Most popular songs played at a funeral

If you ever have to plan your own or a loved one’s funeral, one of the things you’ll need to think about is choosing the right songs. The music you choose doesn’t have to be sombre. While traditional funerals commemorate those who have passed with hymns and organ music, funeral songs can be light-hearted, humorous and even upbeat. The most important thing is that the music you choose reflects your loved one and gives mourners the chance to celebrate their life.  

Choosing music can be a tricky task, so we’ve compiled a list of the most popular funeral songs to help ease some of the burden of arranging a funeral.  

Most popular modern funeral songs 

With funerals becoming more personalised and unique, it’s becoming increasingly popular to remember your loved one with modern music. Here are some of the most popular contemporary songs you might want to consider.   

1. Fleetwood Mac – Songbird 
2. Candle In The Wind – Elton John 
3. Somewhere Over The Rainbow – Eva Cassidy 
4. Angels – Robbie Williams 
5. You Raise Me Up – Westlife 
6. Flying Without Wings – Westlife 
7. Angel – Sarah McLachlan 
8. Supermarket Flowers – Ed Sheeran 
9. I’ll Be Missing You – Puff Daddy & Faith Evans 
10. Tears In Heaven – Eric Clapton 
11. Wind Beneath My Wings – Bette Midler 
12. Wish You Were Here – Pink Floyd 

Most popular hymns 

Hymns are a particularly popular choice for religious funerals. As they’re familiar to most of us, hymns bring mourners together and provide comfort as they say their goodbyes. These are the most well-known for you to consider.  

1.  Jerusalem 
2. Amazing Grace 
3. Abide With Me 
4. The Old Rugged Cross 
5. All Things Bright and Beautiful 
6. My Lord’s My Shepherd 
7. How Great Art Thou 
8. Lord of All Hopefulness 
9. Morning Has Broken 
10. Here I Am Lord 

Most popular classical funeral songs 

Classical music is moving and emotional, making it one of the most popular choices for funerals. Some pieces are haunting and dramatic, while others are more uplifting, setting the scene for a timeless and respectful funeral service. Here are some of the most popular classical songs. 

1. Lacrimosa from Requiem – Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart 
2. Pie Jesu – Fauré 
3. Air on a G String – Bach 
4. Nimrod from Enigma Variations – Elgar 
5. Adagio – Albinoni 
6. The Four Seasons – Vivaldi 
7. Ave Maria – Schubert 
8. Canon in D – Paachelbel 
9. Andrea Bocelli – Time To Say Goodbye 
10. The Lark Ascending – Vaughan Williams 

Most popular sports music 

Playing a song, anthem or theme tune associated with your loved one’s favourite sport or team is a touching way to pay tribute to them. Each team has its own tune, but here are some of the most widely known.   

1. You’ll Never Walk Alone (Liverpool FC anthem) – Gerry and the Pacemakers 
2. Match of the Day Theme Song 
3. The Chain (Formula 1 theme song) – Fleetwood Mac 
4. The Best (Rangers FC) – Tina Turner 
5. Going Home (Newcastle United) – Mark Knopfler 

Uplifting funeral songs 

Sad and sombre funeral songs don’t suit everyone. If your loved one had a wicked sense of humour or you want to lighten the mood with an upbeat tune, these songs are the perfect way to celebrate someone who loved life and maintained their spirit until the very end.  

1.  My Way – Frank Sinatra 
2. The Best – Tina Turner 
3. (I’ve Had) The Time of My Life – Bill Medley & Jennifer Warnes
4. Heroes – David Bowie 
5. Always Look on the Bright Side of Life – Monty Python 
6. Bring Me Sunshine – Morecambe and Wise 
7. What a Wonderful World – Louis Armstrong 
8. We’ll Meet Again – Vera Lynn
9. Don’t Worry. Be Happy – Bobby McFerrin 
10. I’m Gonna Live Till I Die – Frank Sinatra 

If you’re pre-planning your funeral or dealing with the loss of a loved one and need some support, we’re here for you. For more information about pre-planning or to join us at one of our remembrance events or monthly Bereavement Groups, please visit our website.