Knowing what music to play at a funeral can be really tricky, and it ranges from the very traditional to the fittingly inappropriate. When it comes to putting music selections in a funeral order of service booklet, it really is very much down to the personality and relationships that the deceased had, and who he or she was in character. But people often wonder what others in the same situation might choose. So, we did a little research and here are the top 10 funeral songs of all time (in no particular order):
Online funeral order of service program
1. Canon in D by Pachelbel
This is a beautiful piece of music that is traditionally played by a string quartet. It has a ‘round’ or canon quality as the name suggests with the instruments all playing the same piece of music at conflicting times. The overall result is a gorgeous, gentle but moving piece of music that is now popular at both funerals and weddings.
2. My Heart Will Go On by Céline Dion
As well as being a hit song for the pop diva, it was also used on the Titanic soundtrack. It is the words that strike a resonance to people at this sad time. A reminder that no matter whether we are with our loved ones or we have lost them we will remember forever.
3. My Way by Frank Sinatra
There was no way this wasn’t going to make the top 10. It’s been number one for so many years. As it says in the song, I’ve lived a life that is full, I’ve travelled each and every highway, and more, much more than this, I did it my way. The sentiment is important to people as it helps reassure them that their loved one lived a full life on their terms.
4. Always Look on The Bright Side of Life by Eric idle
As we said, some choices are slightly more irreverent than others. But we are sure you can all think of a person whose tribute would be best made with a song of this nature. It is a bit of fun, and it is allowed for mourners to smile on a dark and often painful day.
5. Time to Say Goodbye by Andrea Bocelli and Sarah Brightman
Another very poignant song, it is sung in English and Italian. The message is very simple: it is time to say goodbye to your loved one. It is beautiful and often requested for funerals. This is definitely a tearjerker.
6. Over the Rainbow from The Wizard of Oz
This much love song from the Wizard of Oz was originally from the soundtrack to the 1939 film sung by Judy Garland. It is always popular, but it tends to be the Eva Cassidy version that really catches people’s hearts and makes them choose it for a funeral.
7. Tears in Heaven by Eric Clapton
This is a truly poignant song because it was written after Eric Clapton’s own son lost his life at a very young age. You can hear the pain in his voice, and it is a beautiful memorial song.
8. Hallelujah by Jeff Buckley
This song has again been recorded by so many people, but it is Jeff Buckley’s version that often gets requested at funerals. It is a beautiful melody that makes the hairs on the back of your neck stand up.
9. I’ve Had the Time of My Life by Bill Medley & Jennifer Warnes
This classic anthem from the film Dirty Dancing is often used at weddings and funerals. It may be too upbeat for some, but it certainly has a poignant theme that the person who passed, had the time of their life while they were here.
10. Highway to hell by AC/DC
Totally unrepentantly irreverent but requested way more times than you might imagine. It is a rock classic, and there are plenty of people that want to go out to this song.
If you’re going to be having music at the funeral you’re organising then its normally a good idea to signpost it in the memorial or funeral program. We have a wide collection of elegant funeral order of service templates for you to design online. Once you’re finished, we can either take care of the printing, you can download a digital copy of your service booklet for just £12.50.