Silence can be deafening at a funeral and music fills the void at various points in the service. Funerals and music just go together and serves many purposes. The perfect musical selection will help people relax.
According to the article “Why Choosing Funeral Music is So Important”, by Linnea Crowther published on June 12, 2017, by www.legacy.com, “Music at funerals runs the gamut from hymns to classical music to traditional tunes to rock songs. Some funerals feature live musicians; others rely on recorded music. Some sing hymns together, while others are more comfortable listening to music. But in whatever form we experience music at funerals, we’re tapping into something primal, something that predates civilization itself, to soothe our sorrow.”
Music acts as a catalyst that lets us continue to feel and express our grief. Some songs, like “Going Home” by Mary Fahl, are particularly effective at encouraging mourning.
According to the 2022 article, “The 10 most played songs at funerals” (www.msn.com), the ranking was compiled by Co-op Funeralcare, the largest funeral home in the United Kingdom, which updates this list every year.
10. Always Look on the Bright Side of Life – Eric Idle
9. We’ll Meet Again – Vera Lynn
8. You Raise Me Up – Westlife
7. Unforgettable – Nat King Cole
6. Supermarket Flowers - Ed Sheeran (2018)
5. Angels – Robbie Williams
4. Wind Beneath My Wings – Bette Midler
3. Over The Rainbow – Eva Cassidy
2. Time To Say Goodbye – Andrea Bocelli and Sarah Brightman
1. My Way – Frank Sinatra
So, give them a listen and perhaps decide if music of any type is something you’d like to include at your own funeral.
I wish you a life well-lived and a death well-planned.