Selecting the Perfect Music for a Funeral Service

All you need to do is provide us with the name and artist of the selected song and we can source it for you. Sometimes there can be many versions of the same song and artist, so if there is a specific version you want us to supply please feel free to create a Spotify list or share YouTube videos with us.

To make the process easier, we’ve broken down some considerations and suggestions for different types of funeral services, along with some practical tips and advice.

1. Celebrations of Life

When honouring someone who lived a vibrant and unique life, you may wish to incorporate modern or unconventional music choices that reflect their personality and passions. This might include favourite songs, meaningful lyrics, or upbeat tunes that celebrate who they were.

Suggestions for a Modern or Celebration of Life Service:

1. What a Wonderful World – Louis Armstrong
2. My Way – Frank Sinatra
3. You Raise Me Up – Josh Groban
4. Somewhere Over the Rainbow – Israel Kamakawiwo‘ole
5. Time to Say Goodbye – Andrea Bocelli & Sarah Brightman
6. Wind Beneath My Wings – Bette Midler
7. Unforgettable – Nat King Cole
8. The Rose – Bette Midler
9. Tears in Heaven – Eric Clapton
10. Because You Loved Me – Céline Dion
11. I Will Always Love You – Whitney Houston
12. Hallelujah – Leonard Cohen
13. In My Life – The Beatles
14. Angels – Robbie Williams
15. Hero – Mariah Carey
16. Lean on Me – Bill Withers
17. Fix You – Coldplay
18. You’ll Never Walk Alone – Gerry & The Pacemakers
19. Stand by Me – Ben E. King
20. Knocking on Heaven’s Door – Bob Dylan
21. I Can Only Imagine – MercyMe
22. Imagine – John Lennon
23. Forever Young – Rod Stewart
24. Supermarket Flowers – Ed Sheeran
25. Good Riddance (Time of Your Life) – Green Day
26. Dancing in the Sky – Dani and Lizzy
27. Memories – Maroon 5
28. The Dance – Garth Brooks
29. I Will Remember You – Sarah McLachlan
30. See You Again – Wiz Khalifa ft. Charlie Puth 
31. You’ll Be in My Heart – Phil Collins 
32. Forever Young – Rod Stewart
33. Hero – Mariah Carey
34. Tears in Heaven – Eric Clapton

2. Traditional Religious Ceremonies

For those holding a religious service, music choices may need to reflect the customs and traditions of your faith. For example, in a Catholic service hymns like Amazing Grace, Ave Maria, or Be Not Afraid can be timeless and comforting choices. It’s best to speak with the celebrant or priest, as some music may need approval.

Where Music Fits in a Catholic Service:

• Entrance Hymn: This sets the tone for the service. Examples include Be Not Afraid (John Michael Talbot) or Here I Am, Lord (Dan Schutte).

• Responsorial Psalm: Often sung between readings. Options include Psalm 23: The Lord is My Shepherd or Psalm 27: The Lord is My Light and My Salvation.

• Offertory Hymn: Played during the presentation of gifts, such as Panis Angelicus (Luciano Pavarotti) or Come to the Water (John Foley).

• Communion Hymn: Usually one or two songs, depending on congregation size. Consider I Am the Bread of Life (John Michael Talbot) or Bread of Angels (Sarah Hart).

• Recessional Hymn: A closing hymn to bid farewell, such as On Eagle’s Wings (Michael Joncas) or How Great Thou Art (Carrie Underwood).

Popular Suggestions for a Catholic Service:

1. Ave Maria – Andrea Bocelli
2. Ave Maria – Céline Dion
3. Amazing Grace – Celtic Woman
4. On Eagle’s Wings – Michael Joncas
5. How Great Thou Art – Carrie Underwood
6. Be Not Afraid – John Michael Talbot
7. Here I Am, Lord – Dan Schutte
8. I Am the Bread of Life – John Michael Talbot
9. Panis Angelicus – Luciano Pavarotti
10. Prayer of St. Francis – Sarah McLachlan
11. Hail Mary: Gentle Woman – Carey Landry
12. Holy God, We Praise Thy Name – Choir of King's College, Cambridge
13. Let There Be Peace on Earth – Vince Gill
14. Shepherd Me, O God – Marty Haugen
15. We Will Rise Again – David Haas
16. You Are Mine – David Haas
17. Christ, Be Our Light – Bernadette Farrell
18. Only in God – John Michael Talbot
19. Come to the Water – John Foley
20. The Lord is My Shepherd – Choir of St. Paul’s Cathedral

3. For Younger Loved Ones

Selecting music for a young person can be particularly emotional. You might choose songs that they loved, music that reflects their dreams, or something that brings comfort to family and friends. Instrumental versions of contemporary songs or gentle melodies can also be deeply touching.

Suggestions for Younger Loved Ones:

1. Photograph – Ed Sheeran
2. Halo (Acoustic) – Beyoncé
3. A Thousand Years – Christina Perri
4. Let It Be – The Beatles
5. See You Again – Wiz Khalifa ft. Charlie Puth
6. You’ll Be in My Heart – Phil Collins
7. Somewhere Out There – Linda Ronstadt & James Ingram
8. Rainbow – Kacey Musgraves
9. Supermarket Flowers – Ed Sheeran
10. Fix You – Coldplay
11. Slipping Through My Fingers – ABBA
12. Angel – Sarah McLachlan
13. Dancing in the Sky – Dani and Lizzy
14. Little Wonders – Rob Thomas
15. Butterfly Fly Away – Miley Cyrus & Billy Ray Cyrus
16. Count on Me – Bruno Mars
17. Ordinary Miracle – Sarah McLachlan
18. I’m Yours – Jason Mraz
19. Firework – Katy Perry
20. When You Believe – Whitney Houston & Mariah Carey

4. Culturally Significant Music

If the service includes cultural or traditional elements, consider incorporating music that reflects your loved one’s heritage. This might include indigenous songs, cultural hymns, or traditional instrumental music.

Suggestions for Cultural Music:

1. Amazing Grace (Bagpipes version)
2. Danny Boy – Irish Traditional
3. Time to Say Goodbye – Andrea Bocelli & Sarah Brightman
4. Pokarekare Ana – Maori Folk Song
5. Loch Lomond – Traditional Scottish
6. Fields of Gold (Celtic Version) – Eva Cassidy
7. Finiculi Finicula – Italian Folk Song

5. Instrumental and Classical Music

If you’re looking for a service with a calm and reflective atmosphere, classical or instrumental pieces can provide a timeless and elegant backdrop. These are also suitable for moments of quiet reflection or during photo tributes.

Suggestions for Instrumental and Classical Music:

1. Clair de Lune – Debussy
2. Canon in D – Pachelbel
3. Adagio for Strings – Samuel Barber
4. The Lark Ascending – Vaughan Williams
5. Meditation from Thaïs – Massenet
6. Gabriel’s Oboe – Ennio Morricone
7. Nocturne in E-flat Major – Chopin
8. Air on the G String – Bach
9. Nimrod – Elgar
10. Moonlight Sonata – Beethoven
11. Pavane – Gabriel Fauré
12. Flower Duet – Delibes
13. Largo from Xerxes – Handel
14. Adagio in G Minor – Albinoni
15. Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis – Vaughan Williams
16. Elegy – John Ireland
17. Sheep May Safely Graze – Bach
18. Intermezzo from Cavalleria Rusticana – Mascagni

FAQs: Common Questions About Funeral Music

1. Can I include recorded music? Yes, recorded music is widely used at funeral services today. However, it’s worth avoiding tracks with clapping, as it might not suit the tone of the service.

2. Do I need to get music approved? For religious services, it’s a good idea to check with the officiant as there may be guidelines about what can be played in the church or other places of worship.

3. Can we have live musicians? Absolutely. Live performances, whether by a vocalist, pianist, or string quartet, can add a personal and moving touch to the service. At Candour, we can assist with finding the right live musicians to suit your needs.

4. How many songs should we choose? Most services typically include music at the beginning, for moments of reflection, as well as at the conclusion. For photo tributes, one or two additional songs can be selected, depending on the number of photos being displayed. As a guideline, a single song lasting approximately 3 to 3.5 minutes can accompany around 36 images, ensuring a comfortable viewing pace without the photos appearing rushed. 

Helpful Tips for Selecting Funeral Music

• Share selections effectively: Provide us with the song title and artist to ensure accuracy. If you have a file, particularly for hard-to-source songs, feel free to share it with us. You can also send YouTube links or create a Spotify playlist to make your preferences clear.
• Extend music beyond the service: If music holds significant meaning to your loved one, consider creating a playlist for refreshments after the service. You can even share a QR code for guests to access these songs later, allowing them to reflect on your loved one’s life in their own time.
• Start early: Selecting the perfect music can take time. Beginning the process early allows you to carefully consider and choose songs that best reflect your loved one’s life and personality.
• Reflect their personality: Choose songs that feel authentic to your loved one’s taste and personality.
• Consider the audience: Balance personal preferences with music that will resonate with attendees.
• Ask for input: Family and friends might have ideas or specific requests that hold special meaning.
• Keep the flow in mind: Plan where music will play during the service to create a cohesive and meaningful experience.

At Candour, we consider sourcing any music that will bring comfort and meaning to the service a privilege. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you’d like assistance or need suggestions. Together, we can create a truly special farewell for your loved one.

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Photo by Zero on Unsplash

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