A funeral is a sad time for families, but more and more people are now becoming actively involved in making sure their loved ones know what sort of funeral they want. And rather than it being a sad, solemn affair, most would rather it was a celebration of life, rather than a mourning of passing.
One thing that all funerals have in common is that music is played. These songs usually have a special meaning to the person who has passed, but there are some that are heard over and over again. Here are some of the most popular songs played at a funeral, in no particular order.
- [video_lightbox_youtube video_id=CDdvReNKKuk width=640 height=480 anchor=”Amazing Grace”] – this has actually been the number 1 funeral song for many years and it remains at this point, likely to stay there for quite some time yet.
- [video_lightbox_youtube video_id=Jo_tg8tVzoY width=640 height=480 anchor=”Have I Told You Lately by Van Morrison”] – this song, although sang from a father to his daughter, is also becoming very popular. It seems a fitting way of saying “I love you” one last time.
- [video_lightbox_youtube video_id=f_JLkIOnq04 width=640 height=480 anchor=”Time to Say Goodbye by Andrea Bocelli and Sarah Brightman”] – an incredibly sad song, it is also hauntingly beautiful and speaks to people about the inevitability of death.
- [video_lightbox_youtube video_id=LK4pmJQ6zgM width=640 height=480 anchor=”Moon River by Andy Williams”] – an Academy Award for Best Original Song, it is from the film Breakfast at Tiffanys. The lyric “Moon river wider than a mile , I’m crossing you in style someday” seems to resonate with many people. In fact, it was played at my own Mother’s funeral.
- [video_lightbox_youtube video_id=H_a46WJ1viA width=640 height=480 anchor=”Bridge over Troubled Water by Simon & Garfunkel”] – this one is particularly popular when older women pass, mainly because of the “Sail on silver girl” lyrics, which seem fitting.
- [video_lightbox_youtube video_id=kF-rtkrcQRg width=640 height=480 anchor=”My Way by Frank Sinatra”] – it is impossible to create any kind of funeral list that doesn’t include the epic song by The Voice himself. My Way is a song that describes life in general and it is applicable to absolutely anybody. At the same time, it is hugely powerful and will ensure there isn’t a dry eye in the church or chapel of rest.
- [video_lightbox_youtube video_id=M912EcPDrKM width=640 height=480 anchor=”Wind Beneath my Wings by Bette Midler”] – the perfect song for a woman to play to her deceased husband, thanking him for being there for her during all the years of marriage.
- [video_lightbox_youtube video_id=fahr069-fzE width=640 height=480 anchor=”Somewhere over the Rainbow by Israel Kamakawiwo’ole”] – A song that is suitable as much for a wedding as for a funeral, it is the perfect celebration of love and togetherness.
These are but some of the songs that you could consider. At the end of the day, it is a personal choice and no songs are more suitable than others, it all depends on the person and how you want to remember them.