When planning a funeral, one of the most meaningful choices you’ll make is the music. The right piece can bring comfort, spark memories, and create a fitting tribute to your loved one. Whether you’re looking for traditional hymns, peaceful classical music, or more modern songs, there is a wide range of options available.
At Pearson Funeral Service, families often ask us for recommendations. To help guide you, we’ve put together a list of the top 10 most popular pieces of music for funerals across three categories: contemporary songs, traditional hymns, and classical pieces.
Top 10 Contemporary Songs for Funerals
Contemporary funeral songs are often chosen for their heartfelt lyrics and emotional melodies. They can capture the personality of your loved one and offer comfort to those in attendance. Here are some of the most requested modern pieces:
- “My Way” – Frank Sinatra
A classic choice that celebrates individuality and a life lived on one’s own terms. - “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” – Eva Cassidy
A beautifully simple rendition that conveys peace and hope. - “Angels” – Robbie Williams
Comforting lyrics that speak of guidance and protection. - “Tears in Heaven” – Eric Clapton
Written in memory of Clapton’s own loss, this moving song resonates with many families. - “Supermarket Flowers” – Ed Sheeran
A tender tribute to a mother’s love, often chosen for its relatability. - “Time to Say Goodbye” – Andrea Bocelli & Sarah Brightman
A powerful and emotional piece, often chosen for its grandeur. - “Wind Beneath My Wings” – Bette Midler
A song of gratitude and remembrance, ideal for celebrating someone supportive. - “You Raise Me Up” – Josh Groban / Westlife
Inspiring lyrics that reflect love, strength, and faith. - “Unforgettable” – Nat King Cole
A timeless song, perfect for celebrating treasured memories. - “Jealous of the Angels” – Donna Taggart
A heartfelt song about loss and longing, often chosen for its comforting message that loved ones are at peace in heaven.
👉 These contemporary funeral songs are perfect if you’d like the service to feel more personal and reflective of everyday life.
Top 10 Hymns for Funerals
Hymns are a traditional and meaningful part of many funeral services. They bring comfort through familiar words and melodies, often rooted in faith and hope. If you’re looking for funeral hymns to include, these are among the most popular:
- The Lord’s My Shepherd (Crimond)
A comforting psalm set to music, reflecting God’s care and guidance. - Abide with Me
A reflective hymn often sung at the close of a funeral, symbolising peace and eternal rest. - How Great Thou Art
A hymn of praise and awe at the beauty of creation and God’s love. - Amazing Grace
One of the best-known hymns, speaking of forgiveness and hope. - Jerusalem
A stirring hymn often chosen to reflect strength, tradition, and national pride. - All Things Bright and Beautiful
Celebrating the beauty of the natural world, this hymn is uplifting and joyful. - Love Divine, All Loves Excelling
A hymn of love, grace, and everlasting peace. - Morning Has Broken
A gentle hymn celebrating new beginnings and the beauty of life. - Be Thou My Vision
A prayerful hymn, expressing faith and guidance. - I Vow to Thee, My Country
Often chosen to reflect service, dedication, and love of home.
👉 Hymns provide a strong sense of tradition and shared experience, making them particularly comforting during a service.
Top 10 Classical Pieces for Funerals
Classical funeral music is timeless and elegant, creating a peaceful and reflective atmosphere. These pieces are among the most requested:
- Canon in D – Pachelbel
A serene and uplifting piece, often chosen for its calm beauty. - Nimrod (Enigma Variations) – Elgar
Deeply moving, often used at state occasions and Remembrance services. - The Lark Ascending – Vaughan Williams
A soaring violin piece that conveys peace, freedom, and reflection. - Clair de Lune – Debussy
Soft and delicate, offering a sense of calm and tranquillity. - Ave Maria – Schubert
A beautiful prayer in music, often chosen for its spiritual resonance. - Air on the G String – Bach
Peaceful and reflective, perfect for quiet contemplation. - Pie Jesu – Fauré
A gentle prayer for rest and peace, from Fauré’s Requiem. - Adagio for Strings – Barber
Deeply emotional, often played at times of national mourning. - Largo (from Xerxes) – Handel
Graceful and dignified, offering a sense of serenity. - Gymnopédie No.1 – Satie
Calm and meditative, often chosen for its simplicity and stillness.
👉 Classical pieces work beautifully during moments of reflection, such as the entrance, committal, or closing of the service.
Choosing the Right Funeral Music
There is no “one-size-fits-all” when it comes to funeral music. The most important thing is that the music reflects the life, beliefs, and personality of your loved one. Whether you choose a contemporary song, a traditional hymn, or a piece of classical music, the right choice can bring comfort and help create a memorable farewell.
At Pearson Funeral Service, we are here to support you with every detail of the funeral arrangement, including guidance on music selection. If you would like to discuss funeral music ideas or any other aspect of planning, please contact us — we’re here to help.
