top of page
Search

Funeral Songs: Everyone’s Got One


This post centers around the question, what song(s) do you want played at your funeral? I have asked this question of dozens, maybe hundreds, of people, and almost everyone has a quick and ready answer. At least one song that they would want played at their funeral, graveside service, memorial service, or celebration of life. Music is so woven into the fabric of our lives and who we are that most of us cannot imagine our life being celebrated without music that was meaningful to us.

 

When helping folks who are pre-planning, I have found this question to be a great entry point into difficult conversations. It softens the mood when someone is reluctant to talk about, or even consider, what their final wishes might be.

 

Having directed and/or officiated thousands (yep, thousands) of services, I have played A LOT of music that holds deep meaning for a person, a family, a community. Here is a brief list of songs I have played: some that you would expect, a some you may not expect, and one I didn’t expect.

 

·       Amazing Grace (fun fact: There are 14 different versions of Amazing Grace on my phone right now.)

·       In The Garden

·       Old Rugged Cross

·       Over the Rainbow

·       I’ll Fly Away

·       Wind Beneath My Wings

·       Hallelujah

·       My Way

·       Just Breath

·       Karma by Pharoah Sanders

·       American Pie

·       Always Look On The Bright Side Of Life by Monty Python

·       Don’t Fear The Reaper

·       Flight Of The Valkyries

·       Redemption Song

·       Red Solo Cup

·       A Pirate Looks at Forty

·       Highway To Hell*

 

What song do I want played at my funeral service? I’m so glad you asked. I can’t possibly choose just one! I have an ever evolving playlist that is simply titled THE Playlist. Currently it has 45 songs. Based on THE Playlist, it appears that my funeral will be a long one! 2 hours 58 minutes, to be exact. I listen to THE Playlist all the time. Why wait? If you are curious, here it is on both Spotify and Apple Music.

 

Spotify

 

Apple Music.

 

I would love to know, what song(s) you want played? Leave a comment telling me what they are, and I promise I will give a listen.

 

*OK, so about "Highway to Hell" ... I was a new funeral director, eager to please, and about to show a family into a private viewing for their father, brother, husband. I asked if there was any music they would want played. The oldest son piped up and said, “Dad loved classic rock.” "Easily done" I thought. I quickly ducked into the room where the sound system was and pulled up a classic rock playlist, made sure that the volume was at an appropriate level, and went back to show the family in. I should have taken five or ten more seconds to glance over the different song titles Spotify had chosen. As I was opening the door to the visitation room Highway To Hell started playing softly. I was mortified! After a brief pause that felt like an eternity, the entire family burst out laughing. The eldest son, seeing the stricken look on my face, patted me on the shoulder and said, “This is perfect. Dad is up there laughing right now.” Phew!


1 Comment

bottom of page