Celebrating Lives Through Music
Music has an incredible ability to evoke emotions, stir memories, and bring people together. As a funeral celebrant, I have seen first-hand how music can transform a funeral or memorial service into a deeply personal and meaningful tribute. The right song can instantly transport us back to cherished moments with our loved one. Whether it’s a favourite piece of classical music, a song that always made them smile, or lyrics that perfectly capture their essence, music has a unique way of telling their story.
The Power of Music in Funerals
Music is one of the most powerful tools for expressing emotions when words alone are not enough. It has the ability to console, to heal, and to bring comfort to those grieving. In funeral services, music helps to set the tone, providing an atmosphere of reflection, remembrance, or even celebration of life. From the solemnity of a hymn to the warmth of a folk song or the joy of an uplifting melody, music plays a crucial role in shaping the experience of those in attendance.
Choosing the Right Music
There is no such thing as ‘inappropriate’ music for a funeral—what matters is that it reflects the person being honoured. Whether it’s a classical symphony, a rock anthem, or a cheerful pop song, if it was loved by the deceased, it is the right choice. Music is deeply personal, and its role in a service should be to celebrate a life in a way that feels authentic and meaningful.
Every person is unique, and so too should be the music played at their farewell. Some families prefer traditional hymns and classical compositions, while others opt for contemporary songs that have special meaning. Choosing the right music is a deeply personal decision and should reflect the character, beliefs, and preferences of the individual being honoured.
For those who followed a faith, religious hymns or sacred music can bring a deep sense of meaning and reassurance. Songs such as Amazing Grace, Abide with Me, or The Lord is My Shepherd are timeless choices that provide a sense of spiritual comfort. Classical compositions, such as Ave Maria or Canon in D, add a sense of elegance and solemnity.
For others, popular songs can be just as meaningful. Some people wish to leave their loved ones with a song that brings joy rather than sorrow, such as Always Look on the Bright Side of Life by Monty Python, or Somewhere Over the Rainbow in its gentle ukulele rendition. Meanwhile, heartfelt ballads like You Raise Me Up or Tears in Heaven can provide a deeply emotional and touching tribute.
Live Performances or Recorded Music?
One decision families often consider is whether to have live music or to play recorded songs. Each option has its own beauty. A live performance, whether by a professional musician or a friend or family member, adds a deeply personal touch. A singer performing an acoustic version of a special song, a pianist playing a gentle melody, or a bagpiper leading the procession can create an incredibly moving atmosphere.
Recorded music, however, allows families to select the exact version of a song that was loved by the deceased. It also ensures that the music is delivered exactly as expected without the need for live coordination. Sometimes, a combination of both live and recorded music can be the perfect way to enhance different moments within the ceremony.
How Music Shapes the Service
Music can be incorporated into different stages of the funeral service to mark key moments:
Before the Service: As guests arrive and take their seats, soft instrumental music or a playlist of the deceased’s favourite songs can create a welcoming and reflective atmosphere.
The Entrance: A chosen piece of music can accompany the coffin being brought in, whether it is a grand classical piece, a soft instrumental, or a song with deep meaning.
During Reflections: A moment of quiet reflection can be accompanied by a carefully chosen piece of music, allowing attendees to remember the person in their own way. Displaying a slideshow of cherished photographs can further enhance this moment, helping mourners to reflect on their loved one’s life journey through visual memories.
During Eulogies and Readings: Music can be interspersed between eulogies and readings to provide moments of pause and contemplation.
The Farewell: A final song as the coffin is taken from the venue or as people say their last goodbyes can be especially poignant. Whether it’s an emotional farewell piece or an uplifting tune that sends people out with hope, this song often leaves a lasting impact.
Creating a Lasting Tribute with Music
Music doesn’t only play a role in the service itself—it continues to serve as a lasting reminder of our loved ones. Many families create playlists that they return to on anniversaries, birthdays, or quiet moments of remembrance. Some choose to have a special song played every year in memory of the deceased, turning it into a ritual of connection and reflection.
For those who want to involve music in a more interactive way, encouraging attendees to share song suggestions can be a beautiful tribute. Guests might each write down a song that reminds them of the deceased, creating a collection of music that captures different aspects of their personality and shared experiences.
Personal Stories of Music in Memorial Services
Over the years, I’ve seen some truly special ways in which music has been used to honour a life. One particular service I conducted was for a gentleman who had been a devoted jazz musician. His family arranged for a live jazz band to play his favourite pieces throughout the service, and guests were encouraged to tap their feet and enjoy the music, just as he would have wanted.
Another touching tribute was for a woman who loved to sing in a choir. Her fellow choir members stood and sang a choral piece during the service, bringing both tears and smiles to those gathered.
Sometimes, the simplest of choices can be the most moving. I once worked with a family who played a recording of the deceased singing along to their favourite song. It was a raw, beautiful moment that brought them closer to their loved one in a way that nothing else could.
The Universal Language of Music
Music transcends language, culture, and time. It has a way of speaking directly to the heart, conveying emotions that are often difficult to express in words. Whether it is a piece that brings comfort, a song that lifts the spirits, or a melody that encapsulates a lifetime, the right music ensures that the farewell is as unique and special as the person being remembered.
As a funeral celebrant, I always encourage families to choose music that resonates deeply with them. The songs we select don’t just fill the silence—they become a tribute, a celebration, and a bridge to cherished memories. In those moments when words feel inadequate, music steps in, offering solace, connection, and a beautiful farewell to a life well lived.