News and Advice

Funeral Music: Classic & Contemporary Songs for a Meaningful Farewell

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.

Playing Funeral Songs & Music

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.

Member of the National Association of Funeral Directors The national society of allied and independent funeral directors

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website.