HYMNS and SONGS
Your guide to funeral hymns and funerals songs, and why singing then at a funeral can be so special.
Funeral Hymns
Hymns are usually sung at a church funeral, and often at a crematorium funeral service.
Singing hymns at a funeral gives everyone the chance to join in and participate, and many people find the lyrics quite comforting too.
Funeral hymns can be gentle, reflective or celebratory, but most are actually quite upbeat in their message of life beyond death.
Choosing hymns for a funeral can seem daunting, especially with so many to choose from, so here are three tips to help you choose:
Singing hymns at a funeral gives everyone the chance to join in and participate, and many people find the lyrics quite comforting too.
Funeral hymns can be gentle, reflective or celebratory, but most are actually quite upbeat in their message of life beyond death.
Choosing hymns for a funeral can seem daunting, especially with so many to choose from, so here are three tips to help you choose:
- Did your loved one leave a list of hymns they like? This doesn't often happen, but there might be some requests.
- What hymns do you and your family know and like? After all, you'll be the ones singing them on the day.
- What does your minister recommend? Hymns do go in and out of fashion, and some are much easier to sing than others. Also, certain churches like to include certain hymns, especially in a more formal church Mass or similar.
To browse our selection of funeral hymn lyrics and tunes, just click on images below:
Choosing Funeral Songs
A funeral song can be sung or played at religious funerals alongside traditional hymns, and at humanist or natural burials.
Usually, songs are sung by a soloist or played over the PA, and can be part of any funeral service at any point, from arrival to departure.
A funeral song is often played just before the committal, so everyone can sit and remember the deceased in a moment of calm.
With so much recorded music in our lives, hiring a professional singer to sing at a funeral adds a more personal touch to a song.
We have a rule of thumb at Singers for Funerals for families who can't decide between recorded and live singing which is:
Usually, songs are sung by a soloist or played over the PA, and can be part of any funeral service at any point, from arrival to departure.
A funeral song is often played just before the committal, so everyone can sit and remember the deceased in a moment of calm.
With so much recorded music in our lives, hiring a professional singer to sing at a funeral adds a more personal touch to a song.
We have a rule of thumb at Singers for Funerals for families who can't decide between recorded and live singing which is:
"If you love the song regardless of who sings it, have it sung live. If you love a particular singer singing a particular song, play the CD!"
To browse our selection of funeral songs lyrics and tunes, just click on these links:
Sacred songs often performed at funerals include the Schubert setting of 'Ave Maria', Victorian songs such as "The Old Rugged Cross" and modern praise songs such as "On Eagle's Wings".
Popular 'cross-over' songs include "Time to Say Goodbye" or "Over the Rainbow", or songs from musicals. Not every funeral song is suited to organ accompaniment, if you have a organist, so most funeral singers will bring backing tracks if required. Equally, not every funeral singer will be able to sing every style of song, especially if it's pop, so do check beforehand.
Popular 'cross-over' songs include "Time to Say Goodbye" or "Over the Rainbow", or songs from musicals. Not every funeral song is suited to organ accompaniment, if you have a organist, so most funeral singers will bring backing tracks if required. Equally, not every funeral singer will be able to sing every style of song, especially if it's pop, so do check beforehand.
Top 10 UK hymns
According to the 2013 poll from BBC "Songs of Praise" viewers, the UK's top 10 hymns are:
The hymns marked with a star can be sung at funerals, and there are plenty more on this website to explore. Do always check with your minister that they are OK with your funeral hymn choices.
- How Great Thou Art *
- In Christ Alone
- Be Still, For The Presence Of The Lord *
- Dear Lord And Father Of Mankind *
- Here I Am, Lord (I, The Lord Of Sea And Sky) *
- And Can It Be
- Abide With Me *
- Guide Me, O Thou Great Redeemer/Jehova *
- Make Me A Channel Of Your Peace *
- The Day Thou Gavest, Lord, Is Ended *
The hymns marked with a star can be sung at funerals, and there are plenty more on this website to explore. Do always check with your minister that they are OK with your funeral hymn choices.
Top 10 pop songs requested at funerals
According to a Cooperative Funeralcare study, the Top 10 pop songs requested at funerals in 2012 were as follows:
The songs marked with a star* can usually be sung by a funeral soloist.
- My Way
- Wind Beneath My Wings
- Time to Say Goodbye*
- Angels (Robbie Williams)
- Over the Rainbow*
- You Raise Me Up*
- My Heart Will Go On
- I Will Always Love You
- You'll Never Walk Alone*
- Unforgettable
The songs marked with a star* can usually be sung by a funeral soloist.
