Finding the right song to play at a funeral ceremony or celebration of life isn’t easy, whether you’re arranging someone else’s, or thinking about what you might one day like for yours.
Let us help, with some guidance, lots of recommendations and ideas, plus our ‘most popular’ playlist.
Music has been an important part of funeral ceremonies from Ancient Egypt through to Ancient Greece, the Romans and still today. Traditionally, these were often mournful or sombre hymns, designed to help the congregation mourn.
Today there’s a lot more variety in the type of music people want at their own funeral, especially when celebrating the life of the person who has passed away.
When should I play a song?
At a traditional funeral there are normally three occasions when you can play music;- As the guests enter
- During a period of reflection
- When everyone leaves
The period of reflection may, depending on the ceremony, be when the coffin is taken away. This is also known as the committal. Even if this isn’t the case, it will be a time for quiet thought, so a song that allows people to do that would be best.
However, if you have a direct cremation, there isn’t a ceremony at the crematorium, and so you can have whatever service or send-off you like. You might have more opportunities to play songs, or more flexibility on which songs you play.
Selecting a funeral song
If you’re arranging a funeral for someone and they’ve told you what songs they want, that makes things much easier. But if they didn’t, finding the ‘perfect’ funeral song for someone who’s died might feel very difficult. However, you shouldn’t feel under pressure – just think about what music they liked, or what lyrics feel appropriate.
Stephanie Langford, Manager of Pure Cremation’s Charlton Park Crematorium, has this suggestion:
"Music is a wonderful way to bring a personal touch to a funeral. When selecting music, there are no right or wrong choices. It’s important to select a piece that has meaning, honours the life of the departed, and ensures that their memory is kept alive in the years that follow."
1. Favourite bands/singers
A good place to start is with a favourite band or singer, and working through their back catalogue to select something appropriate. Many bands do acoustic, or slow tempo versions of songs, like the Foo Fighters’ Everlong, which would better suit more sober gatherings. Equally cover versions can make the
2. Meaningful lyrics
Pay special attention to the lyrics, as some songs may seem appropriate at first listen but contain words or phrases that may jar with the ceremony.
3. Favourite hobbies or interests
A favourite sports team might have a particular song associated to them, such as Liverpool and You’ll Never Walk Alone. Equally a favourite film, tv program or musical can provide options.
4. Search favourite songs
In the modern world of music streaming, a record is kept of your most frequently listened to songs. If you can access their account, it’s fairly easy to find out what songs that person has been listening to, and find one that’ll be appropriate for the ceremony.
5. Hire a band/singer
Depending on the venue, live music can add a unique feel to the ceremony, and give the option of instrumental, acoustic or simplified versions of favourite songs. It’s always worth checking that the venue allows this, and any restrictions on amplification or electric instruments.
Most popular songs
Finding the right song can be difficult, but finding inspiration in other people’s choices can help. We’ve compiled a list of the most popular songs across genres and decades to help you find the right song, or songs.
We’ve collated information from across the internet, including from our own crematorium staff, to compile a list of the 10 most popular songs to play at a funeral. The below have over 3 billion plays on Spotify in total, and contain some incredibly poignant lyrics perfect for a celebration of life.
Time To Say Goodbye by Andrea Bocelli and Sarah Brightman Over 170 million plays
My Way by Frank Sinatra Over 500 million plays
Smile by Nat King Cole Over 110 million plays
Fields Of Gold by Sting Over 300 million plays
Supermarket Flowers by Ed Sheeran Over 740 million plays
We’ll Meet Again by Vera Lynn Over 78 million plays
Angels by Robbie Williams Over 560 million plays
You’ll Never Walk Alone by Gerry and the Pacemakers Over 100 million plays
Dancing In The Sky by Dani and Lizzy Over 78 million plays
What A Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong Over 600 million plays
Unforgettable by Nat King Cole Over 158 million plays
Popular musical, TV and movie themes
People often choose themes from movies and television to play at their funerals because these songs hold deep personal or emotional significance. Iconic songs or scores, such as “My Heart Will Go On” from Titanic or "The Circle of Life" from The Lion King, can also bring people together in a shared sense of positive emotions. The list below contains Oscar and Grammy winners, UK number 1 singles and cultural touchstones.
Bring Me Sunshine by Morecambe and Wise from the Morecambe and Wise show, one of the most watched TV programs of all time in the UK
Always Look On The Bright Side Of Life by Monty Python from Monty Python and the Holy Grail, over 50 million plays on Spotify and a number 1 single in Ireland
Somewhere Over The Rainbow by Judy Garland from the Wizard of Oz (1939 version), won an academy award for best song
I Will Always Love You by Whitney Houston from The Bodyguard, won two Grammy awards and spent 10 weeks at UK number 1
My Heart Will Go On by Celine Dion from Titanic, won best original song Oscar, one of 11 awards the film won.
Wind Beneath My Wings by Bette Midler from Beaches, won two Grammy awards and sold over 1 million records worldwide
Can you feel the love tonight by Elton John from The Lion King, won an Academy award for best original song
You’ll be in my heart by Phil Collins from Tarzan won an Academy award for best original song
Popular hymns and orchestral music
Many of these songs feature in the Songs of Praise most popular funeral songs, which are selected on the themes of love, loss and celebration. Many are over 100 years old, which also means everyone at your celebration of life should be familiar with them, and be able to sing along where possible.
Danny Boy is based on the traditional Irish tune "Londonderry Air," and the lyrics were written by Englishman Frederic Weatherly in 1913
The Four Seasons by Vivaldi was written in 1723, and is a group of four violin concertos, each representing a different season of the year.
Abide With Me was written by Scottish Anglican Henry Francis Lyte in 1847, and has been sung at the FA Cup Final as a tradition since 1927.
Jerusalem was composed by Sir Hubert Parry in 1916, and the lyrics are from a poem by William Blake, "And Did Those Feet in Ancient Time."
All Things Bright And Beautiful was written by Cecil Frances Alexander in 1848 and praises the wonders of nature and God's creation.
Morning Has Broken was written by Eleanor Farjeon in 1931 and became widely known when Cat Stevens (now Yusuf Islam) recorded it in 1971.
The Old Rugged Cross written in 1912, this hymn has been recorded by numerous artists, including Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash, and is often sung during Good Friday services.
Amazing Grace was written by John Newton, an Anglican priest. It is known for its themes of redemption and forgiveness.
Ave Maria a combination of a composition by Franz Schubert and the traditional Roman Catholic Latin prayer Ave Maria.
The Lord’s My Shepherd is a paraphrase of Psalm 23, one of the most famous psalms in the Bible, which expresses trust in God's guidance and protection, and is set to the tune Crimond, a Scottish melody attributed to Jessie Seymour Irvine in the 19th century
Popular songs from the 60’s
The 60s were a period of incredible change, and as a result the songs told a story of peace, unity and acceptance. These themes make songs from the 60s particularly suited to a celebration of life.
Turn! Turn! Turn! by The Byrds
UK Chart Position: No. 26 in December 1965
Spotify Plays: Over 100 million plays on Spotify
Stand by Me by Ben E. King
UK Chart Position: Peaked at No. 1 during its 1987 re-release
Spotify Plays: Over 1 billion plays on Spotify
The Sound of Silence by Simon & Garfunkel
UK Chart Position: Peaked at No. 9
Spotify Plays: Over 1 billion plays
That's Someone You Never Forget by Elvis Presley
UK Chart Position: Number 1 (not released as a single, as part of the album Pot Luck)
Spotify Plays: Over 1 million
Hey, That’s No Way to Say Goodbye by Leonard Cohen
UK Chart Position: Number 13 (not released as a single, as part of the album Songs of Leonard Cohen)
Spotify Plays: 32 million
Unchained Melody by Righteous Brothers
UK Chart Position: Peaked at Number 1 in the UK in 1990 following its inclusion in the movie Ghost
Spotify Plays: Over 800 million streams
He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother by The Hollies
UK Chart Position: Peaked at Number 3 in 1969
Spotify Plays: Over 200 million streams
Here Comes The Sun by The Beatles
UK Chart Position: Number 1 (not released as a single, as part of the album Abbey Road)
Spotify Plays: Over 1.3 billion streams
I Say A Little Prayer by Aretha Franklin
UK Chart Position: Peaked at Number 4 in the UK in 1968
Spotify Plays: Over 400 million
Green Green Grass Of Home by Tom Jones
UK Chart Position: Reached Number 1 on December 3, 1966, and held that position for seven weeks, becoming the Christmas Number 1 single of that year
Spotify Plays: Over 80 million plays
Popular songs from the 70’s
The 70s brought about a huge amount of variety in terms of music genres. Disco and Punk were born, and artists such as Pink Floyd and Led Zeppelin revolutionised Rock. This gives you a huge amount of choice, letting you pick a song best suited to your loved one.
Stairway to Heaven by Led Zeppelin
UK Chart Position: never released as a single in the UK, it reached position 37 after the digital release in 2007
Spotify Plays: Over 1 billion streams
Let It Be by The Beatles
UK Chart Position: Peaked at Number 2 on the UK Singles Chart in 1970
Spotify Plays: Over 700 million streams
Free Bird by Lynyrd Skynyrd
UK Chart Position: Peaked at Number 21 on the UK Singles Chart in 1976
Spotify Plays: Over 700 million streams
Take Me Home, Country Roads by John Denver
UK Chart Position: Peaked at Number 2 on the UK Singles Chart in 1971
Spotify Plays: Over 1 billion streams
Grandma's Hands by Bill Withers
UK Chart Position: Did not chart in the UK
Spotify Plays: Over 114 million
Candle In The Wind by Elton John
UK Chart Position: The original charted at Number 5 in 1988, the re-release at Number 1 in 1997
Spotify Plays: Over 400 million streams
You're My Best Friend by Queen
UK Chart Position: Reached Number 7 in 1976
Spotify Plays: Over 24 million
You've Got a Friend by Carole King
UK Chart Position: Reached Number 4 in 1971
Spotify Plays: Over 130 million plays
You Can Close Your Eyes by James Taylor
UK Chart Position: Reached Number 4 in 1971
Spotify Plays: Over 26 million
Wish You Were Here by Pink Floyd
UK Chart Position: never released as a single in the UK, it reached number 1 as part of the album of the same name in 1975
Spotify Plays: More than 545 million
Popular songs from the 80’s
The 1980s continued advancing the progress in musical styles, particularly in electronic music. Themes of love, hope, and nostalgia means there’s plenty to choose from for your celebration of life across a range of genres.
Don't You (Forget About Me) by Simple Minds
Spotify plays: Over 780 million
UK Chart Position: Number 7 in 1985
Goodbye My Friend by Linda Ronstadt
Spotify Plays: Over 2 million plays
Records Sold: Did not chart in the UK
Everywhere by Fleetwood Mac
Spotify Plays: Over 59 million streams as of recent data.
UK Chart Position: Peaked at Number 4 on the UK Singles Chart
Don’t Dream It’s Over by Crowded House
Spotify Plays: Over 480 million streams
UK Chart Position: Peaked at Number 27 on the UK Singles Chart
The Living Years by Mike + The Mechanics
Spotify Plays: Around 75 million streams
UK Chart Position: Peaked at Number 2 on the UK Singles Chart
Who Wants to Live Forever by Queen
Spotify Plays: Over 150 million streams
UK Chart Position: Peaked at Number 24 on the UK Singles Chart
Patience by Guns N’ Roses
Spotify Plays: Over 600 million streams
UK Chart Position: Peaked at No. 10
(I've Had) The Time of My Life by Jennifer Warnes
Spotify Plays: Over 500 million streams
UK Chart Position: Peaked at No. 6 in the UK
Hallelujah by Leonard Cohen
Spotify plays: Over 600 million
UK Chart Position: Various versions charted, including Jeff Buckley’s cover, which reached Number 2
The Best by Tina Turner
Spotify Plays: Over 550 million streams
UK Chart Position: Peaked at No. 5 in the UK
Popular songs from the 90’s
We can see the influence from the 1960s carried through to the 1990s, with genres such as grunge and alternative rock becoming more popular. British bands were again in fashion, with the Britpop movement giving rise to acts like Oasis and Blur. In spite of this, there were some hugely popular songs about loss and introspection.
Angel by Sarah McLachlan
Spotify Plays: Over 450 million streams
UK Chart Position: Did not chart in the UK
How Do I Live by Leann Rimes
Spotify Plays: Over 600 million streams
UK Chart Position: Peaked at Number 7
Live Forever by Oasis
Spotify Plays: Over 300 million streams
UK Chart Position: Peaked at Number 10
One Sweet Day by Mariah Carey and Boyz II Men
Spotify Plays: Over 320 million streams
UK Chart Position: Peaked at Number 6
As I Lay Me Down by Sophie B. Hawkins
Spotify Plays: Over 30 million streams
UK Chart Position: Did not chart in the UK
Talking With My Angels by Melissa Etheridge
Spotify Plays: Around 1 million streams
UK Chart Position: Did not chart in the UK
Flying Without Wings by Westlife
Spotify Plays: Over 340 million streams
UK Chart Position: Peaked at Number 1
No Matter What by Boyzone
Spotify Plays: Over 180 million streams
UK Chart Position: Peaked at Number 1
Bitter Sweet Symphony by The Verve
Spotify Plays: Over 850 million streams
UK Chart Position: Peaked at Number 2
You Are Not Alone by Michael Jackson
Spotify Plays: Over 400 million streams
UK Chart Position: Peaked at Number 1
Popular songs from the 2000’s
The 2000s was a diverse decade musically, with hip-hop and pop-punk artists such as Eminem and Green Day become popular enough to sell out huge concert venues. The way we bought music also changed, as digital music files available through the internet emerged. Regardless of any changes, some heartfelt, emotive songs were released.
Hear You Me by Jimmy Eat World
Spotify Plays: Over 250 million streams
UK Chart Position: Did not chart
Shadow Of The Day by Linkin Park
Spotify Plays: Over 500 million streams
UK Chart Position: Peaked at No. 46
Dance With My Father by Luther Vandross
Spotify Plays: Over 200 million streams
UK Chart Position: Peaked at No. 21
My Immortal by Evanescence
Spotify Plays: Over 1 billion streams
UK Chart Position: Peaked at No. 7
Footprints In The Sand by Leona Lewis
Records Sold: Over 500,000 copies in the UK
Spotify Plays: Over 100 million streams
Only Time by Enya
Spotify Plays: Over 450 million streams
UK Chart Position: Peaked at No. 32
There you'll be by Faith Hill
Spotify Plays: Over 200 million streams
UK Chart Position: Peaked at No. 3
Do You Realize?? by TheFlaming Lips
Spotify Plays: Over 100 million streams
UK Chart Position: Did not chart
Goodbye My Lover by James Blunt
Spotify Plays: Over 400 million streams
UK Chart Position: Peaked at No. 9
Make You Feel My Love by Adele
Spotify Plays: Over 1.5 billion streams
UK Chart Position: Peaked at No. 4
Popular song lyrics
Lyrics play a vital role in selecting a song for a celebration of life. Many songs are written about grieving, loss and healing, making perfect options to play at any point.
Artist: Elton John
Lyrics: Elton John and Bernie Taupin
And it seems to me you lived your life
Like a candle in the wind
Never knowing who to cling to
When the rain set in
And I would've liked to known you
But I was just a kid
Your candle burned out long before
Your legend ever did
Artist: Ed Sheeran
Lyrics: Benjamin Levin, Ed Sheeran and Johnny Mcdaid
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
Lyrics: Henry Francis Lyte and Will Henry Monk
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
Artists: Andrea Bocelli and Sarah Brightman
Lyrics: Lucio Quarantotto
Time to say goodbye. -- I'll go with you
Yo countries I never
Saw and shared with you
Now, yes, I shall experience them
I'll go with you
On ships across seas
Which, I know
No, no, exist no longer;
It's time to say goodbye. -- with you I shall experience them
Artist: Eric Clapton
Lyrics: Eric Clapton and Will Jennings
Would you know my name
If I saw you in heaven?
Would it be the same
If I saw you in heaven?
Artist: Robbie Williams
Lyrics: Robbie Williams and Guy Chambers
And through it all she offers me protection
A lot of love and affection
Whether I'm right or wrong
Artist: Judy Garland
Lyrics: Edgar Yipsel Harburg
Way up high
There's a land that I heard of
Once in a lullaby
Somewhere over the rainbow
Skies are blue
And the dreams that you dare to dream
Really do come true
Artist: Frank Sinatra
Lyrics: Paul Anka
And now, the end is near
And so I face the final curtain
My friend, I'll say 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 than this
I did it my way
Artist: Vera Lynn
Lyrics: Ross Parker and Hugh Charles
We'll meet again
Don't know where
Don't know when
But I know we'll meet again some sunny day
Artist: Dani and Lizzy
Lyrics: Regi Penxten, Filip Lieven Karel Vandueren and Jessy De Smet
Tell me, what does it look like in heaven?
Is it peaceful? Is it free like they say?
Does the sun shine bright forever?
Have your fears and your pain gone away?
Most popular songs by Genre
If you or your loved one particularly enjoyed a genre a music, we have a selection from popular genres which may suit for your celebration of life.
Jazz
A Flower Is a Lovesome Thing by Billy Strayhorn
I'll Be Seeing You by Billie Holiday
Goodbye Pork Pie Hat by Charles Mingus
In a Sentimental Mood by Duke Ellington & John Coltrane
Georgia on My Mind by Ray Charles
Rock
Knockin' on Heaven's Door by Guns N’ Roses
Good Riddance (Time of Your Life) by Green Day
Wish You Were Here by Pink Floyd
Hallelujah by Jeff Buckley
Landslide by Fleetwood Mac
Pop
Supermarket Flowers by Ed Sheeran
Fix You by Coldplay
Angels by Robbie Williams
Chasing Cars by Snow Patrol
See You Again by Wiz Khalifa feat. Charlie Puth
Country
Go Rest High on That Mountain by Vince Gill
I Will Always Love You by Dolly Parton
Holes in the Floor of Heaven by Steve Wariner
Drink a Beer by Luke Bryan
Who You’d Be Today by Kenny Chesney
Dance
Adagio for Strings by Tiësto
Silhouettes by Avicii
We Are All We Need by Above & Beyond feat. Zoë Johnston
Strobe by Deadmau5
Faded by ZHU
Have a sing-a-long
A way of bringing joy and celebration is to invite all guests to sing along with playlist. Don’t presume everyone will know the words or be familiar with the song. You can send the song or songs prior to the celebration of life, with a link, so guests can become familiar prior to attending. You can also send lyrics, and have them printed on the day, or projected onto a screen if available.
Your service, your way
Being able to personalise a celebration of life, beyond just the music, can make the entire day even more memorable. Our team has had numerous requests for unique elements, including;
- A Desert Island discs-themed tribute, playing the radio show during the service. It was the gentleman who’d passed away’s favourite radio program, and the family didn’t want the occasion to be sad.
- A funeral service where The Time Warp from the Rocky Horror Picture Show was played, and the staff and Funeral Director wore costumes from the film and danced with the family.
- A family who got together every year for a big family picnic, organised by the Grandma, asked to have one last picnic at her service. The chairs were moved away, then the family played music and sat on the floor on blankets.
- A family who dressed as Star Wars characters, and played the music from the film during the service.
Whatever you decide to do for a service or celebration of life, we’re here to give you help and advice. Have a look at our guide to holding a celebration of life for more inspiration, or take a look at our funeral plans if you’re interested in planning for the future.