Music plays a significant part in almost every funeral. Including music in a ceremony is more than just a tradition; it’s an embodiment of emotion, memory, and identity. And it can be incredibly powerful. Where words may sometimes fall short, melodies and sounds can speak for us and help to bring people together.
Thinking about your own funeral music choices, or helping someone else to consider theirs, can also be a great conversation starter for wider discussions about death, funerals and our future wishes. So, with this in mind we’re sharing some quick music tips and some of our very own funeral music choices.
Top Tips for choosing funeral music
Personal Reflections and Memories
Specific songs or music might be favourites of the person who has died and evoke personal memories. Was there a tune they were always known to sing along to, one that they liked to be still with or one that got them onto a dancefloor? Did they write music themselves? Could someone even perform this live?
Setting the Tone
Music can shape the ambiance of the funeral ceremony, whether it’s an uplifting tune or a sombre melody. Think about how you want people to feel during the service. For instance, would you prefer to end with high energy, or something gentler as a ceremony draws to a close?
Singing Together
This can be particularly powerful. And it doesn’t have to be a hymn. There are lots of well-known songs that can be sung, for example ‘What A Wonderful World’, ‘Let it Be’ or even ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’!
Cultural and Religious Significance
Specific songs or hymns are integral to funeral rites. These pieces, rooted in tradition, provide continuity and a connection to past generations – find out if there are any significant songs that would help a person connect to their past.
Some Heart and Soul team funeral music choices
We limited ourselves to one choice each, which was incredibly hard! And we recommend giving this a go for yourselves – spend no longer than 5 minutes thinking about a piece you’d like to be played at your own funeral, and why.
Simon would choose ‘Strangeboat’ by the Waterboys.
“I love this song for its simplicity and its lyrics. It brings out the wonder, how strange life is, and for me describes the purpose of life, “We’re living in a strange time, working for a strange goal, we’re turning flesh and body into soul”.
Birte’s choice is ‘Don’t Fence Me In’ by Willie Nelson.
“A song that pops up every now and then in my life – it’s self explanatory. And a reminder for my family!”
Paul would choose ‘Strange Affair’ by June Tabor with Martin Simpson.
“Because: whose is the second voice?” (You’ll need to listen to the track!)
Sarah’s choice is ‘Born Slippy’ by Underworld.
“Whenever I hear this tune, my skin tingles. I feel like I’m immediately surrounded by friends, in some Edinburgh nightclub or in someone’s kitchen, dancing. Absolute joy. I’d want a bit of that spirit shared at my funeral.”
