the rainbow
Bluebirds fly
Birds fly over the rainbow
Why, then, oh, why can’t I?
If happy little bluebirds fly
Beyond the rainbow
Why, oh, why can’t I?
Contemporary funeral songs
If you’d prefer a contemporary song, it can be just as meaningful as a traditional or a classic. These modern songs sometimes suit younger or more diverse generations and reflect a broad range of emotions and styles.
Some favourites include:
1. “Hallelujah” by Leonard Cohen
Not meant as a funeral song originally, “Hallelujah” has become a firm favourite for its poignant lyrics and haunting melody. Various artists have covered this song, giving options for the type and tone of the farewell you want.
Here are the lyrics:
Now I’ve heard there was a secret chord
That David played and it pleased the Lord
But you don’t really care for music, do ya?
It goes like this, the fourth, the fifth
The minor fall, the major lift
The baffled king composing “Hallelujah”
[Chorus]
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
[Verse 2]
Your faith was strong, but you needed proof
You saw her bathing on the roof
Her beauty in the moonlight overthrew ya
She tied you to a kitchen chair
She broke your throne and she cut your hair
And from your lips she drew the Hallelujah
[Chorus]
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
[Verse 3]
You say I took the name in vain
I don’t even know the name
But if I did, well, really, what’s it to ya?
There’s a blaze of light in every word
It doesn’t matter which you heard
The holy or the broken Hallelujah
[Chorus]
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
[Verse 4]
I did my best, it wasn’t much
I couldn’t feel, so I tried to touch
I’ve told the truth, I didn’t come to fool ya
And even though it all went wrong
I’ll stand before the lord of song
With nothing on my tongue but hallelujah
2. “See You Again” by Wiz Khalifa ft. Charlie Puth
Written for the “Fast and Furious 7” soundtrack in memory of actor Paul Walker, “See You Again” has become a popular contemporary funeral song. Its lyrics are about friendship and loss, as well as the hope of reuniting in the afterlife. Here are the lyrics:
It’s been a long day without you, my friend
And I’ll tell you all about it when I see you again
We’ve come a long way from where we began
Oh, I’ll tell you all about it when I see you again
When I see you again
Damn, who knew?
All the planes we flew, good things we been through
That I’d be standing right here talking to you
‘Bout another path, I know we loved to hit the road and laugh
But something told me that it wouldn’t last
Had to switch up, look at things different, see the bigger picture
Those were the days, hard work forever pays
Now I see you in a better place (see you in a better place)
Uh
How can we not talk about family when family’s all that we got?
Everything I went through, you were standing there by my side
And now you gon’ be with me for the last ride
It’s been a long day without you, my friend
And I’ll tell you all about it when I see you again (I’ll see you again)
We’ve come a long way (yeah, we came a long way)
From where we began (you know we started)
Oh, I’ll tell you all about it when I see you again (I’ll tell you)
When I see you again
Oh, oh
Ooh (yeah)
First, you both go out your way and the vibe is feeling strong
And what’s small turned to a friendship, a friendship turned to a bond
And that bond will never be broken, the love will never get lost (the love will never get lost)
And when brotherhood come first, then the line will never be crossed
Established it on our own when that line had to be drawn
And that line is what we reached, so remember me when I’m gone (remember me when I’m gone)
How can we not talk about family when family’s all that we got?
Everything I went through, you were standing there by my side
And now you gon’ be with me for the last ride
So let the light guide your way, yeah
Hold every memory as you go
And every road you take
Will always lead you home, home
It’s been a long day without you, my friend
And I’ll tell you all about it when I see you again
We’ve come a long way from where we began
Oh, I’ll tell you all about it when I see you again
When I see you again
3. “Tears in Heaven” by Eric Clapton
Eric Clapton’s “Tears in Heaven” is a deeply personal song written after the death of his son. Its raw emotion makes it a powerful tribute at funeral services. Here are the lyrics:
Would you know my name
If I saw you in heaven?
Would it be the same
If I saw you in heaven?
I must be strong
And carry on
‘Cause I know, I don’t belong
Here in heaven
Would you hold my hand
If I saw you in heaven?
Would you help me stand
If I saw you in heaven?
I’ll find my way
Through night and day
‘Cause I know, I just can’t stay
Here in heaven
Time can bring you down
Time can bend your knees
Time can break your heart
Have you begging please
Begging please
Beyond the door
There’s peace, I’m sure
And I know there’ll be no more
Tears in heaven
Would you know my name
If I saw you in heaven?
Would it be the same
If I saw you in heaven?
I must be strong
And carry on
‘Cause I know, I don’t belong
Here in heaven
‘Cause I know, I don’t belong
Here in heaven
4. “Supermarket Flowers” by Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran’s “Supermarket Flowers,” is written in memory of his late grandmother. Its gentle melody and heartfelt lyrics connect with those who have experienced the pain of losing a loved one.
Here are the lyrics:
I took the supermarket flowers from the windowsill
I threw the day old tea from the cup
Packed up the photo album Matthew had made
Memories of a life that’s been loved
Took the get well soon cards and stuffed animals
Poured the old ginger beer down the sink
Dad always told me, “Don’t you cry when you’re down”
But mum, there’s a tear every time that I blink
Oh I’m in pieces, it’s tearing me up, but I know
A heart that’s broke is a heart that’s been loved
So I’ll sing Hallelujah
You were an angel in the shape of my mum
When I fell down you’d be there holding me up
Spread your wings as you go
And when God takes you back we’ll say Hallelujah
You’re home
Fluffed the pillows, made the beds, stacked the chairs up
Folded your nightgowns neatly in a case
John says he’d drive then put his hand on my cheek
And wiped a tear from the side of my face
I hope that I see the world as you did ’cause I know
A life with love is a life that’s been lived
So I’ll sing Hallelujah
You were an angel in the shape of my mum
When I fell down you’d be there holding me up
Spread your wings as you go
And when God takes you back we’ll say Hallelujah
You’re home
Hallelujah
You were an angel in the shape of my mum
You got to see the person I have become
Spread your wings and I know
That when God took you back he said Hallelujah
You’re home
5. “Dancing in the Sky” by Dani and Lizzy
“Dancing in the Sky” is a contemporary song about a peaceful afterlife where loved ones are free from pain. It has a hopeful message and soothing melody.
Here are the lyrics:
Tell me, what does it look like in heaven?
Is it peaceful? Is it free like they say?
Does the sun shine bright forever?
Have your fears and your pain gone away?
‘Cause here on Earth it feels like everything
Good is missing since you left
And here on Earth, everything’s different
There’s an emptiness
Oh-oh, I
I hope you’re dancing in the sky
And I hope you’re singing in the angel’s choir
And I hope the angels know what they have
I’ll bet it’s so nice up in Heaven since you arrived
So tell me, what do you do up in Heaven?
Are your days filled with love and light?
Is there music? Is there art and adventure?
Tell me are you happy? Are you more alive?
‘Cause here on Earth it feels like everything
Good is missing since you left
And here on Earth everything’s different
There’s an emptiness
Oh-oh, I
I hope you’re dancing in the sky
And I hope you’re singing in the angel’s choir
And I hope the angels know what they have
I’ll bet it’s so nice up in Heaven since you arrived
Since you arrived
(What does it look like in heaven?) Oh, oh
(What does it look like in heaven?) Yeah, yeah
Oh, oh, oh-oh
Oh-oh, oh
Oh, oh, I
I hope you’re dancing in the sky
And I hope you’re singing in the angel’s choir
And I hope the angels know what they have
I’ll bet it’s so nice up in Heaven since you arrived
Since you arrived
(What does it look like in heaven?)
(Is it peaceful? Is it free like they say?)
Ultimately, whether you opt for classic hymns or modern ballads, the right music can provide a sense of connection and healing. It honours the memory of the person who died while uniting and comforting those who are saying goodbye.
Compassionate and professional funeral directors
If you’re looking for an expert funeral director in Bristol, look no further than WHG Funeral Directors. We are an independent, family firm who have been providing compassionate funeral services to the surrounding area for over 75 years.
Contact us today to find out how we can help you create a unique funeral service for your loved one.