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When organizing funeral music, it can be meaningful to include songs that the deceased person loved in life. Selecting a few of their favorite genres, artists, or meaningful lyrics creates a personalized touch. Playlists or song requests made by the deceased before passing can also help guide the musical selection. Blending some more lighthearted or upbeat choices that capture their spirit with the traditional mournful funeral songs can make the service feel well-rounded.
Selecting the right music for a funeral can be a daunting task. The songs played at a funeral service help set the tone and create an atmosphere of remembrance and reflection. When choosing funeral songs, you want something that honors the deceased, brings comfort to grieving friends and family, and captures the right sentiment for the service. Here are some classic and contemporary funeral songs to consider:
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Amazing Grace - This traditional hymn has long been a funeral favorite for its melancholy melody and lyrics about salvation and grace. It's a beautiful song of hope that soothes the soul.
Wind Beneath My Wings - Recorded by Bette Midler, this pop ballad is an emotional tribute to a loved one that says "thank you" for being a source of strength. The lyrics beautifully express gratitude and love.
Tears in Heaven - Eric Clapton wrote this acoustic ballad after the death of his young son. It's a moving song about love and loss that acknowledges the pain of grief. The lyrics imagine being reunited in heaven one day.
Hallelujah - Jeff Buckley's haunting version of this Leonard Cohen song is a simple, meditative hymn. Lines like "love is not a victory march" acknowledge the ups and downs of life. It offers solace and perspective.
Over the Rainbow - The Wizard of Oz classic imagines a peaceful place "somewhere over the rainbow" where troubles melt away. It's a reassuring message of hope after loss. Eva Cassidy's cover is a popular funeral version.
I'll Be Missing You - Puff Daddy and Faith Evans transformed this Police sample into a hip-hop eulogy after losing a friend. The lyrics emphasize how much they will miss the loved one who died and wish they were still here.
Bridge Over Troubled Water - Simon & Garfunkel's emotional ballad is a message of comfort and support during difficult times. The lyrics promise to be a source of strength when friends feel down.
Candle in the Wind - Elton John's ode to Marilyn Monroe takes on a poignant meaning for any loved one who left too soon. His remake as a tribute to Princess Diana shows how impactful the song lyrics can be.
Angel - Sarah McLachlan sings beautifully about feeling the comforting presence of a lost loved one like an angel. It helps capture the sense they are still watching over us.
In addition to musical selections, livestreaming the funeral service online can allow friends and family unable to attend in person to share in the memorial. Watching online provides them an opportunity to grieve and gain some closure. For those already in attendance, livestreaming creates a recording to look back on. Having a video tribute can be a meaningful memorial keepsake. With today's technology, livestreaming makes it possible for everyone dear to the deceased to take part in honoring their life. Here is a great place to start on How to Livestream a Funeral.
Funeral songs provide a meaningful backdrop to honor a life lived. Whether streamed online or played at the service, these touching tributes can bring comfort, inspire reflection, and give a forever home in our hearts to those we love. With the right songs played at a funeral service, music has the power to bring people together in heartfelt remembrance.
