Music plays a vital role in funeral services, giving friends and family of the deceased an element that they can share and relate to during the ceremony. The music you select to play is a very personal choice and can help to evoke emotions and special memories of your loved one. At Lady Anne Funerals, we have helped a lot of clients choose the perfect music to create a beautiful, touching funeral ceremony in Sydney.
We know that there is no one-size-fits-all solution to choosing funeral music. While many people now choose contemporary music for their funeral services, others prefer to stick with tradition with popular hymns like “Amazing Grace” or “How Great Thou Art“, and these remain powerful and meaningful choices. Even though these hymns are Christian in origin, they have come to hold significance for people regardless of race or culture.
Celebrating life by choosing the right funeral song
In more recent years we have seen many families shift away from the use of sombre/religious hymns, choosing instead to focus on celebrating the life that has passed rather than the sorrow or grief. Playing vibrant, contemporary music at a funeral can be uplifting and comforting, helping to set a mood which can be humorous, poignant and bittersweet. Laughing at the end of a funeral can be cathartic, in the UK one of the most popular funeral songs is ‘Always look on the bright side of life’ by Eric Idle (of Monty Python).
Playing a loved one’s favorite songs at a funeral ceremony is also a powerful option that really captures the essence of a person and celebrates the legacy they are leaving behind. Not surprisingly, most people already have a fair idea of what songs they would want played at their own funeral.
If you’re looking for some inspiration to help you choose the perfect funeral music for your loved one, we’ve compiled a list of our ten favourite funeral songs.
We have seen some of these pieces of music create beautiful, meaningful experiences for countless families for decades; others have become popular choices much more recently:
1. My Way – Frank Sinatra
2. Wonderful World – Louis Armstrong
3. Time To Say Goodbye – Andrea Bocelli and Sarah Brightman
4. Across the Universe - the Beatles (This version by Jim Sturgess)
5. The Wind Beneath My Wings – Bette Midler
6. Jealous of the Angels – Donna Taggert
7. We’ll Meet Again – Vera Lynn
8. Hallelujah – Leonard Cohen
9. Over the Rainbow – Judy Garland/Eva Cassidy/Israel Kamakawiwo'ole
10. Unforgettable – Nat King Cole
11. Supermarket Flowers - Ed Sheeran
11. Do You Realize - The Flaming Lips
13. Pure Shores - All Saints
We know that choosing the best music for a funeral ceremony can be very difficult during your time of grief. Our experienced lady funeral directors understand that the music you choose needs to be as unique and special as the person you are saying goodbye to, and we will gladly assist you with finding the right music for your service. If you’re not particularly religious, choosing more modern, popular songs may be a better fit. Or, perhaps you’d like to have a mixture of traditional funeral hymns with more contemporary songs.
Whatever your needs, our lady funeral directors in Sydney can help you find the right funeral soundtrack. At the end of the day, only you will know the best funeral music for your loved one’s service.
There is no right or wrong, and the way in which you choose to pay tribute to the dearly departed is an entirely personal choice. Our lady funeral directors are always available to provide advice and help you arrange this important aspect of your ceremony - reach out to our experienced, compassionate team today.
Planning a funeral is a difficult endeavour, which can be a large task. It can be made easier by downloading our Life Celebration Planning Guide below.