Music is an incredible thing. It has the power to connect a room full of people and help them share the same emotions. This is why music has long been a staple in funeral ceremonies.
Playing music that perfectly encapsulates who the deceased was can be a beautiful moment. But because it is so important, if you’ve recently lost a loved one you might be fretting over finding the perfect song.
To help you through this difficult time, we’ve prepared a list of the 13 most popular funeral songs to give you some ideas.
Hint: if you’re looking for something a bit more optimistic, skip to songs 9-13.
1. Somewhere Over the Rainbow
Israel Kamakawiwo’Ole’s beautiful voice and ukulele strings have made this version of the classic song one of the most popular funeral songs of all time. Best played to signify a long, happy life reaching its end, its calm melody is perfect for saying goodbye.
2. Wake Me Up When September Ends
Green Day’s classic ballad was written by frontman Billie Joe Armstrong to commemorate his father. His pained, delicate vocals contrast with explosive percussion and guitar riffs to simulate the journey people go through when they are grieving. This is a very therapeutic song to use if you want a moment where people can release their emotions.
3. Wasn’t Expecting That
Jamie Lawson’s absolute tear-jerker dominated the charts – and for good reason. Telling the story of a relationship from its beginning to its tragic end, this song is an ideal choice for farewelling a partner. Notably, it focuses most on the positive years of the relationship, not the end, making it a beautiful way to remember the good times with your partner.
4. Fix You
Coldplay’s Fix You is a common entry on most popular funeral songs lists. Even so, don’t be afraid that using it will seem unoriginal. Its timeless lyrics, angelic vocals and slow building melody are sure to have the audience reflecting on the life of the deceased and their relationship with them – which is what a good funeral song does.
5. I Will Follow You into the Dark
Death Cab for Cutie’s understated song is in some ways closer to a heartfelt eulogy recital than music. The softly spoken vocal delivery is chillingly authentic, and the instrumental subtly enhances it without ever taking away from the message. A harrowing promise that you’ll reunite with them in the afterlife, it’s a beautiful song to play to farewell your partner.
6. Waves
Dean Lewis explores the grieving process, and how it comes and goes in the titular ‘Waves’, in this melodic song. Sure to become a mainstay in funeral ceremonies in the future, it can be used to farewell any loved one because its themes of loss and acceptance are universal.
7. My Heart Will Go On
Celine Dion’s classic will sound familiar if you’ve ever seen the film Titanic, itself a film that deals heavily with loss. This is one of very few songs that can cause your eyes to well up just from the ethereal instrumental alone. Lyrically, it is a timeless ode to a lost loved one, making it one of the most popular funeral songs of all time.
8. Supermarket Flowers
Ed Sheeran has penned several of the most popular funeral songs so it was hard to narrow it down to one. What sets Supermarket Flowers apart is how literally it describes the days after losing a parent. From packing up their photo albums to clearing out their fridge – it’s heartbreaking stuff. Don’t be surprised when even people who have just dropped by to give their condolences are crying after relating it to their own experiences.
9. Drops of Jupiter
Train’s smash hit is a popular funeral song when you want the tone to be an upbeat celebration of life rather than a sombre farewell. With powerful vocals and a quick tempo in parts, people really struggle not to sing along! Plus, the lyrics discussion of travelling through the stars and constellations are perfect for those who believe their loved one is ascending to the heavens.
10. What a Wonderful World
Louis Armstrong’s scratchy, slow vocals as he sings the titular lyric, “What a Wonderful World”, will make you feel thankful for the time that you got to share with your lost loved one. This slow song is quietly optimistic, urging your audience to reflect on how the deceased made their world wonderful, rather than focusing on their departure.
11. Don’t Worry, Be Happy
Bobby McFerrin’s song starts with a chirpy whistle, and has good vibes throughout. In a time of immense loss, it is an inspired choice to play something simple, cheerful and optimistic. If the deceased was known to be a carefree, happy person, this popular funeral song might just be the perfect fit.
12. Always Look on the Bright Side of Life
Eric Idle, of Monty Python fame, may not have intended for his whimsical tune from his film, The Life of Brian, to become one of the most popular funeral songs, but here we are. With a cheeky whistle riff and lyrics poking fun at the idea of death, this song is perfect for farewelling someone who was a little bit of a larrikin.
13. Highway to Hell
ACDC’s Highway to Hell might seem like a strange choice for a funeral song, and yet it is one of the most popular for farewelling Dad’s. If they were rockers and had a good sense of humour, the irony of the song’s title and its upbeat nature are sure to get the audience laughing and on their feet. Remember, funerals don’t have to be sombre. Sometimes the best way to say goodbye is to rock on in their honour one last time!
A Funeral Director Makes Difficult Choices Easy
If you’re having difficulties choosing a popular funeral song, or any other aspects of the service, a funeral director can help guide you. They treat helping people farewell their loved ones as a privilege, and will always do their best to get to know you and your family.
At Coast Family Funerals, we can direct burial and cremation services and help you with all the necessary preparations.
If you’d like to discuss our options, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.