The role of music at a funeral

Funeral music can play a powerful role, with each song a reflection of the life of the person who passed away. The songs selected can set the tone of the service and evoke memories and emotions of your loved one. A funeral is also a celebration of life and music can be an important part of this celebration.

The inclusion of live music is another way to personalise the service. You may have a musician in the family that can perform a meaningful piece, or you can hire a professional musician. This could include a vocalist, pianist, violinist or bagpiper. Their expertise will offer sophistication to a sentimental day.

Selecting funeral music is a very personal experience. Below is a list of popular funeral songs that you and your family may consider:

Popular music

• Candle in the Wind – Elton John
• Hallelujah – Jeff Buckley
• The Best – Tina Turner
• Angels – Robbie Williams
• Let it Be – The Beatles
• You Can Close Your Eyes – James Taylor
• Someone Like You – Adele
• Supermarket Flowers – Ed Sheeran
• Somewhere Over the Rainbow – Eva Cassidy
• Time to Say Goodbye – Sarah Brightman and Andrea Bocelli
• You Raise Me Up – Westlife

Classical music

• Ave Maria – Schubert
• Hymn to the Fallen – Katherine Jenkins
• Grand March (AIDA) – Verdi
• Jerusalem – Blake
• The Four Seasons – Vivaldi
• 1812 Overture (conclusion) – Tchaikovsky
• Greensleeves – Mantovani
• Canon in D – Pachelbel
• Land of My Fathers – Band of the Welsh Guards

Reflection music

• I’ll See You Again – Westlife
• How Am I Supposed to Live Without You – Michael Bolton
• Wind Beneath My Wings – Bette Midler
• Every Breath You Take – The Police
• Nothing Compares to You - Sinead O’Connor
• Wish You Were Here – Pink Floyd
• A Million Love Songs – Take That
• Can You Feel the Love Tonight – Elton John
• Come Away With Me – Norah Jones
• Kiss From a Rose – Seal

Uplifting music

• Follow the Sun – Xavier Rudd
• Fly Me to the Moon – Frank Sinatra
• Brown Eyed Girl – Van Morrison
• Wherever You Will Go – The Calling
• California Dreamin’ – The Mamas and Papas
• I Wanna Dance With Somebody – Whitney Houston
• Come On Eileen – Dexy’s Midnight Runners
• Don’t Rain on My Parade – Bobby Darin
• Good Vibrations – The Beach Boys
• I Say a Little Prayer – Aretha Franklin

Remember the songs that you choose should be ones that you see most fitting to honouring your loved one.