Music

Funeral Music Songs

I often get asked the question “what is appropriate funeral music?” Just as the flowers, the casket and venue should best reflect the deceased, so too, should the funeral memorial songs. If the person was an atheist, then the singing of funeral hymns (just because some people feel there should be something sung at the funeral) is inappropriate. The choices are vast – if a person loved country and western, heavy metal or jazz, then perhaps looking through their own music collection, or what is currently in their car, would reveal the deceased’s “favourites”. Sometimes families make the mistake of deciding to have the congregation sing when it is only a very small funeral and most are unlikely singers. You cannot always count on the minister or celebrant being prepared to perform a solo recital! A good rule of thumb is “would the person who died like to have this music played at their funeral?”

The following is a list of the best funeral songs, or “favourites” (though not one that should be adhered to!).

Top 10 Funeral Songs:

1. My Way, Frank Sinatra

2. What a Wonderful World, Louis Armstrong

3. Time To Say Goodbye, Andrea Bocelli and Sarah Brightman

4. Unforgettable, Nat King Cole

5. The Wind Beneath My Wings, Bette Midler

6. Amazing Grace, various artists

7. We'll Meet Again, Vera Lynn

8. Over the Rainbow, Judy Garland

9. Abide With Me, Harry Secombe

10. Danny Boy, various artists Slightly

More Unusual but still Popular Funeral Songs:

1. The Show Must Go On, Queen

2. Stairway to Heaven, Led Zeppelin

3. Highway to Hell, AC/DC

4. Another One Bites the Dust, Queen

5. I'll Sleep When I'm Dead, Bon Jovi

6. Always Look on the Bright Side of Life, Monty Python

7. Ding Dong the Witch is Dead, The Wizard of Oz

8. Hit the Road Jack, Willie Nelson

9. I'm Too Sexy, Right Said Fred