Honouring Your Loved One Through Music
HOW TO CREATE A MUSIC PLAYLIST TO HONOUR YOUR LOVED ONE
Music is a powerful way to pay tribute at a funeral. Carefully chosen songs can convey love, evoke memories and create a meaningful atmosphere. When creating a playlist, reflect on your loved one's musical tastes and personality. Select pieces that resonate with their spirit. Upbeat favourites can celebrate a life well-lived. Sentimental songs may bring comfort. Or include special meaning through a wedding song, lullaby, or anthem from a beloved sports team.
Think about arranging selections to carry the service through different moods. A peaceful instrumental makes a soothing opener. An uplifting classic could accompany a photo montage. Pick a poignant ballad or hymn for reflection. End with an upbeat track that reflects hope.
Search your loved one's music library for inspiration. Talk to family and friends for song suggestions. Or reference popular funeral music online for ideas.
At Funera.Sydney, we've compiled some well-known funeral song examples to help inspire your playlist:
General Funeral Songs
We’ll Meet Again, Vera Lynne
My Way, Frank Sinatra
Time to Say Goodbye, Sarah Brightman, Andrea Bocelli
Hallelujah, Leonard Cohen/Jeff Buckley
Imagine, John Lennon
I’ll Be Seeing You, Bing Crosby
For Dad
True Blue, John Williamson
Stairway to Heaven, Led Zeppelin
Thank You for Being My Dad, Jon Barker
My Father’s Eyes, Eric Clapton
Country Roads, John Denver
For Mum
Supermarket Flowers, Ed Sheeran
Mama, Ill Divo
Candle in the Wind, Elton John
Wind Beneath My Wings, Bette Midler
A Mother’s Prayer, Celine Dion
For Young People
Forever Young, Youth Group
Halo, Beyonce
Time of Your Life, Green Day
See You Again, Wiz Khalifa
One More Light, Linkin Park
For Children
Over the Rainbow, Israel Kamakawiwo
Tears in Heaven, Eric Clapton
Fly, Celine Dion
Bright Eyes, Art Garfunkel
Instrumentals
Funeral March, Beethoven
Canon in D, Pachelbel
Clair de Lune, Debussy
Religious
Amazing Grace
Ave Maria, Sarah Brightman
The Prayer, Andre Bocelli, Celine Dion
How Great Thou Art
Choosing funeral songs involves considering the mood and atmosphere of the service, the lyrics' appropriateness, and the deceased's personal music tastes. For example, an opening song should create a calming atmosphere. Music for a photo reflection should celebrate life. For a personal touch, consider a theme song from a favourite movie or event. The closing song could be lighter or upbeat. Explore your loved one’s music library for inspiration.