Attending a funeral is no easy task, holding a funeral service for a loved one is a terrible pain that all of us have to go through. As much as it is painful, it can also be soothing, reflecting back on the memories that you shared with your loved ones is equally important.
You might have noticed that almost all the funerals that you have attended have used the power of music to soothe and sometimes even arouse feelings of empathy and sadness. It is easy to say that music plays a very important vital part in our lives and even in death.
How Music Plays An Integral Part Of Your Funeral Service
Music has changed the lives of people, it has brought them happiness and it has also brought sorrow. For the most part, it has transformed our lives for the better, our emotions and certain feelings can now be easily associated with music.
Whenever we hear a certain song or even a melody while walking down the road, it takes us back to a place where we felt happiness, sorrow, or something else entirely. Funeral Services are incomplete without music and here are the reasons why you should always include them at a Funeral Service or Funeral Repast.
It Honors Our Loved Ones In A Meaningful Way
Music is associated with a lot of feelings, which also include love, recollection, and even remembrance. The songs that you shared with your loved ones are always cherished. We choose the type of music that respectfully reflects the life, hobbies, interests, struggles, and achievements of our loved ones who are no longer with us.
Using this type of music will not only soothe the family of the departed but will also honor the legacy that they left behind. You can choose the music from your own collection or from the collection of your loved one who is no longer with you.
Some really good options to go with are Instrumental music, hymns, and even songs.
Music Does Wonders For You
Listening to music actually changes our mood and you too have noticed that. When we listen to music, the brain releases Dopamine, the “Happy” feel-good neurochemical. Dopamine is responsible for providing the sensation of pleasure and happiness.
Music produces Dopamine, you can try that out for yourself. In a funeral service, dopamine is much needed as it will calm the nerves and soothe the soul. Music is good for the soul and the body as it actively reduces tension anxiety and pain.
Another great reason for using music at a funeral service is that it regulates your pulse and your heartbeat. Listening to music, especially in a setting of grief and sorrow will rid you of depression and nausea.
Music Holds A Special Bond With Memories and Emotions
Music is often associated with a lot of special memories and emotions, one meaningful song can take you back to the wonderful memories you shared with your loved ones. Since music holds a very special place in our hearts, why not use it at a funeral service to entice those feelings further?
Sometimes the specific lyrics to a song or even the artists performing those songs can take you back to a time when you felt protected and happy. Feeling happy and protected like this will allow you to process grief better.
Music Is A Constant Companion
No matter what happens, the music never leaves your side, it is a constant companion through all the phases of life. May it be joy or sorrow, you will always find sanctuary in sweet musical bliss. When words no longer do justice to our feelings, we find solace and communication through music.
Music allows us to reflect back on life, the choices we made along the way and even appreciate how far we have come.
Music Is A Communal Experience
Families get together to celebrate life and when a life is taken from them, they come together to provide comfort to each other. Music holds such a power that it actually unites people under one banner, under one key focus. With that being said, music is actually a communal experience.
Music can be experienced in many ways, we can experience it as an audience, by singing, or even by singing as a congregation.
Live Music Is Even Better
Music is just so much better when it is being performed live, everyone agrees to that. Is there a musician in your family or your friend? You can always invite them to a funeral service, this will allow them to showcase a soothing musical session. Live music holds such power that no amount of DVD or a USB ever can.
You can even hire a vocalist for the funeral service, a heavyhearted cello is also a very good option to go for. Music is a great way to honor the dead, it brings back the memories that we shared with them. Music also gives us structure, it allows us to manifest our mourning in a relaxing way. Music holds us together so we may never become lost!
Best Songs To Play At A Funeral
Here are some of the best funeral songs chosen by Team Inspirational Stories. We hope that these songs bring you peace and comfort in your times of sorrow. Our wishes and thoughts always go out to you!
1. Robbie Williams- “Angels”
Lyrics
I sit and wait Does an angel contemplate my fate And do they know The places where we go When we’re grey and old ‘Cause I have been told That salvation lets their wings unfold
So when I’m lying in my bed Thoughts running through my head And I feel that love is dead I’m loving angels instead
And through it all she offers me protection A lot of love and affection Whether I’m right or wrong And down the waterfall Wherever it may take me I know that life won’t break me When I come to call She won’t forsake me I’m loving angels instead
2. Bill Staines- “All Things Bright and Beautiful” (Traditional Version)
Lyrics
All things bright and beautiful All creatures great and small All things wise and wonderful ‘Twas God that made them all
Each little flower that opens Each little bird that sings He made their glowing colors And made their tiny wings
All things bright and beautiful All creatures great and small All things wise and wonderful ‘Twas God that made them all
3. Frank Sinatra- “My Way”
Lyrics
And now the end is here And so I face that final curtain My friend I’ll make it clear I’ll state my case, of which I’m certain I’ve lived a life that’s full I traveled each and every highway And more, much more I did it, I did it my way
Regrets, I’ve had a few But then again too few to mention I did what I had to do I saw it through without exemption I planned each charted course Each careful step along the byway And more, much, much more I did it, I did it my way
Yes, there were times I’m sure you knew When I bit off more than I could chew But through it all, when there was doubt I ate it up and spit it out I faced it all and I stood tall and did it my way
4. Audrey Assad- “Abide With Me”
Lyrics
Abide with me, fast falls the eventide The darkness deepens Lord, with me abide When other helpers fail and comforts flee Help of the helpless, oh, abide with me
Swift to its close ebbs out life’s little day Earth’s joys grow dim, its glories pass away Change and decay in all around I see O Thou who changest not, abide with me
I fear no foe, with Thee at hand to bless Ills have no weight, and tears no bitterness Where is death’s sting? Where, grave, thy victory? I triumph still, if Thou abide with me
Hold Thou Thy cross before my closing eyes Shine through the gloom and point me to the skies Heaven’s morning breaks, and earth’s vain shadows flee In life, in death, o Lord, abide with me Abide with me, abide with me
5. Bette Midler- “Wind Beneath My Wings”
Lyrics
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh It must have been cold there in my shadow To never have sunlight on your face You were content to let me shine, that’s your way You always walked a step behind
So I was the one with all the glory While you were the one with all the strength A beautiful face without a name for so long A beautiful smile to hide the pain
Did you ever know that you’re my hero And everything I would like to be? I can fly higher than an eagle For you are the wind beneath my wings
It might have appeared to go unnoticed But I’ve got it all here in my heart I want you to know I know the truth, of course I know it I would be nothing without you
6. Andrea Bocelli- “Amazing Grace”
Lyrics
Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound That saved a wretch like me I once was lost but now I’m found Was blind, but now I see
T’was Grace that taught my heart to fear And Grace, my fears relieved How precious did that Grace appear The hour I first believed
Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail And mortal life shall cease I shall possess within the veil A life of joy and peace
Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound That saved a wretch like me I once was lost but now I’m found Was blind, but now I see
Was blind, but now I see
7. Louis Armstrong- “What A Wonderful World”
Lyrics
I see trees of green Red roses too I see them bloom For me and you And I think to myself What a wonderful world
I see skies of blue And clouds of white The bright blessed day The dark sacred night And I think to myself What a wonderful world
The colors of the rainbow So pretty in the sky Are also on the faces Of people going by I see friends shaking hands Saying, “How do you do?” They’re really saying “I love you”
I hear babies cry I watch them grow They’ll learn much more Than I’ll never know And I think to myself What a wonderful world
Yes, I think to myself What a wonderful world
Oh yeah
8. Andrea Bocelli and Sarah Brightman- “Time To Say Goodbye”
Lyrics
Time to say goodbye To countries I never Saw and shared with you Now, yes, I shall see them I’ll go with you Go on ships across seas Which, I know, No, no, don’t exist anymore It’s time to say goodbye. (Translated From Italian)
9. Nat King Cole- “Unforgettable”
Lyrics
Unforgettable Unforgettable That’s what you are Unforgettable Tho’ near or far.
Like a song of love That clings to me How the thought of you Does things to me Never before Has someone been more
Unforgettable In every way And forever more That’s how you’ll stay.
That’s why, darling It’s incredible That someone so unforgettable Thinks that I am Unforgettable, too.
Unforgettable In every way And forever more That’s how you’ll stay.
That’s why, darling It’s incredible That someone so unforgettable Thinks that I am Unforgettable, too.
10. Vera Lynn- “We’ll Meet Again”
Lyrics
Let’s say goodbye with a smile, dear Just for a while dear we must part Don’t let this parting upset you I’ll not forget you, sweetheart
We’ll meet again Don’t know where Don’t know when But I know we’ll meet again some sunny day
Keep smiling through Just like you always do ‘Til the blue skies chase those dark clouds far away
And I will just say hello To the folks that you know Tell them you won’t be long They’ll be happy to know That as I saw you go You were singing this song
We’ll meet again Don’t know where Don’t know when But I know we’ll meet again some sunny day
And I will just say hello To the folks that you know Tell them you won’t be long They’ll be happy to know That as I saw you go You were singing this song
We’ll meet again Don’t know where Don’t know when But I know we’ll meet again some sunny day
11. Chantal Kreviazuk- “Feels Like Home”
Lyrics
Something in your eyes Makes me wanna lose myself Makes me wanna lose myself In your arms
There’s something in your voice
Makes my heart beat fast Hope this feeling lasts The rest of my life If you knew how lonely my life has been
And how long I’ve been so alone
If you knew how I wanted someone to come along And change my life the way you’ve done
Feels like home to me Feels like home to me Feels like I’m all the way back where
12. Beyonce- “Halo”
Lyrics
Remember those walls I built? Well, baby, they’re tumblin’ down And they didn’t even put up a fight They didn’t even make a sound I found a way to let you in But I never really had a doubt Standin’ in the light of your halo I got my angel now
It’s like I’ve been awakened Every rule I had you breakin’ It’s the risk that I’m takin’ I ain’t never gonna shut you out
Everywhere I’m lookin’ now I’m surrounded by your embrace Baby, I can see your halo You know you’re my savin’ grace You’re everything I need and more It’s written all over your face Baby, I can feel your halo Pray it won’t fade away
I can feel your halo, halo, halo I can see your halo, halo, halo I can feel your halo, halo, halo I can see your halo, halo Halo
13. Josh Groban- “You Raise Me Up”
Lyrics
When I am down and, oh my soul, so weary When troubles come and my heart burdened be Then, I am still and wait here in the silence Until You come and sit awhile with me.
You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas I am strong, when I am on your shoulders You raise me up to more than I can be
You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas I am strong, when I am on your shoulders You raise me up to more than I can be.
You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas I am strong, when I am on your shoulders You raise me up to more than I can be.
You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas I am strong, when I am on your shoulders You raise me up to more than I can be.
You raise me up to more than I can be.
14. Jeff Buckley- Hallelujah
Lyrics
I heard there was a secret chord That David played and it pleased the Lord But you don’t really care for music, do you?
Well it goes like this the fourth, the fifth The minor fall and the major lift The baffled king composing Hallelujah
Hallelujah Hallelujah Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Well your faith was strong but you needed proof
You saw her bathing on the roof Her beauty and the moonlight overthrew you She tied you to her kitchen chair
She broke your throne and she cut your hair And from your lips, she drew the Hallelujah Hallelujah
15. Ed Sheeran- Supermarket Flowers
Lyrics
I took the supermarket flowers from the windowsill I threw the day old tea from the cup Packed up the photo album Matthew had made Memories of a life that’s been loved Took the get well soon cards and stuffed animals Poured the old ginger beer down the sink Dad always told me, “Don’t you cry when you’re down” But mum, there’s a tear every time that I blink
Oh I’m in pieces, it’s tearing me up, but I know A heart that’s broke is a heart that’s been loved
So I’ll sing Hallelujah You were an angel in the shape of my mum When I fell down you’d be there holding me up Spread your wings as you go And when God takes you back we’ll say Hallelujah You’re home
Fluffed the pillows, made the beds, stacked the chairs up Folded your nightgowns neatly in a case John says he’d drive then put his hand on my cheek And wiped a tear from the side of my face
I hope that I see the world as you did ’cause I know A life with love is a life that’s been lived
So I’ll sing Hallelujah You were an angel in the shape of my mum When I fell down you’d be there holding me up Spread your wings as you go And when God takes you back we’ll say Hallelujah You’re home
Hallelujah You were an angel in the shape of my mum You got to see the person I have become Spread your wings and I know That when God took you back he said Hallelujah You’re home
How To Choose Funeral Songs
You have an amazing music idea for a funeral, the kind of music that will comfort everyone, but you still have to know if it will be accepted by others or not. This is a confusion that everyone faces while choosing songs for a funeral, you need to respect everyone. Even though your friend/family member wanted a song according to “Their Wishes” at the funeral, you still have to be considerate.
Here is how you should choose music/songs for a funeral.
Music Should Suit The Theme
Every kind of funeral that you will come across will be sad, there is grief and there are a lot of tears. Taking this into consideration, many people put in their final will that uplifting music should be played at their funeral, music like this will relax their family and friends.
Music choices like this allow people to celebrate the life of the departed rather than mourn them, which is a really good thing. Although when there is no choice of music in the will, music should be played according to the situation and the theme.
Music Should Hold Special Value
Holding a funeral service can be a very demanding task, but it doesn’t have to be. Choosing the music is interesting but it should also hold a special value. You should choose that kind of music that had a very special meaning in the life of the deceased, it could be something that comforted them or even made them happy.
The kind of song that actually resonates with their personality might seem non-traditional for some but it will honor their memory. This is something that you should do in order to connect with the deceased, as all funerals should feel like this. Honor their memories whenever you can!
The Funeral Location Matters
The location of the funeral is going to impact the song choice, and you also have to be considerate in this matter. The deceased can either choose to be cremated or buried and if the creation proceeds then you have to choose the music according to the atmosphere/location.
If the funeral is held at a church then you can go with classical music, Amazing grace is a good option for a church venue.
Recap
Music binds us together, it brings us together both in life and in death. Music holds the power to bring back the memories we cherished so dearly and it can give us the power of communication when words fail. Let music relax us and let the music bring us closer in our time of grief!
Also Read
- Messages To Write In A Funeral Thank You Note
- Sympathy Quotes And Messages For The Loss Of A Grandmother