Funeral Songs

Planning a funeral service is an important and demanding role are there are many decisions to be made on behalf of the deceased, including the choice of funeral songs.

In the last 10 years it has become much more acceptable to chose ''modern' songs to accompany the memorial service rather than traditional pieces of classical music or hymns. Many people feel that this type of song offers a more personal choice based on the persons favorite music and is thus more suited to celebrating the life of a loved one. This addition to the memorial ceremony often adds a humorous dimension helping to brighten the occasion. For some mischievous individuals it can be a chance to shock, with the use of  a very inappropriate choice, such a heavy metal song. Many of us already know the sound track that we wish to be played at our own funerals and are happy to discuss it. It is said the popular DJ and champion of new music on BBC radio John Peel requested  Teenage Kicks (undertones) for his funeral due to his life long love and admiration for the song. We have also seen live music performed by friends and relatives becoming more prevalent in churches and crematoriums in the UK and this also marks a change in attitudes to memorial services as celebrations apposed to somber ceremony's based on quiet reflection.

We included a sample of popular modern songs used frequently in funeral ceremonies;

Angels - Ronny Williams

Candle in the Wind - Elton John

Bohemian Rhapsody - Queen

Imagine - John Lennon

Eagles - Hotel California

REM - Everybody Hurts

Procol Harum -  Whiter Shade Of Pail

Led Zeppelin - Stairway to Heaven

Heart Will Go On - Celine Dion

P Diddy - Every Breath You Take

Nirvana - Smells Like Teen Spirt

Beatles - Hey Jude 

Wind Beneath My Wins - Bet Midler

Knocking on Heavens Door - Guns & Roses

Wonderwall - Oasis

Wonderful Tonight - Eric Clapton

Other artists featuring high on the list include; Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, Elvis, U2 and the Stone Roses.