Music in funeral ceremonies

Another frequent discussion that I have with families when meeting with them, is on the subject of music. People ask - "What can we play?" - " Does it have to be a funeral song?" - " Can we play Mum's favourite music?"

My answer is - " You can play anything you like !" . I am a firm believer that as we are holding the ceremony to honour the life of the person who has passed, then we should honour them by playing the music that they liked.

There are many nice songs and there are many favourites that people ask to be played. Some of these are:-

My Way - Frank Sinatra/Vera Lynn

Wind beneath my wings - Bette Midler

Unforgettable - Nat King Cole/Nat King Cole and Natalie Cole

We'll meet again - Vera Lynn

My heart will go on - Celine Dion

Arms of an angel - Sarah McLachlan

Supermarket flowers - Ed Sheeran

The Rose - Bette Midler

The way we were - Barbra Streisand

Tears in Heaven - Eric Clapton

Danny Boy - Various artists and live pipers

Angels - Robbie Williams

Unchained Melody - The Righteous Bros

Never walk alone - Gerry and the Pacemakers

The list goes on. There are so many more.

I have however had some "out of the box" songs - because the person who has passed has had their favourites and even on occasion, requested that a particular song or tune be played.

Some of these include:-

The theme song to " Law and Order"

The sound of a winning poker machine!

The Chicken Dance

I like Chinese - Monty Python

Always look on the bright side of life - Monty Python

Am I ever gonna see your face again - The Angels

Bye Bye Baby - The Bay City Rollers

Burning ring of fire - Johnny Cash

Highway to hell - AC/DC

New York New York - Frank Sinatra

And lots more .

So my advice is, don't be afraid to have something that your loved one enjoyed to listen to.

On a final note, I always recommend the song that is chosen for the conclusion of the ceremony be somewhat uplifting. I can assure you, if a song puts a smile on your face, if only for a short while, it will make things just that little bit easier for you.