Choosing the perfect soundtrack to say goodbye

Music has the unique power to express emotions that words cannot. I rarely am without music playing, whether in the car or cooking dinner and it provides the soundtrack to my life. 

Within a funeral, music connects us in moments of shared grief. Whether through a traditional hymn, a classical piece or a modern song, music has the ability to create a meaningful and memorable tribute to the person that has died. 

Why music matters at funerals

Music can set the tone for the funeral, creating an atmosphere that reflects the personality of the person that has died. It can bring comfort and tears or evoke memories of happier times, helping mourners to feel connected during moments of reflection. Choosing the right piece of music can make the service personal and heartfelt. 

Popular choices for funeral music

There are no rules when it comes to selecting funeral music. 

• Traditional Hymns: “Abide with Me”, “Calon Lan” or “Amazing Grace” are timeless and deeply moving pieces of music;
• Classical: Instrumentals such as Elgar’s “Nimrod” or Beethoven’s “Fleur De Lis” can offer a calming backdrop;
• Modern Songs: Contemporary tracks, such as Eva Cassidy “Over the Rainbow” or something from a favourite artist such as Tom Petty or Metallica can help to evoke personal memories and celebrate individuality. 
• Cultural Music: Music from specific traditions or ethnic backgrounds can honour a heritage.

Making it unique

Personalising a funeral through the music choices is a wonderful way to honour their legacy. Think about their favourite songs, artists and genres. Did they love a particular era of music? Were there special songs that marked special milestones in their life? 

Some of my favourite moments have been where we played a song specific to someone, so a theme from a favourite film or a track from an artist that isn’t heard often as this is truly individual. 

Live performances can also add a special touch, whether it’s a family member playing the guitar or a professional singer performing a much loved song. 

Music for different moments

Funerals typically have some key moments where music plays an important role. Here are some ideas:

• Entrance Music: Set the tone for the service with something serene or reflective, such as “Time to Say Goodbye” by Andrea Bocelli or “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” by Israel Kamakawiwo’ole.
• Time for Reflection: Use soft instrumentals or songs with sentimental lyrics to accompany moments of silence or following the eulogy.
• Exit Music: Many families choose uplifting songs like Queen’s “Don’t Stop Me Now” or Louis Armstrong’s “What a Wonderful World” to send off their relative with positivity and joy.

Music is more than just a background element at funerals, it’s an expression of love and celebration. If you’d like support in selecting or arranging music for a funeral, please get in touch with our team to discuss how we can create a beautiful and personalised farewell.